The Black & White Gala Team
Our team is made up of fearless volunteers who work tirelessly to put this event together every year.
Stephen McKenzie
Inspired by my mother's strength, energy and determination in her ongoing recovery of her brain injury, I joined the board of directors at The Victoria Brain Injury in 2006 to try and help in some way, not knowing what that would be. After losing a few close friends and family to brain injuries my goal became clear (with the help of my friend Sarah) to help raise funds for the society who, in turn, have the skills and knowledge to help so many fellow Victorians, to raise awareness & prevention. I’m proud to be a part of such a great team of talented volunteers that bring so much passion, resources and energy to this event.
Darren Johnston
Darren likes that participating will always be a noble activity that requires no reward to him but to the task at hand. He is one of our newest members to the group and he enjoys being part of a volunteer team with a commitment; to succeed in their goal.
Anna McKenzie
Over the last three years I have watched this Black & White Gala start from a wild and crazy idea my husband had, to growing into an incredibly successful fund raising event for the Victoria Brain Injury Society. I hope that by lending my creative talents that it will help the event expand and raise even more funds. I am surprised how many friends and family that have been touched by a brain injury. It is often an invisible injury that requires a great deal of support. That's why raising funds for the VBIS is so important to me.
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Nicole Nelson
As the Executive Director at the Victoria Brain Injury Society, Nicole is able to support and advocate for people in a very rewarding way. Through communications, marketing and fundraising Nicole is able to raise awareness about the needs of brain injury survivors and build genuine partnerships within the community. Nicole has a passion for people and believes in equality of opportunity and envisions living in a society in which every individual is treated with respect, dignity and compassion. She feels very fortunate to have found a job that allows her to help build a more compassionate, inclusive society.
Jillian Polson
It has been a privilege for me to volunteer and help out with this event over last five years. .After each gala, I always look forward to finding out what "bigger and better" fundraiser Steve will be planning for the next year and I love being a part of that. I too have friends and relatives that have been affected with a brain injury and I feel I am very fortunate to be able to help VBIS in some small way.
Anna McLauchlan
Anna is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Victoria Brain Injury Society. Anna has found the environment at the Victoria Brain Injury Society has been totally rewarding and fulfilling – "I hear the clients constantly giving feedback to staff and to each other about how the services they receive have helped them get their lives back. If there was ever a motivation to keep the programs funded, and to build on them, it is being in the company of our clientele for 5 minutes. I am so pleased to be able to help this Gala – a great evening to come to by all accounts, and such an important fundraiser for VBIS!"
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Lori Payter
A friend of mine deals with a brain injury on a daily basis. I was surprised when I learnt of her situation and how it affects her daily life. She is an amazing, intelligent, caring and strong person whom I respect a great deal. Learning about living with brain injury through her has opened my eyes to the need for support for the individuals and the families.
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Trina Kuhn
My Grandpa had a stroke back in 2007 and I had no idea how much a brain injury would affect someone life. It has now been three years and he is still struggling to regain what he once had. A simple activity that we take for granted, such as walking, was, and continues to be, an everyday challenge for him. I have now been involved with this fundraiser for two years because I believe The Victoria Brain Injury Society provides valuable support for those coping with the changes in theirs, and their love ones, lives after suffering a brain injury.
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