Volunteer Impact Award 2016
On April 13, 2016, the Kitchener-Waterloo Volunteer Action Centre held the 11th annual Volunteer Impact Awards Gala, honouring select individuals, groups, and local businesses for their volunteer contributions in Waterloo Region.
The Volunteer Impact Award is a prestigious award that acknowledges an extraordinary contribution out of all the finalists. This person or group will have created a lasting impression on our community through their passion, inspiration and commitment.
This year, our very own Lisa Himmelman was awarded the Volunteer Impact Award for her work with SkateABLE™.
“Lisa will continue to inspire many more local children with disabilities to learn how to skate, and give local community volunteers and students the unique
opportunity to participate in this rewarding and highly successful program.”
Volunteer of the Year 2015
On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, the Kitchener Sports Association held their annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Edelweiss Banquet Hall. Rachel Thompson was recognized for her commitment to, and the leadership and dedication displayed, in encouraging personal growth in developing athletes. Congratulations Rachel! And thanks for all that you do at SkateABLE™.
Above: Lisa Himmelman – Founder, SkateABLE™, Rachel Thompson – SkateABLE™ Volunteer of the Year, Bill Pegg – President, Kitchener Sports Association
Parks and Recreation Ontario Awards
Lisa Himmelman, Founder & President of SkateABLE™, was awarded the 2015 HIGH FIVE® Cham
pion Award. This prestigious award, from Parks and Recreation Ontario, recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed to the advancement of parks and recreation programming in Ontario. Through SkateABLE™, Lisa has provided an avenue for children from all walks of life, the opportunity to learn the basics of skating.
Lisa was honored at the Parks and Recreation Ontario annual awards dinner and gala at Blue Mountain on March 25th 2015.
Above: Michael Cleland – President, Parks and Recreation Ontario. Sophie Kiwala – Parlimentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Lisa Himmelman – Founder, SkateABLE™, Larry Kectheson – CEO, Parks and Recreation Ontario
Special Thanks to All SkateABLE™ Volunteers
SkateABLE™ would like to send out a sincere THANK YOU to all of our volunteers. You have impacted our skaters in ways that will forever be remembered.
In partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, SkateABLE™ welcomed a group of fourth year Kinesiology students in the Adapted Physical Activity program as volunteer coaches and program assessors this past winter. Volunteers gained applied experience in the field of adapted sport while also completing projects for their course requirements. SkateABLE™ was very excited and grateful to have these fantastic volunteers join us on the ice. New relationships were formed, and our skaters showed immense improvement and joy every time they stepped foot on the ice.
Thank -you to our SkateABLE™ families for being so patient and welcoming with all of our volunteers this past winter term.
Kitchener Sports Association Awards
On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, the Kitchener Sports Association held their annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Edelweiss Banquet Hall. 
Susan Wheeler was recognized for her commitment to, and the leadership and dedication displayed, in encouraging personal growth in developing athletes. Congratulations Susan! And thanks for all that you do at SkateABLE™.