Ostomy Association receives award from Premier
June 16, 2009
The Winnipeg Ostomy Association is glowing after receiving the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.
The Association, a support program for people who have undergone surgery of the bladder or colon, accepted the prestigious award on April 22 after being nominated by a client’s family who recognized the passion, dedication and information that fuel the organization.
The award is handed out annually to community groups who improve the quality of life for Manitobans through extraordinary collective volunteer efforts.
To be eligible, groups must:
- conscientiously perform one or more volunteer activities over a period of years
- take unusual initiative to identify and solve a critical problem or meet a specific need
- organize and direct an activity which has a great impact on the community
- inspire the spirit of volunteerism in others
A group of Sport Complex volunteers from Pilot Mound and the Carberry Super Troopers also received awards this year in the group category.
Ostomy Association president Lorrie Pismenny says her organization, which is run entirely by volunteers, is proud of its award, but is more excited by the possibilities receiving it brings.
“The big thing for us is getting the word out there that we do exist,” Pismenny. “We’re trying to fight the stigma attached to an ostomy.”
On top of acting as a reliable resource for local ostomates, the association provides networking opportunities and pairs patients with visitors who have undergone and recovered from similar surgeries.
Each patient is matched with a visitor of the same gender, age and condition, so Pismenny and her volunteer staff currently engage more than 50 trained visitors.
The group and its associated support groups welcome everyone involved in an ostomy – a process Pismenny says is often a difficult one that requires a little extra support.
“Most people who undergo an ostomy wake up with a bag attached to their abdomen and it’s really difficult for them to handle in many situations,” she says. “We provide them with support and then they can see that life does go on and it’s no the end of the world for them. That’s usually all they need.
Congratulations to the Ostomy Association!
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