Stamps pivot Henry Burris on Monday was presented with the 2010 Founders Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area at the annual Calgary Stampeders Quarterback Luncheon.
>> Video from the QB Luncheon
Big Brothers Big Sisters board member and founder Steve Peake was honoured to present the award to Burris for his exceptional volunteer contributions to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area and founding of the Henry Burris All Star Weekend resulting in almost $500,000 raised for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area.
He says of Burris, “Even though his time is very precious he has always gone above and beyond in assisting Big Brothers Big Sisters both physically and financially. Henry is dedicated to all youth and exemplifies the qualities of a true role model. He is unwavering in his belief that it takes a community to raise a child and is actively opening doors for those children to flourish.”
Burris was unanimously nominated as the recipient of this prestigious award last month by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Founders Group. This exclusive group is composed of the original individuals involved with the formation of Uncles At Large, which went on to merge with Aunts at Large and Big Sisters of Calgary to create Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. The award is presented each year to an individual who has distinguished himself or herself by making an outstanding volunteer contribution to the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters over a minimum period of five years.
Burris’ involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters began many years ago when he became a Big Brother during high school in Oklahoma. Since then, he has continued to devote his time to raising awareness about the benefits of mentorship for youth and raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. He has consistently gone beyond his duties as a volunteer with the organization, and created the widely recognized annual Henry Burris All Star Weekend five years ago. This successful fundraising event is held once a year in May, and includes a celebrity golf tournament, football camp for youth, and gala evening with fellow athletes. This year’s All Star weekend was highlighted by the attendance of CFL/NFL all-star Warren Moon, another great champion of mentoring.
In addition, Burris routinely contributes his time, celebrity status, and personal donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Henry is out in the community on a regular basis talking about mentoring and sharing his experiences. He is often asked to speak and instead of charging a fee, asks that money be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters on his behalf. He has also helped recruit volunteers through Big Brother Day on FAN960 by not only participating himself, but encouraging other celebrities to volunteer their time to radio and television interviews on this day.
“My role as a Big Brother Big Sister volunteer mentor demonstrates my philanthropic belief that, in addition to the efforts of the individual, it is the collective responsibility of a community to contribute positively to the development of children,” says Burris.
He has consistently shown his commitment to this belief and sharing it with others throughout his years volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area.