Honouring Community Champions at Annual General Meeting
Our Foundation proudly recognized several outstanding individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups during our Annual General Meeting, held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on April 21, 2026.
Awards celebrated the compassion, generosity, and volunteer spirit that continues to strengthen health care in Cape Breton, and included the Jack Yazer Caring Spirit Award, the Mabel MacDougall Volunteer Award, and the Foundation’s annual Service Awards.
Jack Yazer Caring Spirit Award – RE/MAX Park Place Inc.
The Jack Yazer Caring Spirit Award is presented annually in memory of Dr. Jack Yazer, a driving force behind the creation of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. The award recognizes a community group, business, or individual who has made a significant impact on health care in Cape Breton.
This year’s recipient, RE/MAX Park Place, has been supporting the Foundation since 2007, helping Cape Bretoners travelling to the IWK Health Centre for specialized care.
In addition to their work as realtors, the team has continuously hosted annual fundraisers and generously donated a portion of sales to support patients and families facing the more than five-hour journey for medical treatment.
Over the past two decades, their efforts have raised more than $189,000, helping cover the cost of gas, accommodations, meals, and other travel-related expenses for thousands of Cape Breton families.
The award was accepted by owner Valerie Sampson and members of the RE/MAX Park Place team.
Mabel MacDougall Volunteer Award – Gerry and Francis Gillis
The Mabel MacDougall Volunteer Award was created to honour Mabel MacDougall, a founding member of the Foundation’s Ladies Auxiliary. The award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate exceptional dedication and passion in supporting the Foundation and uplifting their community.
This year’s recipients, Gerry and Francis Gillis, have volunteered with the Foundation for more than a decade.
Whether supporting Radio Day, golf tournaments, hockey tournaments, stuffing mail in the office, assembling baby bags, or helping prepare care packages for patients, the couple has consistently stepped forward whenever help was needed — always with a smile.
We are grateful for the hundreds of volunteer hours and unwavering friendship the pair has provided over the years.
Service Awards
The Foundation’s Service Award recognizes volunteer community groups and organizations that have fundraised for 10 or more years in support of health care in Cape Breton.
This year, five groups were honoured for their remarkable dedication.
Breton Brewing Co.
Breton Brewing Co. was recognized for a decade of support through initiatives including monthly trivia nights, event sponsorships, Burger Month participation, product donations, and community campaigns.
Most recently, the brewery’s “Good News” campaign donated $10,000 to the Foundation.
Over the past 10 years, Breton Brewing Co. has contributed more than $44,000 to health care in Cape Breton. The award was accepted by owners Andrew Morrow and Bryan MacDonald and members of their team.
Bras d’Or Elementary
Bras d’Or Elementary received a Service Award for its continued commitment to supporting local health care initiatives.
Led by dedicated staff and students, the school has hosted annual walks and fundraising initiatives that have raised more than $40,000 over the past decade for the Foundation and the Tom McNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund, which supports up to 100 cancer patients each month.
Principal Sheila Kublek, Vice Principal Trevor Mossman, and students accepted the award on behalf of the school community.
Island Breast Friends
Island Breast Friends was honoured for more than 10 years of fundraising and patient support inspired by members’ shared experiences with breast cancer.
Through cookbook sales, raffle draws, and thoughtful comfort baskets personally delivered to patients, the group has raised more than $112,000 for the Tom McNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.
This group is also recognized for the compassion and encouragement they continue to provide to fellow Cape Bretoners navigating cancer diagnoses.
Members accepting the award included Patsy MacDonald, Heather McNeil, Wanda MacDonnell, Valerie Carrigan, and Agnes Martell.
Gail Bonar Finney and Kevin Carey Memorial Dart Shoot
The Gail Bonar Finney and Kevin Carey Memorial Dart Shoot was recognized for more than a decade of fundraising in memory of loved ones.
What began as a small dart tournament has grown into a major community fundraiser featuring silent auctions, raffle draws, 50/50s, and strong community support — including many winners donating their winnings back to the cause.
To date, the event has raised more than $100,000 for the Tom McNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.
Organizers Austin Chapman and Joey Bonar accepted the award.
Kathleen Lewis Memorial Golf Tournament
The Kathleen Lewis Memorial Golf Tournament was also recognized for more than 10 years of fundraising in loving memory of Kathleen Lewis.
Hosted annually at Alderdale Greens, the themed tournament has become known for its creativity, community spirit, and enthusiastic participants.
Through sponsorships, registrations, and fundraising activities, the tournament has raised more than $56,000 for the Tom McNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.
Family members Eric Lewis, Arielle Lewis, and Lindsay Lewis accepted the award.
On behalf of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation Board and Staff, thank you to all award recipients for your generosity, dedication, and compassion!