kimmckinley.ca

Kim McKinley receives the Light The Way Award

Mrs. McKinley has been a giving and compassionate volunteer in the heart of our community for over 18 years. She has shared her considerable organizational skills and fundraising expertise to improve the lives of many of our citizens. I have personally known Mrs. McKinley for 10 years. During those years I have seen her give the gift of volunteerism to schools, charitable and community organizations. She has made a lasting impression on the organizations she has been involved with and has had great success in the areas of fundraising and program development. Mrs. McKinley has volunteered her time in the following ways:

• 1988–1990 Founded the first self-help support group for couples coping with infertility. WISH (Windsor Infertility Self Help)
• 1993-1994 Member of Glenwood School Parent Group
• 1994-2005 Member of Oakwood School Home & School Association
• 1997-2005 Member of Oakwood School Parent Advisory Council
• 1992-2006 Heart & Stroke Foundation- Heart Month Volunteer
• 2001-2006 Family Chair & School Program Chair for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk To Cure Diabetes
• 2003 – 2010 Member of Massey Secondary School Informed Massey Parent Advisory Council

Kim McKinley has provided key leadership for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the role of Walk To Cure Diabetes Family Chair & School Program Chair since 2001. In this role Mrs. McKinley leads the fundraising efforts of families in our community living with Juvenile (Type 1) diabetes and also of schools. Some of the highlights of Mrs. McKinley’s accomplishments with J.D.R.F are as follows:

• Developed and recruited the first Family Committee (10 members) to assist with organizing the Walk To Cure Diabetes
• Developed and implemented “Kid’s Sneaker Day” program. This initiative was introduced to Windsor and Essex County schools in 2003 by Mrs. McKinley and sanctioned by the School Board that same year.
• Mrs. McKinley’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2000. With Mrs. McKinley's support her son acted as our Junior Ambassador for the 2001 Walk To Cure Diabetes.
• Mrs. McKinley makes recommendations for the position of Walk Junior Ambassador each year.
• Mrs. McKinley has been instrumental in increasing revenue from families by over 100% since she became involved with J.D.R.F in 2001. Under Mrs. McKinley’s leadership, families have raised over $ 200,000 for the Walk To Cure Diabetes.
• Since 2001 Mrs. McKinley has organized J.D.R.F Family Night. In conjunction with the Pediatric Diabetes Clinic at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital Mrs. McKinley has been responsible for information sessions covering a broad range of topics such as diabetes research, new diabetes products and emotional issues for parents in our community with children with Type 1 Diabetes.
• J.D.R.F considers itself most fortunate to be the recipient of Mrs. McKinley’s gift of volunteerism. Her enthusiasm for our cause motivates those around her and has been an inspiration to other parents of children with Type 1 diabetes…she inspires them to experience the joys of volunteering their own time and to believe that their fundraising will help to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes

Mrs. McKinley was a key volunteer for Oakwood Public School for over 10 years. In 2005 Mrs. McKinley was recognized for her contributions to the school. She was nominated for and received a “Champions for Education Award” from the Greater Essex County District School Board. Some other highlights of Mrs. McKinley’s accomplishments with Oakwood School are as follows:

• President of Oakwood’s Home and School Association for six years, and was active for ten. Mrs. McKinley was a founding member of Oakwood’s School Council. She ran the school’s major fundraisers for six years, raising over $ 50,000. Funds were used for teaching resources, field trips, school improvements, sports and art.
• For three years, Mrs. McKinley developed and coordinated the “Cereal Box Challenge”. Under this program, Oakwood students were challenged to bring in boxes of cereal which were then donated to the breakfast programs at Benson, Brock and Marlborough schools. Mrs. McKinley helped to develop a sense of community responsibility in the students through this program. She also organized various fundraisers for the school such as Book Fairs and Pizza Days.
• As a farewell and thank you from Oakwood School, in June 2005 one full day was proclaimed “Kim McKinley Day”. This day was celebrated by staff and student in appreciation for the difference Mrs. McKinley made to the Oakwood School community. Mrs. McKinley has been a positive role model. Through her gift of giving, Mrs. McKinley has enriched the lives of the students and staff of Oakwood School.

Kim McKinley receiving the Light the Way Award from Nelson Santos