By Michelle Poirier
Merk Photography’s 13th annual Portraits of Giving recognized Beth Cowper-Fung as Georgina’s 2022 honouree during a reception held on July 27 at The Briars Resort & Spa in Jackson’s Point.
Cowper-Fung, director of the Georgina Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (GNPLC), received the award for her leadership throughout the pandemic, including organizing local COVID-19 testing and supporting the Town’s mass vaccine clinic.
“Beth Cowper-Fung has worked in Georgina as a nurse practitioner since January 2009 and is continually inspired by her patients to give back to the community and beyond,” said Councillor Mike Waddington, whose company CPG Aerospace sponsored the award.
“The appreciation goes both ways, and the thoughtful expression of thanks Beth regularly receives is a tremendous gift to her.”
Waddington pointed out that Cowper-Fung has a history of selfless service and giving back to the community. She served as a medic in the Canadian Army Reserve, worked during the SARS outbreak, opened the GNPLC in Jackson’s Point, and recently helped ship medical supplies to Ukraine.
“Understandably, the pandemic has been very difficult and busy for Beth and her team, from COVID testing in their parking lot, community centres and schools to running vaccine clinics and supporting mass vaccination centres, and treating patients with COVID. This, in addition to their ongoing primary care services,” he said.
“That said, one of Beth’s most memorable moments was setting up the local drive-thru COVID-19 testing day in July 2020. We are also grateful for her work with the Mayor, local EMS, the fire department, York Region Public Health, and the GNPLC team and board.”
Mayor Margaret Quirk also presented Cowper-Fung with a certificate from the Town, congratulating her for receiving the award.
“If we needed something, I could always count on Beth,” Mayor Quirk said.
“She is a good team player because she values this community and the community support we do.”
Cowper-Fung said while it was an honour to be recognized, it was important to acknowledge the contribution made by her colleagues.
“This award is not just for me; it’s for the teamwork that happens at the GNPLC,” she said.
“I’m accepting this on behalf of the Georgina Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic team and everyone who worked with us through the pandemic.”
The Portraits of Giving display, including the portrait of Cowper-Fung, has left Georgina and will be in Richmond Hill at the Lexus of Richmond Hill showroom until August 16.
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