Day One Society AGM Celebrates Recovery, Opportunity, and Years of Service

Day One Society’s Annual General Meeting brought together board members, staff, bursary recipients, families, and supporters for an evening that reflected both the work of the past year and the people at the heart of the organization.

Alongside the formal business of the AGM, the gathering provided an opportunity to recognize individuals moving forward in their recovery and education, celebrate long-serving members of the Day One Society team, and acknowledge the leadership that continues to guide the organization.

Supporting New Opportunities Through Education

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was the presentation of the Out of the Ashes (OOTA) Bursaries.

Established in 2007 by Leann Kopytko and her late husband, Ron Kopytko, the Out of the Ashes Bursary supports individuals in recovery as they pursue education and build new opportunities for their futures.

This year, six Out of the Ashes Bursaries were presented, including five to recipients aged 30 and over and one to a recipient between the ages of 17 and 30. The evening also included recognition of a recipient of the Dr. Ho Young Chung Bursary, a $5,000 award that provides further support for an individual pursuing advanced education as part of their journey forward.

Each bursary represented much more than financial assistance. Hearing recipients share parts of their recovery journeys and seeing friends and family there to celebrate their accomplishments was a powerful reminder of the courage, perseverance, and community support that is an essential part of recovery.

These moments also demonstrated why opportunities such as the Out of the Ashes Bursary matter. Education can help open doors, build confidence, and provide another step toward the future someone is working to create.

Celebrating Years of Service

The AGM was also an opportunity to recognize Day One Society staff members who have reached significant service milestones.

Tori Barr and Kristin Rhynolds were each recognized for five years of service, Forrest Hefington for 10 years, and Vicky Siebolts and Executive Director Siân Lewis for 15 years of service.

Together, these milestones represent 50 years of service to Day One Society. Behind those years are countless interactions with individuals and families, contributions to programs and services, and a shared commitment to providing help, hope, and healing in our community.

Day One Society is grateful for the dedication each of these team members has brought to the organization and to the people it serves.

Leadership and Accountability

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) also included the Society’s formal annual business, including the presentation and approval of the audited financial statements, appointment of auditors, presentation of the AGM report, and nominations for the Board of Directors.

Marilyn McLean will continue to serve as President of the Board for another year, providing continued leadership as Day One Society moves into the year ahead.

The AGM provides an important opportunity to report back on the organization’s work and ensure strong governance and accountability. This year’s gathering also offered something equally important: a chance to see the impact of that work reflected in the people in the room.

From individuals pursuing education and new opportunities in recovery, to staff who have dedicated years of service to the organization, to board members and community supporters who continue to give their time and expertise, the evening reflected the many people who contribute to Day One Society’s mission.

As Day One Society looks ahead to another year, we extend our congratulations to this year’s bursary recipients and staff service award recipients, and our thanks to everyone who continues to support our work and the people we serve.