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Elaine Pitcher honoured for exceptional leadership (updated)

Looking around the Sault Area Hospital auditorium on Friday morning to a room filled with her colleagues and family members, Elaine Pitcher couldn't help but be reminded of what people working in unison can achieve.

Looking around the Sault Area Hospital auditorium on Friday morning to a room filled with her colleagues and family members, Elaine Pitcher couldn't help but be reminded of what people working in unison can achieve.

"It shows what people working together can accomplish," said Pitcher. "It's such an amazing facility and it came about because people had dreams, really big dreams."

On Friday, Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti presented Pitcher (shown above with Orazietti) with the Ontario Leading Women, Building Communities Award.

The award, given out since 2006, is from the Ontario Women's Directorate and recognizes the outstanding contribution of women giving back and being leaders in their community.

"I certainly felt that Elaine's work in the community demonstrated just that," said Orazietti. "This award is a tribute to 10 years of hard work in a demanding position and we’ve been extremely fortunate to have someone with the commitment and expertise that Elaine brings to the Sault Area Hospital board.”

Pitcher has been a volunteer member of the SAH board of directors since 2002 and chair of the board the previous five years.

The Sault native and practicing lawyer admitted being chair of the board might have taken up more of her life than the average volunteer experience, but was driven by her passion when the hours and work seemed long and stressful.

"I'm very passionate about health care because it impacts each and every one of us," said Pitcher.
"The issues may be complex, but I'm a firm believer in local governance. I think making decisions locally that affect the people who live in these areas is so very important and that's why I donate my time."

Pitcher's term as board chair will be up in June and Jamie Melville, current first vice-chair and treasurer, will take over following her departure.

Usually the chair of the board only serves one term, but Pitcher's stint has been extended twice.

"We've accomplished a lot of things together and it's time for new energy from new people with new ideas," Pitcher said.

Pitcher credits her husband and family for being supportive during her tenure as board chair.

Orazietti lauded Pitcher's work as chair of the board and said the Sault was lucky to be served by someone of her caliber.

"Given the significant amount of responsibility that comes with being chair of the board, we are very fortunate to have had someone of Elaine's caliber," said Orazietti. "She is a tremendously talented individual who has given much to the community."

Pitcher's volunteer work in the community stretches beyond the SAH and includes being a board member of the United Way, the Art Gallery of Algoma and Ontario Council of Regents.

She was also chair of the board for Sault College from 1994-97.

"It truly has been a privilege to serve the people of Sault Ste. Marie," said Pitcher. "And the reason is because I have gotten to know the amazing men and women who make miracles happen at the Sault Area Hospital each and every day."

Full text of a news release issued today by the office of David Orazietti follows.

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Orazietti presents Ontario Leading Women Award to Elaine Pitcher

Ontario government recognizes leading women building strong communities

SAULT STE. MARIE - The province is recognizing Sault resident Elaine Pitcher for her exceptional leadership and community contributions with the prestigious Leading Women, Building Communities Award, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

"I am pleased to have the honour of presenting Elaine Pitcher with this well-deserved award for her commitment to community service in the health care field," said Orazietti. "Her leadership and contribution to the community is exceptional and an inspiration to all Ontarians.”

The provincial Leading Women, Building Communities Award was first launched in 2006 to celebrate the exceptional leadership of women who improve the lives of women and girls in their communities.

Elaine Pitcher, who was nominated by MPP David Orazietti is this year’s recipient of the Leading Women, Building Communities Award.

In 2002, Elaine joined the Sault Area Hospital Board of Directors and is currently the chair of the Board and the chair of the Governance Committee.

Among her many contributions to the community, she served as a board member for the United Way, the Art Gallery of Algoma and the Ontario Council of Regents.

Elaine also served as chair of the board for Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology from 1994 to 1997.

"It has been a privilege to volunteer for the past ten years as a member of the Board of the Sault Area Hospital, where each and every day our dedicated team of staff, physicians and volunteers make such a positive difference in the lives of the patients we serve,” said Elaine Pitcher. “As someone born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, I share our community's pride in our amazing new hospital site and in the efforts of so many that made that dream a reality and I am greatly appreciative of the support we have had from the Province throughout our journey. I am truly honoured by Mr. Orazietti's nomination and by being named a recipient of this very special award from the Province.”

“Elaine’s intelligence, poise and class are matched only by her fierce dedication and loyalty to our hospital and her community,” said Ron Gagnon, CEO, Sault Area Hospital.  “Given Elaine’s contributions over her professional lifetime, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the honour of being recognized as a recipient of the Leading Women, Building Communities Award.”

Each year, the Government of Ontario recognizes a number of special awareness dates that are of particular significance to women, providing an opportunity for all Ontarians to learn about women’s equality, read about historical events, statistics and gain awareness on women’s issues:

  • March 8:  International Women’s Day
  • May: Sexual Assault Prevention Month
  • June 1-7: Sexual Harassment Awareness Week
  • September: Take Back the Night events in Ontario
  • October: Women’s History Month
  • November: Woman Abuse Prevention Month
  • December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Quick facts

Since the launch of the Leading Women/Leading Girls, Building Communities Awards in 2006, Ontario has recognized more than 325 women and girls province-wide.

International Women’s Week runs every March.

March 8 has marked International Women’s Day around the world since 1977.

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