There are leaders among us – those people who are determined and dedicated in their contribution to the awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The Roger LeBlanc Spirit Award distinguishes one such member (living or posthumous) of the Calgary community every year.
Named in honour of Roger LeBlanc, a long-term employee of SMED International (now Haworth), who was diagnosed with HIV in the early 1990s, the award is aimed at emphasizing the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness, while keeping Roger’s memory alive.
For the short time that he lived with the disease, Roger educated people about HIV and the issues that surround it. Both Roger and his sister, Roxanne LeBlanc, were heavily involved in the community and strived to connect with people to educate them about HIV/AIDS. Roger told his employer, SMED International about his HIV infection and SMED showed incredible support to Roger and his family. Roger and Roxanne were both involved with AIDS Calgary, accessing services and helping to educate others.
Nominations for the Roger LeBlanc Spirit Award are now closed. Nominations for the 2010 Roger LeBlanc Spirit Award will open in July 2010. For more information please contact us at 403-508-2500 or [email protected].