Kay Blair Community Service Award honours dedicated Osler volunteers

Award honours the legacy of Kay Blair, a visionary leader and long-time Osler champion

William Osler Health System (Osler) is proud to announce dedicated volunteers Kim McNamara and Riya Ahlawat as the recipients of the 2024 Kay Blair Community Service Award. These exceptional Osler volunteers were honoured last week at Osler’s Going Beyond Awards and Gala for their unwavering commitment to compassion, innovation and service.

Named in honour of Kay Blair, a Past Chair of Osler’s Board of Directors, who served on the Board from 2009-2015 and passed away in 2016, this coveted recognition is awarded annually by Osler’s Board of Directors to an individual or individuals dedicated to serving the needs of Osler’s community, patients and families with compassion, kindness and empathy. The award acknowledges individuals who go above and beyond and are committed to improving the lives of others. Osler’s 2024 recipients are very deserving of this award.

Kim McNamara

Kim McNamara is a member of Osler’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), an Executive Member of Osler’s Volunteer Association and a volunteer with the Central West Ontario Health Team. An Osler volunteer since 2009, Kim’s ideas and actions have always been rooted in advancing people-centred care. As a dedicated Patient and Family Partner, Kim brings a compassionate voice to the PFAC, offering thoughtful insights, strategies and solutions to help enhance the patient experience. As part of Osler’s Volunteer Association, Kim helps raise vital funds for hospital equipment and supports patients and visitors at the Brampton Civic Hospital’s Emergency Department entrance. Whether she’s offering a kind word, guiding a lost visitor, or streamlining patient registration, Kim makes a profound impact every day.

“Deeply aligned with Osler’s Values, Kim is compassionate, respectful and committed to making a real difference in the lives of others,” said Elsa Cabral, Vice-Chair of William Osler Health System’s Board of Directors. “Her unwavering commitment to service is felt by all who cross her path, with many patients often highlighting Kim as being the ‘brightest moment’ in their Osler experience.”

Riya Ahlawat

Riya Ahlawat is passionate about creating a collaborative environment that benefits both patients and staff. Whether she is volunteering at the front desk in palliative care or in diagnostic imaging departments, Riya consistently embraces Osler’s Values of compassion and innovation. Riya has outstanding leadership skills and fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation, in line with Osler’s commitment to health care excellence. A champion of open communication and team empowerment, Riya always seeks new ways to enhance the patient and staff experience.

“A true advocate for positive change, Riya’s observations and initiative in palliative care led to the implementation of a people-centred strategy that improved the overall experience for patients and their families,” said Elsa Cabral, Vice-Chair of William Osler Health System’s Board of Directors. “Riya consistently goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for all.”