2017 Scholfield Award Recipient, Faith Dickinson of Cuddles for Cancer with Jim Russell, United Way CEO, Erica Richmond United Way Development Officer, David Fell United Way Board Chair
United Way of Peterborough and District today announced the 2017 recipient of the Scholfield Award of Community Distinction. The annual award was established to recognize an individual or organization for their outstanding contribution and ability to mobilize change within the community.
The 2017 recipient was 15 year old Faith Dickinson, creator of “Cuddles for Cancer.” In the 4 years since its inception Faith has hand made over 3000 cuddle blankets to help stave off the cold that children who are going through treatment experience. Because, in her own words, “everyone deserves a cuddle!”
Faith has also developed a signature Soldier blanket for men and women serving overseas or returning from service with PTSD. Her blankets are a global phenomenon having comforted Soldiers in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Poland, Iraq, and Ukraine. A reminder to those brave men and women of the respect and love that exists for them back home.
As if these weren’t enough, she partners with other local and international organizations, such as PRHC, Free the Children, the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, Local Legions, Kawartha Foodshare, to give a message of hope and inspiration stating, “You are never too young to make a difference.”
United Way Board Chair David Fell presented Faith the award on behalf of the organization, noting, that it is the first time the award had been presented to someone so young, “Faith is an example to all of us, regardless of age “She reminds us that we all have tremendous capacity to lead and make our communities better.”
In attendance was Faith’s mother Carrie Dickinson, who was beaming with pride at the acknowledgement her daughter was receiving. When asked her thoughts, she humbly said, “As her Mom I feel I am biased.”
Concluding the event, CEO Jim Russell mused, “Faith is the tonic this world needs, a salve to worries, and a harbinger of hope. She lifts spirits, and is a reminder that our deep humanity requires care of the other.”
Past award recipients have been Bill Strode, John Martyn, People First, Survivors Abreast, Marie Bongard, and Roy Brady and most recently Stephen Kylie.
For more information contact:
Jim Russell CEO jrussell@uwpeterborough.ca, 705-742-8839
