Howard Sokolowski Award: 2021 Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic

Helping the Community

Giving back and helping where you can has always been a part of the VanDusen core values. Undoubtedly, connecting with our community and exploring new ways to improve is a consistent goal that drives our business forward.

Our very own Jim VanDusen consistently sets an example of being a supporting and caring member of the Ajax and Pickering community. This year, we are very proud to celebrate Jim’s efforts and contributions to various charities throughout the area. At the 2021 Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic, the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation presented Jim with the Howard Sokolowski Award for his efforts and generosity.

Jim strives to participate and aid in meaningful causes and events. The Mayors’ Charity Golf Classic for example, among others, is one that he looks forward to with passion! The great cause, wonderful people, and the sense of belonging are certainly always in attendance at these events.

As a part of the fun, Jim donates a car each year. The sales from the lottery tickets are donated to the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation. However, The car is not his only contribution. Jim also is a current member of the Board of Directors for the foundation and consistently looks for new ways to help. In addition, Jim was a past member of The Shoulder Centre campaign cabinet.

When the pandemic hit, Jim knew the community would need aid in more than one way. He knew that many would be working hard and dedicating incredible efforts to helping the health and safety of citizens who were, and have been, affected by Covid-19. So, he acted fast and proudly began the Lawn Side campaign to show his support to the Ajax Pickering Hospital staff.

Acknowledgment from Rod Phillips in Queens Park

While giving a speech during a Ontario Legislative Assembly at Queen’s Park in Toronto, Rod Phillips acknowledged Jim for his efforts,

“I’d like to talk about a couple of those in my community. One was a dear friend of mine, an Ajax business owner, Jim VanDusen. He owns one of the local car dealerships. He started a community sign program where he funded signs supporting our front-line health care heroes. He’s also on the board of our local Ajax Pickering Hospital, and we spent many hours collectively driving around to celebrate our health care heroes and honking our horns in celebration of the work that was being done by those in our community." – Rod Phillips

These staff members should pride themselves on their extraordinary job at doing what they can to help their community. Therefore, Jim did what he could by donating coffee & treats alongside organizing contributions of PPE for those who needed it most.

Everyone at VanDusen’s is proud of Jim’s continuous and eager direction towards making the community a better place. We look to him as an example of hard work and positivity.

Congratulations again to Jim VanDusen for winning the Howard Sokolowski Award. The award is presented by the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation Chair, Vic Sgro, at the Mayors’ Charity Golf Classic. We are all looking forward to the next event!