Canadian Lung Association Lifetime Achievement Award

Canadian Lung Association Lifetime Achievement Award

SASKATOON, August 27--At its 103^rd Annual Meeting in Saint John, New Brunswick, the Canadian Lung Association presented its lifetime achievement award to Jim and Marj Burnett of Regina recognising over 40 years of service to the Lung Association by the Burnett family.  Jim Burnett is the former Director of Education for the Regina School Board.

Jim Burnett has been and continues to be an outstanding volunteer for the Lung Association.  In 1963 he received an honorary life membership in the Saskatchewan Anti-Tuberculosis League (which later changed its name to the Saskatchewan Lung Association) for his service as the volunteer chairman of the community tuberculosis survey of Swift Current.  He became a member of the Saskatchewan Lung Association board of directors on June 25, 1981, serving as chair of the Public Relations Committee and for the last twelve years on the Finance Committee.  Mr. Burnett also served as Volunteer President from 1988 to 1997.  In addition to his current position as Past Chair of the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, Mr. Burnett was the Saskatchewan representative on the national Board of the Canadian Lung Association from 1994 to 2000, then served two years as chair of the national board and is currently serving a term as past-chairman of the Canadian Lung Association, in addition to being the representative for the Lung Association of Saskatchewan.

Mr. Burnett has given unstintingly of his time and talents during his tenure with the Lung Association.  His comprehensive knowledge of administrative and finance practices has raised the standards at the Lung Association to high levels.  His leadership style has helped staff and volunteers to work effectively and cooperatively to set and meet the goals and objectives of the Lung Association.  Leading by example, he has fostered a pervasive attitude of integrity and good will. He has accepted the responsibilities of leadership and has never backed down from difficult situations. He has willingly and ably participated in many Lung Association projects and has been an excellent spokesperson for the Association, appearing on talk shows and doing interviews whenever the opportunity arose.  Mr. Burnett consistently contributes above and beyond the expectations for a volunteer leader in a charitable organization.

On June 12, 1998, Jim was honoured by the Saskatchewan Lung Association with the Ken More Award.  This award is the highest award that may be bestowed by the Association and is given to persons who have rendered distinguished service and leadership. On April 25, 2002 Jim was presented with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal by the Honourable Lynda Haverstock, Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan in a ceremony at the Saskatchewan Legislature to recognise his exceptional community service.

In addition to his outstanding service to the Lung Association, Jim has also been a very strong contributor to many other organizations.  He was very active in the Scouting movement for many years, serving in various executive positions. He is a former elder and board member of the Wesley United Church, former chair of the Education section of the United Appeal, former Vice-President of the Regina Y.M.C.A. and a former Director of the C.N.I.B. Board.  He has served on the Board of the Teacher’s Credit Union, and as a councillor and an executive member of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.  He has also served terms on the senates of both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. Currently, Jim sits on the Committee of the University Scholarships of Canada.

Marj Burnett has been a long-time member of the Lung Association in Saskatchewan and a canvasser in the residential campaigns. Although Jim has been the most visible member of the Burnett team, his work would not have been possible without Marj’s support, advice and encouragement. Marj has faithfully attended countless Lung Association meetings, dinners and special events. She has always been there, literally and figuratively, to support Jim in his work with the Lung Association. In her special, gracious manner, Marj too has been an excellent ambassador for the Lung Association. She is a shining example of family participation in the Lung Association family.