Pratt receives National Transformation Leadership Impact Award
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The 2017 National Transformational Leadership Impact Award was awarded to Tillsonburg's Bill Pratt last Monday night at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital.
Leadership Impact Awards are offered annually by the Canadian Cancer Society to those who have made significant contributions as leaders in the fight against cancer.
The Transformational Leadership Impact Award recognizes an individual or a group that has played a part at the provincial or national level in transformational change within the Canadian Cancer Society through their exceptional contributions and selfless volunteer leadership. One Transformational Leadership Award may be granted annually across the country.
A successful nominee:
* Acts as a catalyst for innovation in the organization and change in individuals.
* Withstands adversity in times of change.
* Achieves greatness through steering or navigating through challenges.
* Is solution-oriented and strives for excellence.
* Engages and motivates others towards a common vision or action.
* Embodies the values of the Society: is caring, has courage, shows integrity and is progressive.
* Leaves a legacy that serves as a foundation for future growth and development within the Society.
Pratt has been a volunteer and advocate for the Canadian Cancer Society for the past 57 years. He has seen a lot of change during that time, and has supported the CCS in all endeavours. He has made it his mission to get all the facts, understand them, and then communicate them to the public. As a retired newspaper editor, he does this extremely well being factual and accurate.
Pratt has been involved with the Great Ride ‘n’ Stride event in Tillsonburg since its inception in 1970 - now about to host its 49th annual event. Since that time, the event has raised $538,580 and he is currently a mentor for a “younger” Tillsonburg Branch committee. He believes in stewarding the next generation (or two!) to ensure sustainability in all efforts.
Pratt leads by example, getting out and doing the ground work himself and inspires others to do the same. He speaks out about a cause he is passionate about - raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. He demonstrates to all the importance of raising funds for the CCS by his own fundraising efforts. It is through this leadership that he has been able to accomplish so much and has influenced others to do the same.
In addition to numerous articles about the Canadian Cancer Society and its work, last spring Pratt shared his own cancer story on TV and in print media. This has given others an example of how someone can overcome their losses to do something extremely positive for all. He has been a role model of how volunteering can make change and create a better world.
"Bill is exceptionally worthy of this award," said Janis Cunningham, senior manager, Oxford and Huron-Perth Community Offices, Canadian Cancer Society. "He demonstrates the core values of the Canadian Cancer Society every day in the work that he does. His caring empathetic demeanor, integrity, acceptance of progressive change, and his courage is to be commended. Bill, congratulations on receiving the Canadian Cancer Society 2017 National Transformational Leadership Impact Award."