Robina Goodwin, Judy Martin, and Kevin Tierney honoured for outstanding contributions to English-speaking Quebec

MONTREAL, Sept. 3, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) is pleased to bestow its fifth annual Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Awards on three individuals with a record of outstanding leadership that has made a positive difference to the lives of English-speaking Quebecers

The winners of the 2013 Goldbloom Awards are Robina Goodwin, a retired home visit nurse and founder of the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders; Judy Martin, President of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres and a governor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada; as well as Kevin Tierney, filmmaker and producer of the bilingual hit movie Bon Cop, Bad Cop.

"As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of this unique provincial award that celebrates the contributions of English-speaking Quebecers, the QCGN is delighted to welcome this trio of outstanding individuals into our winners' circle," commented QCGN Board Member and Jury chair Irene Tschernomor. "These individuals truly represent the values of community leadership for which this award was created."

Robina Goodwin has been a pillar of her community since she arrived as a Red Cross nurse in 1960. Kind and compassionate, "Robbie" was available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to dispense everything from health care to advice. The founding president of the Council for Anglophone Magdalen Islanders, one of her greatest legacies was reaching out to Francophones allowing the two communities to work together in peace and harmony.

As a mother, a volunteer, a Board member and an Executive Director, Judy Martin has dedicated countless volunteer and professional hours to improving the lives of troubled English-speaking youth and all children with Muscular Dystrophy. With the motto: "failure is not an option", Martin works tirelessly to raise money and educate the public in support of children with special needs.

Kevin Tierney has served the community with distinction as a filmmaker, leader, mentor and pioneer, notes Guy Rodgers of the English-Language Arts Network. Through his work as a filmmaker, most notably the bilingual blockbuster Bon Cop, Bad Cop that he co-wrote and produced, Tierney has contributed immeasurably to breaking down stereotypes and fostering a better understanding between Anglophones and Francophones.

The Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award, which honours individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and reputation of the English-speaking community and who have built bridges of understanding between Quebecers of different backgrounds, was created by the Quebec Community Groups Network in 2009. This year's winners were selected by an eminent jury of past judges and past winners including; Joan Ivory, John Parisella, Gemma Raeburn-Baynes, Aline Visser, and Father John Walsh.

The awards will be presented during a community recognition evening that will hosted by Richard Dagenais and Camille Ross, co-hosts of Global Montreal's Morning News, at Montreal's St. James Club on Thursday, October 17.  The celebration will include a tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Goldbloom as well as a performance by the comedic duo Bowser and Blue. Ticket information can be found on the QCGN website at www.qcgn.ca

The Quebec Community Groups Network is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 41 English-language community organizations across Quebec. Its mission is to identify, explore and address strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of English-speaking Quebec and to encourage dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

SOURCE: Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)

Rita Legault, Director of Communications and Public Relations,
[email protected]
Telephone:  [phone], ext. 223, cellular:  514-912-6555