Submitted by CVCDA
This past month, team members and colleagues came together to celebrate and honour Pam Crowe’s 35 years of service on the Comox Valley Child Development Association’s board of directors. The event marked a change of tides for the organization as she metaphorically handed over the torch to new board chair, Diane Daigle, who was elected in April.
Pam’s strong and steady leadership of the CVCDA has made an impact on the Comox Valley. She has led the organization through many changes, from the original location in Cumberland to the current location at the corner of 3rd Street and Cliffe Avenue in Courtenay. Pam has been instrumental in establishing the CVCDA as an essential service to the children and families of the Comox Valley.
The Sept. 25 event allowed for those connected to the CVCDA to participate in honouring her dedication to the organization and the community. A number of board members spoke about Pam’s commitment and invaluable contribution to the organization. Her strong legacy spans beyond her 20 years as board chair and 35 years total on the board. Even her husband, David Gibson, has roots as a founding board member of the organization at its Cumberland inception in 1974. The board felt it fitting, and wanted to honour her commitment over the past 35 years and beyond by naming the Autism Centre, the Pam Crowe Autism Centre of Excellence.
Pam also received special messages from invited guests including Mary Everson, representing local First Nations’ families that have been supported by the CVCDA, service club member from the Baynes Sound Lions, Jacquie Miller, who has worked closely with Pam throughout numerous fundraising initiatives, Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells and former Comox mayor Paul Ives.
During Pam’s time as chair, she worked alongside four CVCDA executive directors: Heather McFetridge from 1994-2008, Lorraine Aitken from 2008-2014, Joanne Schroeder from 2014-2020 and current ED, Cindy Xavier. Each offered words where the common thread was the support they all experienced through her guidance, and the value of having a strong and stable board. While Pam’s strong leadership will be missed by the CVCDA leadership, her legacy will continue to be a guiding influence and the standard set by which the organization can continue to achieve exceptional work in the community.
The event was an opportunity to present Pam with a special plaque naming her ambassador to the CVCDA. Pam’s involvement started with the annual Children’s Telethon 45 years ago. Today, she continues to volunteer her time as telethon chair. In recognition of Pam being the CVCDA’s longest standing volunteer, the board created the ambassador position to recognize her dedication to the agency, and continued work as a volunteer with the CVCDA and the telethon.
On the heels of this lovely event, Pam is back at it planning and preparing, through a pandemic, for the 45th CVCDA Children’s Telethon. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1 from noon to 8 p.m. This year’s event, for the first time ever, will be strictly virtual. This means you can follow along from home or whereever you are either on Shaw TV, social media or through online streaming.
For those interested in supporting the 45th telethon, there are a number of ways to contribute to this year’s fundraising goals. The 2020 CVCDA Silent Auction is open for bidding online at cvcda.ca. Supporters are also encouraged to make online donations any time leading up to, during or after the telethon. Additionally, volunteers will be ready to take your call-in donations (250-334-9200) throughout the live Shaw Spotlight broadcast. Donations can additionally be made any time before or after the telethon by calling our main reception at 250-338-4288. And finally, supporters have the option to purchase tickets in the CVCDA’s first ever online 50/50 Draw. Visit CVCDA.CA for all details.
The Comox Valley Child Development Association is a non-profit organization locally supporting children, youth and adults with diverse abilities and their families for 46 years. In 2019, over 1,000 Comox Valley children and their families used services at the CVCDA. All of its programs are designed to not only enrich the lives of people who access these services, but also to contribute to a stronger Comox Valley that welcomes and includes everyone who lives here.
