Teacher Lisa Pollock from Haig School was recognized as a 2019 Outstanding Individual Volunteer by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ South Saskatchewan chapter.
Fellow teacher Tanice Abramsonnominated Lisa for this award and she received it on Nov. 12 in Regina at the National Philanthropy Day Awards banquet, held at the Conexus Arts Centre.
“Haig School’s RAK Pack received the same award, in the junior division, a few years ago and so I wanted to pay it forward and nominate her for her outstanding work for the Huntington’s Disease community,” said Abramson.
Pollock lives in Weyburn with her husband and daughter, and as her family has been affected by Huntington’s, she has been a volunteer to help make a difference for those who live with this debilitating disease.
In the nomination description about Pollock, Abramson wrote, “She started by participating in the annual Walks for the Cure for HD in Saskatoon, where she raised donations through sponsorships. Lisa decided to do more. She started her own fundraising effort by hosting an annual on-line auction every May (HD awareness month) on social media. She recruits friends, family and businesses to donate items that are then auctioned off during the month. An anonymous donor then matches the funds raised, which creates a considerable donation to the Huntington Society every year.”
Pollock also manages a Facebook page group called YPAHD, or Young People Affected by Huntington Disease, which connects youth and young adults across the country. Pollock currently sits on the executive as their social media coordinator, as she manages and updates their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization (HDYO) is a non-profit set up to provide support and education to young people (aged up to 35) impacted by Huntington’s Disease around the world. Lisa also volunteers at the North American HDYO Youth Camp each summer, where youth and young adults impacted by the disease can share their experiences, learn about HD and have fun.
AFP South Saskatchewan serves as an association of professionals throughout southern Saskatchewan that works to advance philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising.
