Albert B

Hometown: Conception Bay South          

Carrying Torch: Goulds

Albert Butler’s career as a firefighter has helped him to lead an active life and enabled him to enjoy physical activity. He stays active to stay healthy and also because he loves it. Throughout his life, Butler was involved in many sports; hockey, running, fishing, skiing and playing soccer.

However in 1992 everything changed. Butler had a terrible chainsaw accident that left his left arm unrecognizable. He was told that it would never work again, but after two years of surgeries and rehabilitation he began work again as a firefighter.

Today Butler works as a full time firefighter and remains active. He runs and lifts weights to keep his arm strong. Butler plans to enter a triathlon this summer. Though his arm continues to hurt, it has not stopped him from leading a fulfilling life. 

Jason M               

Hometown: Conception Bay South          

Carrying Torch: Goulds

Eight months ago Jason MacDonald was a 303lb man living a sedentary lifestyle and eating the exact opposite of a healthy diet. Though his wife was active, it never inspired him to get fit. It finally hit him one day when he realized he was not setting a good example for his five year old daughter and newborn baby boy.

MacDonald always wanted the best for his family and for him that started with living a healthy lifestyle. He started walking every day, joined a gym and ate according to Canada’s food guide.

Now, MacDonald trains four days a week and has taken up competitive road racing. He has completed two 5 km races, a 10 km race and competed in a half marathon. As a result of his hard work, MacDonald has lost 113lbs and has shown his family that you can do anything.

Kelsey G             

Hometown: Mount. Pearl    

Carrying Torch: Mount Pearl

When Kelsey Guy was four years old, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. This results in a curved spine which causes severe back pain and trouble with balance. Guy was told that she would never be able to participate in any physical activity, but that hasn’t stopped her.

Guy is avidly involved in figure skating, gymnastic and soccer. In working to get her community active, Guy started a series of figure skating meets on weekends to get people moving. Guy inspired one girl in particular who also had a disability. She encouraged her to keep trying and practice. The experience mentoring this young girl is the motivation Guy uses to continue and expand on all that she does.

Danielle D                   

Hometown: Port aux Basques       

Carrying Torch: St. John’s, NB

Danielle Drover lives her life actively. She is a pre-novice figure skater, bronze medallion swimming, junior high cross-country runner and scout member.

Because of her hard work and dedication to sport, Drover was selected as a potential candidate to represent her province at the 2011 Canada Games in figure skating. It has been challenging for Drover to find ice time to practice so for the past four summers she has been training in Montreal. Drover trains approximately 25 hours per week. She also volunteers her time teaching children between the ages of three and 11 to skate.

Drover also takes part in her local Girl Guide program and became the first female in the scouting program. She once took part in a hiking a 2000ft high mountain across rough terrain totaling 30km in one day. She has been a leader in her community and encouraged more girls to get involved in scouts.

Jill B               

Hometown: Stepehenville  

Carrying Torch: St. John’s

Jill Benoit is a primary school teacher and a mother of two. She works hard to teach her students and children to do something now to take care of our earth. She sets an example by being involved in running a compost program at her school.

Benoit also helps run the recycling program, is a teacher advisor on the www.ecokids.ca committee, a member and promoter of EECOM and works with ECOcanada to promote environmental careers. She also helped initiate Earth Day, Envirofest and Earth Hour.

At home, Benoit and her family compost, recycle and use reusable bags. They participate in Earth Hour and make a conscious effort to reduce their energy consumption

Victoria K            

Hometown: St. John’s         

Carrying Torch: St. John’s, NB

Vickie Kaminski became President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Health in June of 2009. A native of Sudbury, Kaminski was an integral part of the delivery of health care in Sudbury for over 35 years. The last 15 years of her experience in the hospital sector has been at the senior level and has included management of pharmacy services, respiratory therapy services, perfusion, nursing services and cardiac diagnostic programs, culminating with complete organizational oversight as President and CEO. Kaminski has demonstrated leadership through her participation on various hospital, community and provincial committees and organizations. Kaminski is a surveyor with the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation.