Eva James Award
Each year since 1999, the WOCRC has honoured one of our dedicated volunteers with the Eva James Award.
About the Eva James Award
The Eva James Award was designed to recognize a volunteer who best personifies the commitment and dedication exemplified by Eva James, a devoted, active woman who enthusiastically volunteered in our community for over 15 years. She passed away suddenly in 1995.
Eva was one of the key volunteers who helped to form and implement our community resource centre. She was a strong supporter of the Kanata Food Cupboard and devoted a lot of her time to helping them.
Eva seldom missed an opportunity to attend community events such as the Girl Guide Spring Tea or Canada Day celebrations in Kanata and Bridlewood.
In her capacity as City Councillor, in addition to her many volunteer endeavours, Eva seized every opportunity to enhance our community.
She was involved with the OC Transpo committee, establishing park areas, fighting for street intersections and safety among many other projects – big and small.
Jan Skora, 2024-2025 Eva James Award Recipient
Jan Skora exemplifies the WOCRC’s commitment to community service. He made an impression through a heartfelt Facebook interview, sharing his journey caring for his mother and discovering the deeper value of the Meals on Wheels program. His passion led him to volunteer with WOCRC in the Meals on Wheels Program. Soon after, Jan joined our volunteer Board of Directors, where his thoughtful insights enriched organizational governance. When the Regional Director of Health visited, Jan shared his story to highlight the real impact of WOCRC’s services for older adults.
Jan is a tireless fundraiser and advocate. As Co-chair of our Coldest Night of the Year event, he led the top fundraising team—rallying family, neighbours, and businesses, and spreading awareness about our mission with energy and heart. His warmth, humour, and unwavering dedication have had a lasting impact on our team and community. We are proud to have him as the Eva James Award winner this year in recognition of his outstanding service.
All Eva James Award Winners
The following volunteers have been honoured with the Eva James Award:
- 2023-2024 Mary Shoup
- 2022-2023 Brendan Walsh
- 2021-2022
- 2020-2021
- 2019-2020
- 2018-2019 Lise Dorey and Thomas Clifford
- 2017-2018 Phyllis Powell
- 2016-2017 Richard Greene and Bob Hurry
- 2015-2016 Ruth Willsher
- 2014-2015 Atif Malam
- 2013-2014 Robert McGaraughty
- 2012-2013 Anne Marie Goodman
- 2011-2012 Brigitte Sharma
- 2010-2011 Doreen Reynolds
- 2009-2010 Terry Longhorn
- 2008-2009 Leona Spencer
- 2007-2008 Jean-Pierre Beaulne
- 2006-2007 Bruce Cairns
- 2005-2006 Judy Bowyer
- 2004-2005 J. Warner Eakins
- 2003-2004 Dave Anderson
- 2002-2003 Minoo Taherzadeh
- 2001-2002 Kerri Bjornson
- 2000-2001 Mary Nute
- 1999-2000 Trudy Muller
- 1998-1999 Dee Campbell