(Lion Marilyn Southall receiving the Harry A. Newman Diabetes Award on February 12, 2020 in honour of her commitment to the Canadian Diabetes Association. L to R: Ashlee Pallotta, Outreach Coordinator for Community Engagement, Diabetes Canada Ottawa Branch; Lion Marilyn Southall; and, Lion Don Zogalo, Past District Governor.)
Harry A. Newman was the first Canadian President of the Lions Club International. He was President from 1924-25. During his tenure, Helen Keller challenged the Lions Clubs and Lions to become Knights of the Blind. His son Tom Newman and family of Whitby, Ontario are pleased to have this award named after their father.
The Harry A. Newman Diabetes Award, an engraved glass icon presented in honour of Mr. Newman for those who have raised over $800.00 to the Diabetes cause, is given to a Canadian Lions Club, Lion, Lioness or Leo in good standing who has shown an outstanding commitment to the Lions and in collaboration with the work of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Lion Marilyn Southall received this honour at the February 12, 2020 meeting of the Stittsville Lions Club. She also received a lapel pin and a personalized letter from the Chair of the Board, Catherine Potechin, of Diabetes Canada.
(The Harry A. Newman Award given for an outstanding contribution to Diabetes)
Marilyn told Stittsville Central that she wants to, “thank the Stittsville District Lions Club for their support in bestowing on me the prestigious Harry A. Newman award. The work from the Lions members who assisted me with all aspects of these projects for Diabetes — which is one of our five global causes — I sincerely thank you!”.
Marilyn added, “It is indeed an honour to belong to such a worthy, hard working organization, whose sole purpose is helping others. I am looking forward to continue serving the Stittsville Club and as the Lions A4 Chair for Diabetes”.
Marilyn is a tireless Lions member who has shown her outstanding commitment to the many fundraising projects she has organized on behalf of the Stittsville Lions Club and Diabetes Canada. She can be found leading up the team at Stittsville’s local annual Case for a Cure — where she meets all of the donors with a wide smile as she collects their empty beer and wine bottles, cans and plastic containers. Last year’s two fundraisers were successful in collecting over $800.00 for Diabetes.
At last Fall’s, Diabetes Awareness Day held by the Stittsville Lions, again Marilyn, as the Chair of the coordination committee, showed her dedication to those living with Diabetes and prevention of the disease by bringing in experts — an Omnipod representative (Insulin Management System), a Registered Practical Nurse, a Registered nurse specializing in foot care, a Registered Dietician and a young girl who was diagnosed with Diabetes at a very young age and wanted to raise awareness so began her own business to do so — to share their knowledge at this community event. Marilyn is organizing another informative session for the Spring 2020.
Not only has Marilyn travelled to several other Lions Clubs to share her knowledge, suggestions and personal assistance in holding their own Diabetes fundraisers, she has attended the Diabetes Aces and Races Gala held at the Rideau Carleton Racetrack and the JDRF DIA_BEAT_IT Gala held at Dows Lake.
In her position as Diabetes Chair of the Lions District A4, Lion Marilyn is committed as the Ambassador for Diabetes and, in her sense of duty, to convey the importance of Diabetes awareness to the public.
A well-deserved Award indeed, congratulations Marilyn.
