YMCA Fellowship of Honour Recipients
Rich Bailey, Companion
(Greater Toronto, ON)
Strategic and results-oriented, Rich Bailey's drive for
operational excellence created a culture of achievement and
contributed to his status as a prominent, forward thinking and
effective leader at all levels of the YMCA movement.
His reputation for improving whatever he's involved in can be
traced to his days as a Director of Camping and Youth at the YMCA
of Edmonton; and his habit of exceeding expectations has
characterized his many successive management and senior executive
positions.
Known for establishing a strong and relevant national system
focused on the needs of associations, Rich's tenure as CEO of YMCA
Canada resulted in improved planning structures and the integration
of Management Resource Centres to boost their effectiveness in
supporting associations regionally.
As the CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto for 12 years, Rich
provided direction during a period of rapid growth. He established
a broader vision of service, introduced numerous youth, newcomer
and prevention programs, spearheaded two successful capital
campaigns and built two new facilities in Brampton and Oshawa, in
addition to other expansion efforts.
Rich Bailey spearheaded the acquisition and refurbishment of
YMCA Camp Cedar Glen, a symbol of renewal as an outdoor education
and discovery centre. He provided direction for improvements to
YMCA Camp Pine Crest for the specific needs of young campers, and
he introduced innovative programs, such as the YMCA Playing to
Learn preschool curriculum that was rolled out across the
country.
On the international stage, his iconic contributions shaped
discussions at the North American Urban Group. His active and
influential role with the YMCA World Urban Network as a member of
the Executive Committee, Chair, and as the current CEO span two
decades.
His work as CEO has effectively re-energized the world
organization. His leadership led to greater stability and annual
conferences that cater to YMCA CEOs of urban centres globally and
offer enhanced educational and training opportunities.
Rich is considered a mentor by friends and colleagues and
is renowned for his tendency to improve whatever he's involved in.
His clear and purposeful leadership has left an enduring mark.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Rich Bailey a Companion
of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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Mollie Cartmell, Officer
(Peterborough, ON)
A confident, strategic leader who "dares to dream," Mollie
Cartmell made history as the first female President of the YMCA of
Peterborough.
Recruited to the Board of Directors in 1982, Mollie guided the
YMCA during difficult economic times. She restored financial
stability and introduced sound business practices following the
successful negotiation and transfer of YMCA Camp Kawartha into the
hands of a group of Rotarians who promised to carry on the legacy
of the camp.
Mollie fostered ongoing confidence in the Association as the
public face of the YMCA. She introduced standards of operational
excellence that continue today and led the organization in the
hiring of a new CEO.
In 1993 she embraced her volunteer role on the national scene as
an active four-year member of YMCA Canada's Board of Directors.
Known for bringing people together for a common purpose, Mollie
was instrumental in the development of a strategic plan for a new
YMCA facility and enhanced programming. She initiated and executed
a popular annual Half-Marathon fundraising event, which continues
to generate significant funds and launched a global effort to
secure tremendous financial support to build a new YMCA child care
centre, named Leilas Place as a tribute to her sister.
A published author, Mollie Cartmell's award winning account of
the YMCA of Peterborough captured the personal and historical
milestones of the organization's 125 year history.
She has been honoured as a YMCA Volunteer of the Year and has
helped to preserve the organization's legacy as both a volunteer
photographer and self-appointed archivist. Highly accomplished, and
always ready to serve, she has been a committed and inspirational
leader during her tenure as a local and national YMCA volunteer.
Her immense energy and unwavering dedication to community service
has permanently transformed the YMCA of Peterborough.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Mollie Cartmell an
Officer of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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Ralph Connor, Officer
(Hamilton, ON)
A man of significant achievement and genuine caring, Ralph
Connor helped shape the volunteer movement during his 75 years of
service with the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington.
Disciplined, organized and deeply committed, Ralph inspired a
generation of young teens, as a key founder of the Physo and the
immensely popular So-Ed Clubs. Today, senior executives draw
distinct parallels between the high energy So-Ed Club and the
present day social teen event called, "Throwing the Horns" offered
every Friday at the Association.
His vision to purchase a northern camp facility, resulted in
vital program offerings at today's YMCA Camp Wanakita. For over 50
years this Camp has provided rich and meaningful outdoor
experiences for children, youth and family.
As a YMCA member, Program Committee Chair and Board Chair, Ralph
Connor guided the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington through a major
expansion on an adjoining property and later oversaw all aspects of
building construction for a new facility, saving the Association
thousands of dollars, as the Chair of the Building Committee.
