Nothing stops Tamara Gordon from rising to the occasion

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

“Just because you have an injury it does not mean the end of the world; there is hope.” ~ Marcia Gordon

The Tamara Gordon Foundation held its Sixth Annual Scholarship Award Ceremony on Saturday, September 21^st, 2019, from 5pm to 8pm at The Malvern Christian Assembly, 6705 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario.

This foundation is all about helping students with disabilities enrolled in degree programs at post-secondary institutions within Ontario, to succeed academically by assisting them with financial awards ranging from $750 to $3,000. These applicants will be considered based on their: academic skills, community service, references and the completion of an application that includes an essay on the role that they can play in enhancing the experience of physically disabled students at their university or college.

Some of the values of this foundation are:

• Encouraging individual achievement by providing support for persons with physical disabilities who demonstrate personal initiative, creative striving and a high standard of performance in their search to achieve their personal and career goals and personal development.

Affirming diversity by making sure that all people no matter their race, color, creed or class are treated equally without discrimination or prejudice.

Building and enhancing relationships by bringing together different individuals, community groups and organizations to pool their resources and expertise so as to maximize their efforts both individually and collectively.

Promoting excellence, compassion, and respect by promoting compassionate and respectful dialogue and understanding.

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper spoke extensively with the founder of this organization Tamara Gordon and her mom Mrs. Marcia Gordon who is also the Executive Director of the foundation.

Tamara told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper that it is her strong faith in God that has enabled her to do and accomplish so much and help others, “This foundation is my way of being a blessing to others and it is my passion. I just love seeing the smiles on the people’s faces, hearing their stories as well and remembering what I went through. Knowing that I can be a pillar of strength for them and help them achieve their goals just makes me feel great.”

Gordon who has a disability herself knows first- hand what it feels like to be in the shoes of those that she is helping. In 2002 Tammy was severely injured in a skiing accident that left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. This was a pivotal time for her and resulted in major changes in her lifestyle and a reassessment of her life goals, but the accident has never slowed her down. She graduated from College Street Secondary School with an overall average of 91%. She became an Ontario Scholar and went on to graduate in June 2009  from York University with a degree, in B.A.S. Spec. Hons. Administrative Studies, (General Management). With the distinction Cum Laude and recognized as a member of  the Dean’s Honour Roll, she is the recipient of over 60 academic scholarships and awards and most recently received a Diamond Jubilee Medal Award from His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales.

Besides being a Customer Experience Coordinator for Toronto Dominion Bank (TD) she has done extensive volunteer work. She is active in the community and participates in events, provides donations and gifts of various sorts, provides special services to assist youth, the disabled, and seniors.

Her mom Marcia Gordon, who has had over 16 surgeries herself, plays a vital role in all that she does and has been by her side through her very trying years. Gordon told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “It was very hard to watch her as she forgot everything because of her head injury and had to learn her ABC’s and how to count from one to three all over again.”

When asked what her vision for the foundation is for the next five -years Tamara told Toronto Carribean Newspaper, “I would love to see my foundation expand Canada-wide first, and eventually be a global movement.” Tamara and Marcia Gordon want everyone to look out for the foundation’s scholarship application that will be coming out in February – March; if you are eligible, fill them out, because the goal is to give everyone a chance. To learn more about this foundation go to http://tgfoundation.ca/foundation/