Celebrating Community Care Heroes

This fall, people across southwestern Ontario will come together to pay tribute to the hardworking professionals, family members, friends and neighbours who make community care possible.

The South West Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) has introduced "Heroes in the Home," a special awards program that will take place in locations across the region.

The goal, says Executive Director Sandra Coleman, is to shine the spotlight on people who often don't receive the credit they deserve.

"We want to celebrate the generous spirit of people who support our clients," she says. "Most of the time community care happens in private homes and is almost invisible. Yet it often means that the clients faced with illness or disability can stay at home in their familiar surroundings."

The South West CCAC was created in January 2007, bringing together seven smaller CCACs. Some of them had their own awards programs. Now the new organization is expanding the concept, yet retaining the local flavour.

Professional care providers such as case managers, personal support workers and nurses, as well as family members, friends and neighbours are eligible for the awards. Anyone can nominate a deserving care-giver by completing a simple one-page nomination form (PDF*). The deadline for nominations is September 10, 2008.

Award ceremonies for 2008 will be held in Owen Sound on October 2, in Stratford on October 21, in Woodstock on October 30 and in London on November 13.

"Our organization is committed to providing the highest quality client-driven care," says Coleman. "Celebrating excellence is an important way to foster it."

For more information, please visit the South West CCAC online at http://www.ccac-ont.ca/ or contact:

Cate Patchett, Corporate Liaison
South West Community Care Access Centre
Phone: 519-641-5482
E-mail: cate.patchett@sw.ccac-ont.ca