Volunteer Recognition Awards

Every year the CSRO and ASRO award the Ralph Spadafore Memorial Volunteer Recognition Award to an exceptional CSRO and/or ASRO volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to helping us find a cure for paralysis.

2005
The volunteer recognized this year is John Weir.

John has shown immense dedication to the cause, coming in to the CSRO head office biweekly for the last five years. At the office, John is an invaluable part of the team, providing assistance with administrative duties. It should be noted that John’s efforts and enthusiasm are not limited to work at the office. John is a regular presence at our offsite events, helping to raise money to support spinal cord research. John suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 20 that caused him to become a T6-7 paraplegic. While the last 36 years have been a difficult journey, John has realized that life does go on after a spinal injury. John’s resilience and determination to give back to society, provides all individuals with an inspiring model to be followed. We at the CSRO are honored to have John as a part of our team. Without people like John the ASRO & CSRO would not be able to fight for their goal of curing paralysis.

2004
The 2004 recipients were hockey icon Don Cherry and Calgary Flames Captain Jarome Iginla.

Don has been instrumental in raising the profile of our Shoot For A Cure (SFAC) Hockey campaign by promoting our campaign on Hockey Night in Canada and other media events. Jarome has been on board the SFAC campaign since day one, acting as the campaign’s spokesperson, filming public service announcements and wearing our hats at several high profile events. Both Don and Jarome have generously given their time and energy to promote spinal injury awareness within the hockey community and to raise funds for spinal research. They are exceptional human beings and the CSRO is thankful for their unwavering support.