William Osler Health System has honoured longtime volunteer William “Bill” Stodolny with this year’s prestigious Kay Blair Community Service Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication, compassion, and meaningful service to patients, families, and the broader hospital community.
The award was presented last week during Osler’s annual Going Beyond Awards and Gala, a special celebration that recognizes outstanding staff, physicians, and volunteers who go above and beyond in supporting exceptional patient care across the health system.
Presented annually by Osler’s Board of Directors, the Kay Blair Community Service Award honours the legacy of the late Kay Blair, a respected community leader, passionate hospital champion, and former Chair of Osler’s Board of Directors, who passed away in 2016.
Kay Blair was widely admired for her deep commitment to community service, her ability to inspire others, and her belief that individuals working together can create stronger, healthier communities. The award recognizes people who carry forward her values of kindness, understanding, generosity, and dedication to improving the lives of others.
Since joining Osler as a volunteer in 2018, Bill Stodolny has made a lasting and heartfelt impact throughout the organization.
His journey as a volunteer was inspired by the compassionate care his late wife received during chemotherapy treatments at Brampton Civic Hospital. That personal experience moved him to give back to the hospital community and help improve the experience of other patients and families facing difficult health journeys.
Over the years, Bill has supported several departments across Osler, including Physiotherapy, Screening, and the Volunteer Office. His dependable presence, warm personality, and willingness to help wherever needed have made him a valued member of the hospital’s volunteer team.
Bill has also played an important role in strengthening community support for Osler by improving the visibility and accessibility of donation boxes across the health system, including within the Women and Children’s Program.
Beyond his regular volunteer duties, Bill has become known for bringing comfort and joy to patients during the holiday season. Each year, he dresses as an elf and delivers cards to patients spending the holidays in hospital, a simple but deeply meaningful gesture that reflects Osler’s commitment to people-centred care.
Pardeep Singh Gill, Chair of the Board of Directors at William Osler Health System, said Bill represents the very spirit of the award and the legacy it was created to honour.
“Bill represents the very spirit of compassion and service that defines Kay Blair’s legacy,” Gill said. “His compassion, generosity, and outstanding commitment to others embody the values of the Kay Blair Community Service Award, and his contributions continue to make a meaningful difference to patients, families, and our broader community.”
Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of William Osler Health System, also praised Bill’s service and described his story as a powerful example of the difference one person can make.
“Bill’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have,” Martino said. “Through his kindness and dedication, he strengthens Osler’s culture and helps support our Mission of innovative health care delivered with compassion.”
Bill’s recognition highlights the essential role volunteers play in supporting hospital care, strengthening patient experience, and building meaningful connections between health-care institutions and the communities they serve.
Through his service, compassion, and commitment, Bill Stodolny continues to reflect the values of Kay Blair’s legacy while helping make Osler a more welcoming and caring place for patients and families.