Putman Award

June 26, 2008 permalink

The first Putman award has been given to Robin Berger, a public health nurse and breastfeeding advocate. She accepted the award from the local children's aid society. CAS throughout Ontario has in the past ripped babies from mother's breast for their "protection".

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Orangeville Citizen, June 26, 2008

Berger first winner of Putman Award

Robin Berger, a public health nurse and lactation consultant with the Wellington-Guelph Public Health Unit last night became the first winner of the annual Gary Putman Award.

Ms. Berger attended Dufferin Child and Family Services Annual General Meeting to receive her award. She was chosen from numerous nominees for her significant contributions toward the wellbeing of children and families in our community.

Ms. Berger has been a public health nurse for over 30 years. She became the first lactation consultant in Dufferin County's health unit and is known to many in the area as "the breastfeeding lady." Robin is also co-founder and facilitator for a three part parenting workshop series called "Parenting Children with Challenging Temperaments", and the co-founder of the breastfeeding clinic at Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Most recently, Robin became a co-facilitator for Feelings After Birth, a post partum support group.

Robin is a strong advocate for children and families. In our community she is the leader and unremitting advocate for breastfeeding. It is believed that breastfeeding rates have risen for initiation and duration in this region as a direct result of Robin's advocacy and determination.

It is apparent that she believes that if children and families are given a good start there can only be a positive ripple effect. In this role she has provided huge support, well above and beyond the call of duty, to hundreds of women over the years and has raised public awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding.

She was instrumental in organizing Dufferin's first breastfeeding support network and in establishing the Community Breastfeeding Centre.

"Beyond all of these great accomplishments, what came through so clearly in the nomination form for Robin was her ability to provide positive coaching and encouragement, her sincerity, compassion and ability to listen to and empower people," said Trish Keachie, Executive Director of Dufferin Child and Family Services. "Her dedication, enthusiasm, energy and zest in working collaboratively and innovatively with colleagues and families were made very evident."

The Gary Putman Award was created to recognize a member of the Dufferin County community who has made a significant contribution in the areas of child safety and wellbeing, children's mental health, developmental support services and/or community education and awareness.

Gary Putman led Dufferin Child and Family Services for 29 years before retiring as Executive Director in November 2007. In recognition of Gary's tremendous efforts and dedication to the children and youth of Dufferin County, an agency award, to be presented annually, has been created in his honour.

DCFS said the wide response to an invitation for nominees "clearly shows that our community cares and has numerous individuals who are committed to the well being of children."

Source: Orangeville Citizen