We’re pleased to share the exciting news that The Man in the Red Suit author Bruce Templeton has been announced as one of two recipients of the Canadian Red Cross’ annual Humanitarian Award! The honour will be made at a special dinner which will take place at the Delta on November 14, 2013, with proceeds going to the Red Cross. Nominations for the award come from the public and recipients are selected based on volunteerism, advocacy and philanthropy as well as inspiring leadership in the pursuit of humanitarian goals.
Here is the official press release from the Canadian Red Cross:
CANADIAN RED CROSS ANNOUNCES 2013 HUMANITARIAN AWARDS FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
St. John’s (May 22, 2013) – The Canadian Red Cross today announced that Bruce Templeton of St. John’s will receive its 2013 Humanitarian Award for Newfoundland and Labrador. Ashley Gosse of Tilton will receive the Canadian Red Cross 2013 Young Humanitarian Award for the province.
“Bruce Templeton has given back to his community for decades” said Rhonda Kenney, provincial director of the Canadian Red Cross. “His dedication and commitment to better the lives of children around the world, single parents, seniors and any other group that needs help has left and will continue to leave an indelible mark for many years to come.”
Templeton is an investment advisor, Rotarian, past chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade and former regional manager for the Bowring retail chain. He also served as provincial commissioner and provincial president of Scouts Canada receiving their highest honour, the Bar to the Silver Acorn Award. In 2010, he became chair of the United Way’s Community Campaign, helping to raise over $800,000 for charities throughout the province. As founding chair of the Bowring Park Foundation, Templeton was instrumental in raising money to rebuild playgrounds, greenhouses, an amphitheatre and visiting exhibits from across the country.
Templeton is also well known as a close personal friend of Santa Claus, bringing joy to children as Santa’s assistant for over 30 years, often stating, “It’s your presence, not presents, that count.” Last year, he penned a Canadian bestseller, The Man in the Red Suit, which describes his most memorable adventures from over 1,000 visits to places like the Janeway Children’s Health & Rehabilitation Centre and the John Howard Society. Proceeds from the book were matched by supporting organizations, raising $90,000 for the Rotary International Polio Plus Fund to purchase 150,000 doses of vaccine for children in countries at risk.
“Ashley Gosse’s commitment to humanitarian values through her volunteer work is truly inspiring” said Kenney. Gosse has been instrumental in the growth of Sleep Out 120, a campaign that raises awareness on the issue of youth homelessness. Since her involvement began in 2011, over $30,000 has been raised and campaign locations have expanded to Corner Brook, Goose Bay and Memorial University with four more locations added this year. Gosse has also been a dedicated volunteer with many women’s organizations on campus, serving as the president of Social Work Class of 2013 and representative for several other student organizations at Memorial. “She is a leader with a passion for community and we are confident that she will continue to set an example for future generations” added Kenney.
Templeton and Gosse will be honoured on November 14, 2013 at the Humanitarian Awards dinner at the St. John’s Delta and Convention Centre, proceeds of which support Canadian Red Cross disaster relief and educational programs in the province.
Recipients of Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian and Young Humanitarian awards are selected among nominations received from the public. These awards highlight that, amid all other demands in people’s lives, there are those who make time for volunteerism, advocacy and philanthropy, and whose leadership inspires others to pursue humanitarian goals. To order tickets or receive information on the awards event, contact Anna Peddle at (709) 758-8403 or email anna.peddle@redcross.ca.
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Contacts:
Dan Bedell
Director of Communications – Atlantic
Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne 24-Hour Atlantic
Email: dan.bedell@redcross.ca
TWITTER: @Dan_Bedell
TWITTER: @CanRedCrossATL
Melanie MacDonald
Communications Coordinator – Atlantic
Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne 24-Hour Atlantic
Email: melanie.macdonald@redcross.ca
Bruce Templeton 