2020 David Kelly Award – the Elliott-McKenzie family of Strathroy/Arkona, ON
It takes dedication and commitment to host an event that spreads hope for two decades, and the family of Katie Elliott and Nancy Mackenzie have done just that with the Hak/Elliott Golf Tournament.
Their longstanding commitment to their community and to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is being recognized this year with the David Kelly Award for Community Service.
The award is typically given to a single individual, but this year it is fitting that the entire family is recognized. Stephen and Marlene MacKenzie, and Donna Elliott have created generations of goodwill and service.
In 2000, the family lost young Katie to a brain tumour, and later Nancy to a heart attack. The family turned their grief into advocacy, holding a fundraising golf tournament that same year to support both Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Heart & Stroke.
It was the beginning of a relationship with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada that would become one of the longest for the organization. The tournament provided the family an opportunity to celebrate the lives of Katie and Nancy, to heal, and to remember.
Over the 20 years the family has supported Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, they have raised more than $40,000 for the organization, in addition to raising awareness of brain tumours and their devastating effects. It is one of the longest-running events supporting Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, and because of the family’s commitment to education and awareness, this small-but-mighty tournament has earned them national recognition.
The event was started by Nancy’s parents, Marlene and Donald, and siblings Donna (Katie’s mother), and Stephen. Over the years they have built the Hak/Elliott tournament into a true family affair. While Donald passed in 2016, new generation of family members are taking up the cause.
The family has inspired and involved community members with the tournament throughout the years, creating a tribute and a gathering place that spans generations.
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is proud to award the family of Katie Elliott and Nancy McKenzie with the David Kelly Award for Community Service, and thank them so much for the support they have given over the past 20 years.
The family will be accepting their award virtually this year, as Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada’s volunteer recognition award ceremony moved online due to the pandemic. The ceremony takes place Friday, November 20.
The David Kelly Award for Community Service is a national award given to those volunteers who exemplify the spirit of community service in support of the brain tumour community in Canada.