In 2017 Horizon Health Network launched the Community Health Recognition Awards (CHRA). Since then, 28 organizations and individuals have each received $500, a plaque and special recognition for their work in the community.

Submissions are being accepted for this year's CHRA until Feb. 14.

Not sure how your organization can benefit? To inspire you, we checked in with two of our winners, the Eel Ground Health and Wellness Centre and Coverdale Centre for Women to find out how they used their $500 prizes.

Eel Ground Health and Wellness Centre, Natoaganeg First Nation

In 2018, the health and wellness centre won in the Seniors Wellness category.

Anne Marie Larry, director of the Eel Ground Health and Wellness Centre, said they invested their $500 to send Natoaganeg elders to the annual pilgrimage to Sainte Anne Du Beaupré, 35 kilometers north-east of Quebec City, Que.

The centre even sponsored a taco sale, and raised an additional $667.

"Our elders usually hold fundraising bingos, sell squares and ask for donations," Anne Marie said. "They were very happy as they did not have to work as hard this year to fundraise the money needed so it gave them a bit of a break."

She said the elders were so appreciative because many are on fixed incomes and would not be able to attend, were not for the fundraising efforts.

"The money raised and donated goes to pay for the motor coach and their rooms," Anne Marie said. "They go every year during the second last weekend in June, as that is when other First Nations in Atlantic Canada converge for prayer and solace."

Everyone looks forward to this this trip as elders get to see their friends from other First Nations, especially those from Nova Scotia.

"This helps with social isolation, especially for our elders who live alone," Anne Marie said.

Coverdale Centre for Women, Saint John

The centre won in 2018 in the Food Security category.

Mary Saulnier-Taylor, executive director of the Coverdale Centre for Women, said they invested the $500 from the CHRA into their Souperb Program, which is a lunch and learn for women.

"They're taught skills for the kitchen such as hygiene, food safety and handling, learning how to read and follow recipes, and preparing meals," Mary said. "It addresses the lack of nutritious meals that our women often face because they don't have the skills or never had the opportunity to learn how to prepare affordable healthy meals."

Mary said clients are appreciative of the programs offered and any program that has to do with cooking is one of the most enjoyable and well-attended programs.

"Women engage with each other and then sit down to enjoy the fruits of their labour," Mary said. "Leftovers are taken home to share with their family members."

What can you do?

Could $500 benefit your organization? Do you know an organization that could use a $500 boost?

A total of 15 awards are up for grabs. Click here to learn more.  

Learn more about our 2018 CHRA recipients in this video and our 2017 CHRA recipients here.