Victim Services of Algoma wins two pretty big awards

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

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The Ministry of the Attorney General announced the winners of the 2015 Attorney General Victim Services Awards of Distinction.

These awards recognize both the victims of crime whose courage and dedication have raised awareness of victims’ issues in Ontario, and the organizations, professionals and volunteers that advocate on their behalf.

This year, Victim Services of Algoma’s volunteers and its executive director Robin Kerr were each recognized for their role in the large scale disaster recovery efforts during the Elliot Lake Shopping Mall collapse.

The rescue operation took four days to complete and Victim Services of Algoma volunteers staffed the command post 24 hours a day.

Robin personally remained on-site during this time, assisting families of the deceased, arranging for professional counselling services, and providing continuity of service.

Read the ministry’s news release for more information about the awards, or read the recipients’ biographies to learn how they have made a difference in their communities.

Victim Services of Algoma - Volunteers, Sault Ste. Marie

Victim Services of Algoma and its trained teams of volunteers have been providing services and support to victims of crime and tragic circumstances for more than 27 years.

In 2012, the organization was involved with the large-scale disaster recovery efforts during the Elliot Lake shopping mall collapse.

The rescue operation took four days to complete and Victim Services of Algoma volunteers staffed the command post 24 hours a day, providing refreshments, meals, personal care kits and crisis intervention to those waiting to hear news of family and friends.

The citizens of Elliot Lake were grateful that informed and knowledgeable volunteers were on-scene quickly and continuously to provide crisis intervention and support.

Robin Kerr, Sault Ste. Marie 

Robin Kerr is known as a true leader and builder of victim services in the District of Algoma and the north region.

She has served as the executive director of Victim Services of Algoma for 20 years, and has trained hundreds of volunteers to provide effective and compassionate assistance to victims in crisis or vulnerable situations.

Robin has worked with and led many teams, including the volunteers that provided crisis intervention at the 2012 Elliot Lake shopping mall collapse.

In partnership with the OPP, Robin set up a command post at the scene to provide updates to family, friends and citizens.

She remained on-site over the next four days, assisting families, arranging for professional counselling services, and providing continuity of service.

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