The National Board of Directors of The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada presented the fourth annual "Laura Cole Volunteer of the Year" Award to Staff Sargeant Pat Lowell of Ottawa.

Pat has a rich history with The Children’s Wish Foundation that started when he was a young bachelor and Ottawa police constable. In 1985 while at a law enforcement convention in Toronto, Pat had the opportunity to hear a volunteer from The Children’s Wish Foundation as a guest speaker.

Whatever was shared during that speech touched something deep within him. Returning to Ottawa, Pat knew there had to be some way to help children in Ottawa realize their once in a lifetime wish. In 1986 Pat and his committee staged a concert that was attended by over 1,700 people and raised $43,000. Pat was immediately invited to establish the National Capital Region Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation and history was made.

Pat has since helped organize numerous events for the National Capital Region Chapter including: "Kiss the Cod" in 2004 and the 20th anniversary gala dinner and dance that raised more than $60,000.

Twenty years and more than 800 wishes later, Pat remains very involved and more passionate than ever. He has been an active board member for many years, spearheading the annual Wishnic and nurturing countless third party events.

Pat’s generosity and passion have been welcome additions to The Children’s Wish Foundation team for more than 20 years and his commitment has truly made a difference in the lives of hundreds of wish children.