Six community leaders were recently honoured by Caron Bermuda for their community activism and leadership in fighting the battle against addiction.

The charity held its second annual community service awards breakfast last week.

Close to 200 people came together to support the award recipients whose efforts supported the mission of Caron Bermuda, which is providing treatment options to persons battling addiction.

"This is such an important event in our community, which demonstrates how much Caron Bermuda appreciates these compassionate individuals who show us that it is possible to make a difference in the lives of those who struggle with the disease of addiction," said Gita Blakeney-Saltus, regional vice-president of Caron Bermuda.

"They also provide hope and proof that it takes a community working together to tackle many of the challenges and issues that we face today."

Terret (Terry) West, president of Windward Management; Frederika Smith of Bermuda Youth Counselling Services; Nancy Duppereault of The Duperreault Fellowship and MarketPlace human resource director Albertha Waite were honoured.

Cindy Smith, Whitney Institute school counsellor and president of the Bermuda Counsellor's Association, Lionel Cann of the Salvation Army, Beulah Tabernacle pastor and president of the West End Ministerial Alliance Stephen Jones, and Caron alumnus Alecia Smith were also praised for their efforts.

The group was recognised for the impact of their contributions throughout the year, Mrs Blakeney-Saltus said.

"Mr West was recognised for his strategic vision in the development of Caron Bermuda," she said.

"His contributions to Caron Bermuda have truly laid the strong foundation that we now build upon."

The Caron Assan Addiction Professional Award went to Ms Smith.

"As a counsellor with the Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, she is certified in addiction counselling, and in addition is recognised for her unconditional positive regard for clients and colleagues.

"She was instrumental in the accreditation process of the Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, and is deemed to be a true 'inspiration' to her profession," Mrs Blakeney-Saltus said.

The Community Leadership Award was presented to Nancy Dupperreault on behalf of work done by the Dupperreault Fellowship.

A healthcare administrative and clinical leadership programme, it is designed to provide sponsorship funding for individuals working in Bermuda's alcohol and drug prevention and treatment services.

"It was created through a generous personal gift from the Duperreault family, and in turn matched by the ACE Foundation. The Duperreault Fellowship has provided 16 fellowship awards since 2006.

"Through the Duperreault Fellowship's commitment and investment of educational resources they are playing a pivotal role in effectively preparing our healthcare community to provide treatment for the illness of addiction."

Mrs Waite accepted the Human Services Award.

"She was acknowledged as a human resource professional that makes it her personal priority to provide employees with the assistance that they may need in areas of substance abuse and in other circumstances where they are challenged," Mrs Blakeney-Saltus said.

"Never seeking acknowledgement in these efforts, she is steadfast, compassionate and committed to the overall betterment of her community."

Ms Smith received the Educational Excellence Award.

Said Mrs Blakeney-Saltus: "She has a reputation of going over and beyond her duty in all the capacities that she serves.

"Highly respected in her field, she is progressive and spiritual in her approach to dealing with our young people providing preventive programmes and education in an effort to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

"Ms Smith has a desire to see our Bermuda decrease in the number of alcohol and substance abuse use, and she works on the side of prevention through identifying high risk students and providing them with the services that will tool them in maintaining an alcohol and drug free life."

The Unsung Hero Award went to Mr Cann for his personal commitment to volunteering his services to aid to those in need.

"He organises the Salvation's Army soup run in the city of Hamilton and six nights a week he can found in a van with a team of volunteers delivering meals to the less fortunate," explained Mrs Blakeney-Saltus. "Lionel is known not just as a provider of nourishment, but he is also a source of understanding, someone who takes time to listen and talk to those who have fallen on difficult times and in the midst of their addiction.

"He has been described by many as an extraordinary man who consistently gives of himself to help his fellow man."

Pastor Jones was given the Spirituality Award as he has been a constant source of support and encouragement to those struggling with addiction.

"Devoted and unwavering, he has overcome many obstacles. As a result of this dedication and determination Pastor Jones has been able to liaise with local and overseas organisations to find faith based treatment options and is viewed as a true pillar in his church community and beyond."

Lastly the Alumni Award went to Alecia Smith.

"She is a Caron alumnus who has shown a commitment to the ongoing recovery process," said Mrs Blakeney-Saltus. "She is a dedicated, mother, wife, daughter, who has embraced the teachings of recovery and her spiritual journey.

"Described as a 'gentle spirit', those whom have worked with Alecia and her family have embraced the opportunity to share in her journey of 'recovery for life'."

The event took place at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on November 8.