Having served the Association well into his '70s, Ralph is known
for his outstanding support of capital campaigns, the Heritage
Club, the Endowment Fund and yearly contributions to the Strong
Kids Campaign. His generosity is embedded into the fabric of the
Association especially with the recently established Ralph and
Eileen Connor Fund for Youth. This Fund enables disadvantaged
children and families to have access to YMCA programs and serves as
a "living legacy" of his ongoing commitment. His expertise and
ongoing counsel continue to be greatly valued at the
Association.
Full of vitality and a regular with the YMCA's early morning
workout crowd, Ralph is described as an inspiration to others and
has always made himself available to get things done for the
betterment of the community. He is a man of significant achievement
and genuine caring.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Ralph Connor an Officer
of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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William (Bill) Gallaway, Officer
(Niagara, ON)
The insightful vision, great energy and principled leadership of
Bill Gallaway set the stage for the remarkable resurgence of the
YMCA of Niagara and created the foundation for a vibrant, healthy
organization.
He pursued his true life's work as an outstanding community
volunteer after retiring, applying his extensive corporate
experience as a member of the YMCA Executive Committee and the
simultaneous roles of Board Chair and Capital Campaign Chair.
During his 10-year tenure, Bill led the organization through two
CEO selection processes and was fearless in spearheading the first
capital campaign in over 30 years in the face of insurmountable
odds. He successfully coordinated a $5 million community response
and secured the financial support of the Walker family.
Today after 14 years, the YMCA of Niagara's Walker Family branch
has regained financial stability, has doubled in size and is
considered a model facility. Bill's efforts to improve
relationships with other YMCAs in the region paved the way for
mergers and a stronger Association.
Bill's highly developed philanthropic skill resulted in the
creation of The Annual Support Campaign, which continues to
generate significant financial support and the YMCA of Niagara
Heritage Fund, which boasts 148 members and almost $3 million in
assets. At the national level, Bill injected new energy into the
YMCA Canada Heritage Club, dramatically increasing membership and
support. Consulting with numerous associations across the province,
Bill has widely shared his capital campaign expertise.
Internationally, Bill travelled to Trinidad and Tobago with a
team of YMCA staff and volunteers to share knowledge and support
the development of an annual giving campaign. Considered a
highlight of his career, Bill helped to ignite a culture of ongoing
philanthropy. Closer to home, the W.A. Gallaway Spirit of Giving
Award is a testament to his enduring and generous spirit.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint William Gallaway an
Officer of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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Gavin Hume, Officer
(Greater Vancouver, BC)
Known for his great personal integrity, legal prowess and
ability to attract talent to the ranks of the YMCA of Greater
Vancouver, Gavin Hume's significant contributions span 40
years.
He navigated the YMCA during a difficult transition,
successfully integrating old and new during his Board tenure. He is
known for restoring the Association's financial effectiveness,
while introducing a new level of business professionalism.
During his 36-year tenure as Executive Committee Member,
President of the Association, and today as Board member, he worked
diligently to revitalize the Association by initiating new
corporate structures and was instrumental in building a new YMCA in
downtown Vancouver.
As one of seven founding members, he established the Vancouver
YMCA Properties Foundation to secure the physical assets for the
benefit of future generations.
For over 25 years Gavin Hume has provided exceptional legal
counsel as "honourary solicitor" and is highly valued for his
ongoing assistance with complex governance and human resource
issues across the Management Resource Centre and the YMCA of
Greater Vancouver.
This "statesman" currently serves as Past Chair and member of
the Board of Directors and the Endowment Fund. His steadfast
leadership paved the way for new initiatives and he has been a key
Cabinet member of two capital campaigns, helping the Association
raise $21 million over the past 10 years.
Together with his wife Trish, Gavin is contributing to the
revitalization of YMCA Camp Elphinstone, with his commitment to
build the Mark Hume Waterfront Memorial as a tribute to their son
and to help foster the development of a new generation of YMCA
leadership.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Gavin Hume an Officer of
the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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to view video
Lorne Larson, Officer
(Calgary, AB)
A powerful and positive force for change, Lorne Larson has left
an indelible mark on YMCA Calgary by building, modernizing and
helping to sustain the organization. A YMCA member for six decades,
Lorne began his volunteer legacy teaching Calgary Herald paperboys
to swim.
His contribution as a member and Chair of the YMCA Calgary Board
is peppered with achievement. Considered an innovator and change
agent who was ahead of his time, his leadership as Board Chair
during a major governance and organizational review paved the way
for a complete reorganization of the Board Management Structure.
