Doris Weber Presented With First-Ever Jason Rae Award For Exceptional Leadership
Chris Grayson, Executive Director of Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley, presented the first-ever Jason Rae Leadership Award to Doris Weber of Community Living Walkerton and District. The presentation was made at Community Living Ontario annual conference and general meeting.
The annual award is presented to someone who best represents and champions inclusion at its fullest. Some example of how this is achieved include:
- Being involved in the community and giving back
- Being unafraid to speak up and help others find their voice
- Using leadership skills with both Community Living and within the broader community
- Being active in standing up for a person's rights
- Believing in the abilities of others and the value of everyone in being part of the community
Weber has been connected to Community Living for 26 years. She has served on the association committees and then Board of Directors. She volunteered on community homecoming committees and contributed to many community events including the Busker’s Festival and Family Day activities. She was recognized as an AODA disability champion in 2017 and was a founding member of the Walkerton Action Committee. She also organizes speakers. Read more here.
Grayson was the Executive Director of Community Living Campbellford when Rae joined the board and was later elected as its president. Grayson was inspired by Jason's ambitions and exceptional leadership. With the support of Jason's wife, Jennifer, Grayson initiated this leadership award in Jason's memory.
About Jason Rae
Proud, disciplined, gifted, living with integrity and leaving nothing undone are just a few of the ways to describe Jason Rae. He was an exemplary civic-minded role model for his community, and to the individuals he was closest to in his life.
Jason was strongly service-oriented and he did not let his disability impede his passion for life. He was a contributing member of the Trent Hills community and was actively involved with Advocates for Community Education (ACE) and the Community Living Campbellford/Brighton Board of Directors. In addition, Jason sat on various leadership boards and committees focusing on the common goal of inclusion.
Among Jason's achievements include:
Jason passed away in September 2016 at the age of 41.
