Easter Seals Ontario Welcomes Duncan Hawthorne as New Chair, Board of Directors

TORONTO, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Easter Seals Ontario is proud to announce that Duncan Hawthorne was elected as Chair, Board of Directors, at the Easter Seals' Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 29. Mr. Hawthorne will serve a two-year term and lead the Board in providing effective stewardship by setting the overall strategic direction of Easter Seals, providing executive management oversight, and overseeing the overall conduct of business.

"It is my honour to assume the role of Chair of the Board of Easter Seals Ontario. I look forward to taking this leadership role and ensuring that Easter Seals continues to fulfill its mission of helping children and youth with physical disabilities receive essential mobility and communication equipment, summer camp opportunities and alternate recreation programs," said Duncan Hawthorne.

Duncan Hawthorne is President & CEO of Bruce Power, Canada's only private nuclear power generator and soon to be the largest operating nuclear complex in the world. He began his career as a craft apprentice in the Scottish electricity industry and now has more than 30 years of experience in the power generation business; one of his greatest achievements to date is the acquisition of the Bruce nuclear facility and the formation of Bruce Power.

For the last 10 years, Mr. Hawthorne has been an extremely generous supporter of Easter Seals and since 2007, has helped raise more than $4 million for the organization through the Toronto's Tribute Dinner and Spirit of Giving Dinner, a signature fundraiser held in Port Elgin each year. In 2007, Duncan was honoured at Easter Seals' Toronto's Tribute Dinner, which recognizes exceptional individuals who are leaders in their respective industries and communities.  He also received the Spirit of Giving award in 2007.

In 2011, a generous donation from Duncan and Lesley Hawthorne was given to support Camp Woodeden, London, and in recognition, Easter Seals has named one of the camp buildings, "The Duncan and Lesley Hawthorne Cabin".

Easter Seals Ontario is now in its 90^th year of helping children and youth with physical disabilities.  Since 1922, Easter Seals Ontario has provided families of children with physical disabilities with financial assistance for expensive mobility equipment and communication devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, as well as fully accessible Easter Seals camps, and funding for alternative recreational programs. For more information or to donate, visit www.easterseals.org.

Contact:
Orsolya Soos
Easter Seals Ontario
[email protected]
416.421.8377 ext. 326