The Changemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement celebrates the collective contributions of an individual Changemaker toward championing equity, empowering ability, and supporting people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide.
This special award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated meritorious service and long-term commitment to MODC and its purpose, vision, and mission, making high-impact contributions to service delivery, advocacy and/or volunteer leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
- Canadian resident, 18+
- 15+ years of service/involvement with MODC
- Demonstrated, exceptional long-term impact in service delivery, advocacy and/or volunteer leadership
Changemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement Past Winners
Congratulations to the Changemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement winners. All the winners were celebrated at MODC’s annual signature gala, The Changemakers Supper Club, held in Toronto.
2024 Lifetime Achievement Changemaker of the Year
Cam Whale
Cam began his journey with March of Dimes Canada helping set up an independent living complex in Oakville, Ont. He later joined MODC’s board of directors, serving on various committees, and was chair of MODC’s Non-Profit Housing Corporation on two separate occasions. He’s currently chair of the Stroke Recovery Association of BC.
Cam was instrumental in setting up MODC’s first brain injury supportive housing project in Sudbury, Ont., including working with developers on sit selection and property evaluation. His work on this project was a huge part of its success and contributed significantly toward creating affordable housing for people with disabilities.
It’s well known that Cam is always available to help out on things big and small. His stewardship and oversight over the past three decades have made an enormous difference in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and friends.
Cam is also a team player who knows the value of cooperation but isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo – whether it’s working to improve MODC service standards or pushing for the best possible outcome no matter how difficult the task.
In January 2020, Cam retired from a rewarding 40-year career with the Royal Bank of Canada. His work was focused on operational aspects of Canadian banking with an emphasis on national planning and integrating changing banking behaviours to secure the best possible branch locations for customers across Canada.
2023 Changemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement Winner – Dan Purcell
A stroke survivor,
Dan Purcell has volunteered with March of Dimes Canada in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for 23 years, working tirelessly to provide support to stroke survivors as a hospital peer visitor and as a founding member and chair of his local MODC stroke recovery chapter. Through his efforts, he has fostered a strong sense of community among local stroke survivors, built capacity and championed public funding for improved supports. Known for his positive energy and ‘above and beyond’ approach, Dan’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of stroke survivors merits this special recognition.
2022 Changemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement Winner – Elizabeth Lounsbury
Elizabeth Lounsbury first connected with March of Dimes Canada in 1983. As a polio survivor living with post-polio syndrome, she has advocated passionately for people with disabilities. Her wide-ranging work with MODC — from our Board of Directors and Government Relations team to Employment Services, Recreation, and fundraising — as well as her 11 years as Chair of Sudbury Post-Polio Chapter, have created meaningful change across Canada. Elizabeth’s leadership, dedication, and commitment is truly remarkable.
