THUNDER BAY – David Shannon says that he, like the Canadian Red Cross, recognizes the importance of raising up vulnerable populations.
That's why he was particularly humbled and excited to be recognized as the newest Thunder Bay recipient of the organization's Power of Humanity Award, which the Red Cross said was bestowed in recognition of his advocacy and leadership championing persons with a disability.
“The work they do is about meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and literally around the world, not only the most vulnerable but also in the worst situations and worst catastrophes” Shannon said on Friday at the Thunder Bay branch of Red Cross after he was unveiled as the recipient.
“To be recognized by this organization is quite literally overwhelming.”
In 2009 Shannon became the first quadriplegic to reach the North Pole and in 1997 embarked on a 9,000 kilometre cross-Canada wheelchair tour. He was invested as a member of both the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario in 2011.
Shannon, the former executive director of HAGI Community Services for Independence, said he has dedicated his legal career to promoting the independence of persons with a disability and being a voice to keep those vulnerable from falling through the cracks and being silenced.
“When you see new opportunities through technology, housing through transportation, it’s a whole new world opening up to persons with a disability,” Shannon said.
“To be part of that work that sees a new future on the horizon for persons with a disability is very exciting for me.”
Shannon was also the founding chair of the Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario and was a member of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Robert Kilgour, the community development manager for the Red Cross in Northwestern Ontario, said Shannon is a worthy choice.
“He exemplifies all of those qualities of seeking to help the vulnerable, improving their lives, speaking out as an advocate and presenting the needs to the public so changes can take place,” Kilgour said.
Past recipients of the award include Camp Quality executive director Clara Butikofer, Our Kids Count executive director Gladys Beringer and Medical Equipment Modernization Organization founder Dr. Jerome Harvey.
“These difference makers set the bar and challenge us to be better than we are,” Kilgour said. “I think that’s one of the things we’ve always striven as we’ve chosen recipients of this award is who will reach out to their community and set the bar higher.”
The award will be formally presented at a reception on May 3 at the Victoria Inn. Tickets are available through the Thunder Bay branch of the Canadian Red Cross for $30.