This resulted in streamlined operations and a modern organization
better suited to meet the needs of the community.
Lorne provided instrumental leadership and support to four major
capital campaigns that led to the enlargement and renovation of the
Calgary YMCA and the building of the Eau Claire and Crowfoot
centres. For his many contributions, Lorne has been honoured a
Member of the Year by the Association.
As a founding member, endowment donor, and campaign volunteer of
the Heritage Club, Lorne has helped to safeguard YMCA Calgary's
future. He has both sponsored and hosted the Heritage Club's annual
Recognition Dinner for the past 13 years and his ongoing support of
the Strong Kids Campaign has rendered him a champion of youth.
On the national stage, he served with distinction as a four-year
member of YMCA Canada's Board of Directors and National Executive.
More recently, he has returned to YMCA Calgary as a member of the
Board of Governors where he continues to make an impact on the
organization.
In both his community and business pursuits, Lorne is known for
gaining the confidence and respect of everyone he works with. He is
highly regarded throughout the energy industry following an
esteemed career and has a 30-year history of involvement with the
Boy Scouts, Rotary Club and United Way.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Lorne Larson an Officer
of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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here to view video
Don McCuaig, Companion
(Kingston, ON)
Don McCuaig's vital participation in the delivery of physical
education, recreation and fitness programming has left a lasting
and powerful impact on the YMCA movement.
Marked by significant achievement Don's 30-year career with the
YMCA began in Associations in Vancouver and Winnipeg, where he
inspired a generation of athletes and leaders as a revered coach
and trainer.
As the first Metropolitan Physical Director in the country, Don
was invited to help lead "Shape Up" the first major national
gathering of YMCA fitness instructors. He played a key role in
creating technical committees that renewed program initiatives
across the country and set the foundation for current successful
programming.
A unifying force on the aquatics scene, Don spearheaded the
development of common training, joint credentials and a new awards
system with the Canadian Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society. He
was further successful in standardizing scuba diving credentials,
renewing national gymnastics standards and incorporating
residential camping under the umbrella of physical education.
His broad influence with sport governing bodies led to the
introduction of new programs such as the Youth Basketball
Association through the YMCA. As an accomplished author, Don
generated a staggering amount of resource materials, such as
operating manuals and written guides that closely aligned with new
standards in physical education and training and were eagerly
adopted by coaches, instructors and supervisors at associations
across the country. He significantly improved the availability and
quality of national resource materials over a 20-year period, and
concluded his YMCA career, as the Director of Communications,
linking staff and volunteers through publications.
In recognition of his tremendous impact, the Donald S. McCuaig
Leadership Trust was established to enable volunteers and staff who
work directly with youth groups in physical education to improve
their leadership abilities and understand the values that are the
foundation of YMCA programming.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Don McCuaig a Companion
of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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to view video
Gordon Saunders, Officer
(Sault Ste. Marie, ON)
Gordon Saunders transformed organizations and lives during his
luminous 40-year YMCA career as a champion of youth, community icon
and positive force for change.
His early work with street gangs and learn-to-swim programs for
Aboriginal youth from remote areas, along with his work at the
YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, were a precursor to his accomplishments as
CEO of the YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie. Here, he embedded the
organization into the very fabric of the community. His effective
leadership guided the Association through significant growth and
program expansion.
During the 1970s he provided a "safe harbour" for hitchhiking
youth by opening a hostel and offering nightly bus transportation.
Working in partnership with the Rotary Club he formed the The
Rotary YMCA Tennis and Aquatic Club, creating a unique waterfront
experience that continues today as a key community resource.
As chair of a citizen's committee he tackled the emerging social
issues of high school students and played a key role in the
development and expansion of youth employment and training
programs. He established a Day Camp program at YMCA Camp Pauwating
and supported the creation of a youth drop-in centre.
Gord's vision led to significant facility expansion, which
included the addition of two new Health Clubs, a day care centre,
gymnastics centre and racquetball and squash amenities. YMCA
membership grew dramatically, volunteer numbers swelled and a
culture of family service evolved under his direction.
Gord resolved issues and inspired tremendous respect and
popularity by "walking around" and directly engaging members and
staff during his 23 years as CEO. As a tribute to his outstanding
community service, The Gordon Saunders' House, a community home for
troubled youth and the YMCA gymnasium both bear his name.
YMCA Canada is most pleased to appoint Gordon Saunders an
Officer of the YMCA Fellowship of Honour.
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