Each year at our annual Valentines Dinner Dance, Thalassemia Foundation of Canada takes the opportunity to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution.

The awards are based on the following criteria:

Appreciation Award Outstanding support and contributions to the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada. Always being ready to lend a hand.
Chris Bennedsen President’s Award Continued dedication and service in promoting the work of the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada.
Gino Fortunato Hope Award Showing tremendous strength, courage and determination in the fight against thalassemia.
Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award Outstanding leadership, devotion, providing comfort, hope and friendship to thalassemia patients and their families.
Heart Award Displaying continued generosity and financial support.
Hour Glass Award Demonstrating comfort, caring, dedication and compassion towards thalassemia

To nominate an individual or organization, please send a detailed email explaining 1) why you feel this person/organization deserves and award AND 2) the name of the award that you are nominating the person/organization for to: info@thalassemia.ca

Previous award recipients:

2011
Silvia Livia, Appreciation Award
Manuela Merelles-Pulcini, Hour Glass Award

2010
Angela Covato, Appreciation Award
Riyad Elbard, Chris Bennedsen President’s Award

2009
Mike Livia, Appreciation Award
Dr Jacob Pendergrast, Hour Glass Award

2008
Angela Costa, Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award
Robert Marra, Gino Fortunato Hope Award

2007
Michael Ciccolini, Appreciation Award
Durhane Wong-Rieger, Chris Bennedsen President’s Award
Corrado Falcitelli, Gino Fortunato Hope Award

2006
Frank Storino, Appreciation Award
Anna Maiorano, Hour Glass Award
Lina Pedota, Hour Glass Award

2005
Christina Marra, Appreciation Award
Angelo Viola, Heart Award
Julie Vizza, Gino Fortunato Hope Award

2004
Tony Tsao, Appreciation Award
Anita Aimola, Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award
Sam Ciccolini, Heart Award

2003
Sandy Sinaguglia, Appreciation Award
Angela Polsinelli, Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award
Signature Bindery, Chris Bennedsen President’s Award

2002
Tony Genova, Appreciation Award
Kathy Netten, Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award
Order of The Sons of Italy, Heart Award
Dr David Chui, Hour Glass Award
Connie Bennedsen, Chris Bennedsen President’s Award
Howard Leung, Gino Fortunato Hope Award

2001
Chris Bennedsen, Appreciation Award
Giuseppe Decicco, Heart Award
Riyad Elbard, President’s Award (renamed the Chris Bennedsen President’s Award in 2002)

2000
Alfonso Sinaguglia, Appreciation Award
Corrado Falcitelli, Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award
Roma Fence, Heart Award
Josie Sirna, President’s Award

1999
Tony Marra, Appreciation Award
Masters Insurance, Heart Award
Josie Cumbo, President’s Award
Mike Livia, Gino Fortunato Hope Award

1998
Tony Marra, Appreciation Award
Naushy Mullani, Alex Georgakoupolos Memorial Award
Santaguida (Valencia), Heart Award
Dr Melanie Kirby, Hour Glass Award
John Maiorano, President’s Award
Nino Lamanna, Gino Fortunato Hope Award