Putman Award

July 1, 2010 permalink

Dufferin CAS has given the Gary Putman award to Martin Porteous, who coaches hockey and soccer teams for disabled youth.

There is no award for the real child advocates, those who work to protect children from children's aid. The man who really deserves an award is Neil Haskett, organizer of over a dozen rallies this year alone, bringing constant public attention to the harm committed by Ontario's children's aid societies.

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July 1, 2010

Porteous wins 2010 Putman Award

The 2010 Gary Putman Award was presented to Martin Porteous at the Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) annual general meeting, held Wednesday June 23.

DCAFS said Mr. Porteous “was chosen from numerous nominees for his dedication and willingness to give his personal time to coach hockey and soccer to persons living with disabilities.” He is the head coach for the Orangeville Wolves hockey team and the Orangeville Rattlers soccer team.

“Martin is a small business owner who loves hockey and is a model of sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the ice or soccer field,” DCAFS said in a press release.

“Martin Porteous has shown compassion and dedication to our community, our families and our children in Dufferin County through his continued volunteerism, his enthusiasm, and his ability to work with people with disabilities,” said Trish Keachie, DCAFS Executive Director.

The Gary Putman Award was created to recognize a member of the Dufferin County community who has made a significant contribution in improving the health and wellness of children and families, has demonstrated creativity and innovation to advance services in the community, has raised awareness of social issues affecting children and families and has worked collaboratively within the community to enhance services.

Mr. Putman led Dufferin Child and Family Services for 29 years before retiring as its executive director in November 2007. In recognition of his efforts and dedication to the children and youth of Dufferin County, an annual award was created in his honour.

Other nominees included Laurel Hunter, founder of Just Me and the Kids; Sandra MacDonald, MFTD Respite Program & Complex Special Needs Support Program at DCAFS; and Josh Kennedy, a youth worker actively involved with the Salvation Army & New Hope Community Church.

“The response clearly shows that our community cares and has numerous individuals who are committed to the well being of children,” DCAFS said.

Source: Orangeville Citizen