As a wrap-up to National Volunteer Week, Ernst & Young announced that 10 employees across Canada who have shown an exemplary commitment to their communities will receive a $2,000 donation made on their behalf to a charity of their choice.

Those recognized will also be honoured through an exclusive lunch hosted by Lou Pagnutti, Canadian chairman and CEO.

The Ernst & Young Community Excellence Awards were developed this year to recognize the contributions of Ernst & Young employees to their communities.

“Across Canada, our people generously contribute their time, knowledge and expertise to make a real and tangible difference in their communities,” said Dan Cornacchia, Ernst & Young partner and Canadian Community Engagement champion.

“Our firm is very proud of the exceptional contributions our people have made through volunteering.”

This year’s winners are:

  • Atlantic Canada – Denise Coombs is extremely active as a volunteer with the Arthritis Society.
  • Calgary – Kortney Reed is an active volunteer with the Calgary Drop- In Centre, which aims to improve the lives of the homeless in Calgary.
  • Edmonton – Yvonne Derksema works with numerous organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan’s Purse, the Centre for Family Literacy, Junior Achievement and the Canadian Cancer Society.
  • Greater Toronto Area – Carmen Wong helped with a playground build in Toronto and volunteers with Youth Without Shelter; she also leads the Toronto Ernst & Young University-Tax Charity Challenge Team in Toronto and is an Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario volunteer tax clinic coordinator.
  • Ottawa – David Roe and Erik Kulakowsky founded the “Volunteer Action Team” in Ottawa two years ago and work to find volunteers for activities in the community; they have organized food drives and served meals to the homeless.
  • Quebec – Todd Caluori plays an integral part in the annual Hockey for the Homeless tournament and is a key fundraiser.
  • Southwestern Ontario – Patricia Widmeyer volunteers extensively with Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer.
  • Vancouver – Rahim Meghji is involved with the Youth Parliament of British Columbia Alumni Society as treasurer and actively fundraises for the group.
  • Winnipeg – Tanya Highfield is a board member with Cancer Care Manitoba and is active in the planning of Relay for Life.