Quick Escape 
We are proud to announce the winner of our 2022 – 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner, Lorraine Kearsey-Carter!
A CMHA – Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor and President of Rubicon Safety Inc., Lorraine is a committed volunteer and the impact of her advocacy and dedication can be felt at YWCA Hamilton and within our community.
When asked about how she felt about receiving the award, she humbly added, “I haven’t wrapped my head around it, I did not think my volunteering would have such an impact or that I would be receiving an award for it. But, it is an honor – the YWCA is doing great things in supporting women and gender-diverse people and I wanted to help in whatever way I could.”
Lorraine has been involved with YWCA Hamilton as a volunteer in different capacities over the years – as a judge for our Women of Distinction Awards, a member of our Philanthropy committee, private fundraising, and a team sponsor for Walk a Mile in Their Shoes. “The thing I appreciate about YWCA Hamilton is that when you raise a dollar, it can go towards multiple needs like helping people with disabilities find accessible housing, providing shelter for a women and child fleeing from violence, serving a warm meal to unhoused folks, or building community for Two-Spirit LGBTQIA+ youth,” she remarked.
“She is a connector and a bridge builder and is constantly thinking about ways to bring others into YWCA Hamilton’s mission. Her strengths in relationship building and connecting has led to new sponsorships, community partnerships and donations to support our life-changing and life-saving services”, adds Sarah Ernest, Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications at YWCA Hamilton. Sarah also shares,” I am privileged to work alongside Lorraine to raise the funds and awareness required to help power YWCA Hamilton’s mission. She is one of the fiercest, most caring and hardest working women I have met and she tirelessly advocates for those we serve. I cannot think of an individual more deserving of YWCA Hamilton’s Volunteer of the Year Award than Lorraine Kearsey-Carter.”
Through her philanthropic endeavors, Lorraine has raised thousands of dollars to help women and gender-diverse people who have been impacted by violence. She has also been involved in raising funds for our transitional living program to help women and non-binary individuals find shelter and resources while fleeing from violence.
“When I toured the Putman building for the first time, I was amazed at the facilities available to the residents of the building. It jump-started my involvement with YWCA Hamilton. I thought to myself, if I can help them (YWCA Hamilton) in raising funds, maybe they can build more facilities like this to help more women and children with stable housing” she added.
Lorraine shares that she grew up in an unstable house with an abusive father and that she came out to the other side of the situation. “I know what uncertainty is, I think it is my responsibility to help because many people, over the course, helped my mother and I as we were leaving violence and starting our lives. I have to pay it forward…it is all about giving back” she shared.
“I am very grateful to receive this award, however, connecting people with services and expanding help with the community is equally important to me and I am glad I am able to help facilitate that” she added.
Thank you so much for your dedication, commitment, advocacy, and for all the you do, Lorraine! Congratulations!