Brian and Gail Snook, a Fort McMurray couple, are the recipients of the 2017 National Philanthropy Day Award.
In a press release, Cindy Armagon executive director of the Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF) explained how honoured the foundation is to get to work with the Snooks.
“We were so happy to have the opportunity to nominate the Snook’s for their work with the Health Foundation and are delighted to share in their recognition,” said Amerongen. “Brian and Gail Snook are truly deserving of this acknowledgement of their philanthropic service to advance palliative care services in our community and build a legacy in memory of their son Jeremy.”
Jeremy Snook spend his last days in the Medicine Unit of the Northern Lights Health Centre (NLHC) receiving palliative care treatment and surrounded by family and friends before passing away from terminal brain cancer at the age of 19.
Since his passing, Brian and and Gail Snook created the Jeremy Snook Memorial Raffle to fundraise for new palliative care suites at the NLHC. In three years, they have raised over $350,000 for the project.
Each year the Snooks put together a raffle prize package that reflects Jeremy’s love of outdoors and adventure. In the past, the prizes have included trucks, ATV’s, snowmobiles and motorcycles. They spend countless hours marketing the raffle and are always willing to share their son’s life story.
“Brian and Gail truly represent the 5 P’s of Giving,” said Amerongen. “They are passionate, proactive, prepared, they plan and they have a powerful impact creating generosity in others. It was a real joy to have their hard work and dedication acknowledged along with other Albertans.”
In a Press Release from the NLHF Gail Snook Wrote:
Our son Jeremy was the light of our lives and every day we miss and mourn him. We have focused our volunteer time and fundraising efforts on a partnership with the Northern Lights Health Foundation to create and run the annual Jeremy Snook Memorial Raffle in honour of our son. Together we are building a legacy that will result in better palliative care for other families facing the passing of a loved one. It’s the toughest thing to ever go through and we want to make sure the facilities are there for families and friends to spend every moment possible together. Jeremy lived his life under the motto No Regrets, No Excuses and we’ve taken that challenge to heart to let nothing stand in our way to keep his memory alive.
