CSS honours Buddles for lives of service

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

In recognition of their outstanding service to the community, Catholic Social Services awarded the Buddles its Msgr. Bill Irwin Award of Excellence.

Father Mike McCaffery and CSS chief executive officer Christopher Leung presented the award at the agency's annual meeting June 10 at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald. More than 300 people attended the event.

"I'm very honoured and humbled about this award because Father Bill was my hero," said Judy, a Catholic school trustee and former chair of the board.

"Judy and I aren't sure we are up to the high standard of an award of excellence but the award is a reminder of the exemplary life that Msgr. Bill lived," Harry said in a brief acceptance speech. "Bill was a quiet and gentle man with a solid faith (who) thought we should do God's practical work on earth, not just seek him in prayers."

CSS created the award in 1997 to recognize Irwin's extraordinary ministry in meeting the needs of the poor and disadvantaged in the local, national and international communities.

It is granted to an organization or outstanding individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the well being of the community or who has demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in the human services' field. Retired Senator Douglas Roche received the award last year and McCaffery the previous year.

The Buddles, who have been married for 41 years and raised nine children, were honoured for their outstanding commitment to family life and their exceptional community service.

"I guess being married for 41 years in this day and age is quite an accomplishment," quipped Judy following the award presentation.

Harry is president and CEO of Capital City Savings, recently chosen as one of Canada's 50 best-managed companies with 700 employees. "He is a dynamic, visionary business leader and highly respected for his tireless commitment to community service," McCaffery said in his presentation.

"They are great role-models," Leung said in an interview. "They walk the talk, just like Father Irwin."

Harry has received several local and provincial awards for his business acumen, including his induction into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame and being named a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.

Over the years he has contributed his time, talent and treasure to many charitable organizations including CSS, the Edmonton Christmas Bureau, the Salvation Army, Lurana Women's Shelter, Newman Theological College, the United Way and the Edmonton Rotary Club.

For many years Capital City Savings has been the highest corporate donor to CSS's Sign of Hope Campaign. Last year it contributed $500,000 to several causes.

"Harry sets the gold standard for executive business ethics and social responsibility," McCaffery said. "He walks the talk with integrity, compassion and humility."

Like Harry, "Judy is an intelligent, kind and generous woman who is tireless in her commitment to her family and the community," the priest said.

A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Judy spends much of her time serving as a school trustee.

A recipient of the YMCA Woman of Vision award, Judy has had volunteer leadership positions with her parish council at St. Thomas More Parish, amateur athletic organizations, Girl Guides & Brownies, Parent Teacher Associations, the Lurana Shelter and the Friars.

The agency also honoured five others with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for service with various CSS programs.

They are Lee Arial, immigration and settlement service; Norbert Berry, property management service; Lorraine Brooks, family service; the Millwoods Ward Youth Group of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, rehabilitation service; and Chantal Ronaasen, children and youth service.

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter