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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, February 13, 2015 | 8 Jackson delights in giving back `in time, talent and treasure' continued from p.5 its shine and was forgotten" until Johnston became the Governor General, she said. "One of his mottoes is, `In order to have a smart and caring nation, we need smart and caring communities.' He wanted to bring this award back," said Jackson. The Oakville woman has donated her time to numerous charitable organizations, including the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF), Oakville Hospital Foundation (OHF), YMCA of Oakville, Wellspring Cancer Support Network and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), among others. Jackson and her husband, Terry, started volunteering in 1978 when their daughter was diagnosed with diabetes at age five. They immediately joined the JDRF and the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) to do "what we could to raise awareness and funds to make her future happier and better," Jackson said. In 2000, the Oakville woman began volunteering with OCF and established the Jackson Family Fund with Terry. At the time, it was the second largest gift the Foundation had received since inception. Jackson recently joined the group's task force for its Vital Grants Fund, which is part of the Governor General's Smart and Caring Communities initiative. She also serves on the Grants Committee and helps with OCF's annual Marathon of Golf fundraising event. "The granting committee gives me almost a first-hand look at what the needs are in the community. The needs are huge. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that we can give back in time, talent and treasure," said Jackson. OCF CEO Rusty Baillie said community engagement and a champion of important causes are "just two things that come to mind when thinking of Bonnie Jackson." "She is a friend and a member of the Oakville Community Foundation's family of fundholders, but most importantly, she's an extraordinary caring, encouraging and loving woman, who cares passionately about her community," said Baillie. Jackson became a YMCA of Oakville volunteer in 2006, putting together a special event to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary in the community. It raised nearly $170,000 for the construction of a new health and fitness facility. "I discovered the Oakville Y was not just a gym-and-swim with that beautiful facility on Rebecca Street. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are provided as financial assistance for families that could not afford this," said Jackson. Kyle Barber, YMCA of Oakville president and CEO, called Jackson "an extraordinary volunteer whose remarkable contributions have made an enduring impact on the lives of Happy Family Day! From Your Friends at IUOE Local 793 2245 Speers Rd., Oakville children, youth and families," in a letter he sent to the nominations committee. "Bonnie truly exemplifies what this award represents -- an outstanding commitment to people and their spirit, open-heartedness and boundless generosity," said Barber. In 2008, Jackson joined the advisory committee of the OHF's campaign cabinet, which leads a $60-million initiative to equip the new Oakville hospital. Jackson and her husband also launched a matching-gift program, doubling the value of contributions made in honour of the late Dr. Michael McCulloch -- a close friend of her family and the Oakville health care community. OHF CEO Tina Triano said without the support of "passionate and engaged individuals like Bonnie Jackson," the foundation wouldn't have secured more than $55 million of its goal so far. Giving back is important for volunteers and the "difference it makes in the community and the example it sets for others," Jackson said. "It's important for people to understand that they can start in a small way and start to feel the joy of being connected to something that is making a difference and being connected to something that is bigger than yourself," she explained. "This community could not be thriving the way it is without the volunteers. Many of them are unsung heroes and many are in the limelight, but we need these volunteers to help these organizations be successful." Turning backyard dreams into reality Family Doctors Accepting New Patients Male and Female Doctors now accepting new patients in our Family Health Group. Call 905-825-DOCS to book your appointment. Custom, innovative, getaway backyards 905.319.7502 / 416.410.2066 www.poolsforhome.com One Company. One Responsibility. Short wait times! 905-825-DOCS (3627) 2983 Westoak Trails Blvd info@healthsensemedical.ca www.healthsensemedical.ca South of Dundas, at Bronte Rd HOURS HOURS Mon -- Fri Fri 9am 8:30am to 8:00pm Mon to 8:30pm Saturday 10am 9am to Saturday to2pm 2pm Family Doctors Walk-In Clinic Chiropractic Pharmacy Travel Clinic