Robinson honoured for community work

By Beth Johnston
Ottawa Sun
Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Walter Robinson, a Sun columnist, broadcaster, business consultant and former federal and municipal public servant, was surprised with a United Way Community Builder Award yesterday.

"His degree of commitment to helping out this community has warped into lightning speed," said Karen Soloman, the United Way's co-chairwoman of volunteer recognition, during a presentation at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

"When it comes to contributing to his community, Walter consistently demonstrates leadership and commitment. He galvanizes people around important issues, and more importantly, he takes the necessary steps to get the job done."

Robinson, who was Mayor Larry O'Brien's first chief of staff and past federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, has been a committed volunteer for more than 15 years. He has spent the past eight years working on the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation's board of directors. Robinson has also served on the national advisory board of Fair Vote Canada, the Cumberland United Soccer Club and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund.

"I'm humbled," Robinson said.

"Today is a historic day south of the border, but today, for 15 people in our community today won't be inauguration day, it will be cancer diagnosis day.

"Just as (Obama) is a symbol of hope for a nation and our world, our foundation is a symbol of hope for cancer patients here in our region."