Honouring National Volunteer Week with the 2025 Mary Pack Volunteer Awards

Arthritis Society Canada celebrates the commitment and impact of our volunteers

April 28, 2025 – Taking place from April 27 to May 3, National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of volunteers across Canada. At Arthritis Society Canada, this week holds special significance as the organization honours its most dedicated and inspirational volunteers through the prestigious Mary Pack Volunteer Awards.

Named after Arthritis Society Canada’s visionary founder, the Mary Pack Volunteer Awards recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting the arthritis community. These national awards celebrate the unwavering commitment, passion and selflessness of those who help advance the organization’s mission to fight the fire of arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support.

“Our volunteers are true ambassadors of Arthritis Society Canada’s vision, mission and values,” said Trish Barbato, president and CEO of Arthritis Society Canada. “I’m so inspired by their outstanding dedication and tireless efforts. Their passion drives us forward, helping us improve the lives of the six million people in Canada living with arthritis.”

Presented annually, the Mary Pack Volunteer Awards honour individuals or committees who consistently embody Arthritis Society Canada’s core values and demonstrate exceptional leadership and compassion. These volunteers support nearly every aspect of Arthritis Society Canada’s work, contributing to operations, projects and initiatives that drive change and advance the future of arthritis care.

This year’s recipients of the Mary Pack Volunteer Awards include:

•    Marie Beaton (Ontario) – Advocacy volunteer and Arthritis Connections facilitator: Marie has been a driving force within the advocacy team since joining in 2023. Her advocacy and willingness to share her personal story have had a powerful impact on policy makers and participants alike.

•    Carly Fox (Ontario) – Camp counsellor at Camp Ontario: Carly’s leadership and passion for supporting children and youth with arthritis make her an exemplary volunteer and a trusted role model at Camp Ontario.

•    Amélie Grondin (Quebec) – club Soleil levant Chill and Chat facilitator: Amélie’s dedication and ability to forge meaningful connections with participants have made her an invaluable member of Arthritis Society Canada’s volunteer team.

•    Naomi Hudson (Manitoba) – Camp counsellor, Club Sunrise big buddy: Naomi’s unwavering support and leadership at our Manitoba camp has helped create a safe and encouraging environment for campers living with arthritis to bond and share their lived experiences.

•    Anna Kabal (Quebec) – Camp ArticulAction committee member and camp nurse: Anna’s years of service as a camp nurse have helped ensure a safe and positive experience for campers while promoting the program within her community.

•    Jenna Kedy (Nova Scotia) – Previous camper, camp counsellor and advocacy volunteer: Jenna’s personal story as a young adult living with arthritis has helped dispel myths and change the narrative of how arthritis is perceived by the general public and government officials. 

•    Steel McDonald (Alberta) – Arthritis Line volunteer: Steel’s dedication to supporting individuals living with arthritis through Arthritis Line has made a direct, positive impact on the community. His commitment to training and expanding his role is exemplary.

•    Kari Wutzke (British Columbia) – Advocacy volunteer, Arthritis Connections facilitator, innovation ambassador, online consumer panelist: Kari’s passion for raising arthritis awareness has made a tremendous impact within her community and with policy makers.

The Mary Pack Volunteer Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact volunteers have on the arthritis community. Their compassion and dedication are a testament to the power of giving back and their contributions are instrumental in bringing us closer to a pain-free future for people living with arthritis.

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About Arthritis Society Canada 
Arthritis Society Canada represents the six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca.

Media Contact: 
Jenny Ng
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media
Arthritis Society Canada
jng@arthritis.ca
416-455-1182

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