When Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Tibbetts, winner of the 2023 RCNBF Vice Admiral Mark Norman Leadership Award, decided where to donate his $5,000 award prize, he was very thoughtful in his choices. He divided the funds between the Royal Canadian Legions 13 in Corner Brook Nfld and 161 in Gaetz Brook, NS – each of which had helped people he knew in the past. Michael also dedicated some of the money to Broadmead Care in Victoria, BC, to benefit veterans living at the Lodge.
Most of the Broadmead Care donation will be used to purchase two “spacer slings” for a Navy veteran resident to help them be safely transported in dignity and safety to and from a wheelchair. The remaining funds will go towards a legacy project to install murals, historical images, shadow boxes and other three-dimension items in the hallways, including a display case specific to Navy veterans, to create a cheery environment while celebrating the history and sacrifices made by residents.
On July 10, 2023, CPO2 Tibbetts met with the veterans at the Lodge during their biweekly Veteran Association Meeting. He brought some HMCS Corner Brook hats and badges and was even elected an honourary member! Bravo Zulu, CPO2 Tibbetts, for your continued leadership and community service, demonstrating exactly why you won the RCNBF Award! Thank you as well to Broadmead Care for sharing this meaningful experience.
