Each year, our Family Day giveaway brings hope and life-changing hearing care to deserving members of our community.  

Thanks to heartfelt nominations from family, friends and neighbours, we are honoured to share the stories of this year’s winners from each of our different locations.  

Narrowing it down to just one winner per location was tough, but this year’s winners are perfect examples of the type of people deserving of hearing healthcare to help them reconnect with the loved ones who thoughtfully nominated them. 

With generous support from Starkey Canada and Bernafon Canada, and all services provided at no cost by our professional team, these individuals had their hearing assessed and new devices fitted at zero cost, opening new doors to connection, confidence and joy. 

The Heart Behind the Family Day Giveaway 

Hearing loss can be isolating, affecting relationships, employment and daily life. Our Family Day giveaway was created to help deserving individuals at each of our clinics receive personalized hearing healthcare, completely free of charge.  

Winners are chosen from community nominations, each story reflecting resilience, compassion and the power of support. This year, we are thrilled to recognize the following individuals and share the reasons they were chosen. 

Elmira’s Winner Is Wanda Shafer! 

Wanda Shafer’s story is one of quiet perseverance: living on a fixed income, Wanda found herself increasingly unable to participate in family gatherings and community activities due to hearing loss and tinnitus.  

Her nominator shared how Wanda’s financial situation made hearing aids unattainable, yet her desire to remain connected with loved ones never wavered.  

Thanks to the Family Day giveaway, Wanda’s personalized hearing devices have restored her ability to join conversations and fully engage in the life she cherishes. 

Betty Papazotos Is Our Guelph Winner! 

For Betty, worsening hearing loss had become a daily struggle, leading to frustration for both her and her family. Communication had grown increasingly challenging, often leaving Betty feeling left out during important moments.  

Her nominators, Kosta Dogantzis & Srecko Hrvacevic, recognized how updated hearing support could transform her ability to engage and connect.  

With her new hearing aids and our partnership in her continued hearing health, Betty is experiencing a renewed sense of confidence and ease in conversations, making every interaction with family and friends more meaningful. 

For Kitchener – Frederick Mall, Sarah O’Driscoll Wins! 

Sarah O’Driscoll, a dedicated young mother and hardworking professional, was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss. Her journey has been marked by determination to continue thriving at work and at home, despite the barriers her hearing challenges presented.  

Nominated by Shane O’Driscoll, Sarah’s story highlights the impact of hearing health on every aspect of life. Thanks to her new hearing devices partnered with professional support, Sarah is empowered to participate fully in her children’s lives and continue her professional journey without limits. 

Aniko Olah Is Our Kitchener – Greenbrook Drive Winner! 

Aniko has spent years helping others as a valued member of an optometry practice. However, her outdated and unreliable hearing aids made communication at work increasingly difficult.  

Aniko was nominated by Sarah F., who referenced her commitment to her patients and how her positive attitude stood out. With the latest hearing aid technology, Aniko can now confidently serve her community and enjoy clearer, more comfortable interactions both at work and beyond. 

New Hamburg’s Winner Is Patricia Desjardine! 

Patricia’s life has been defined by service to others, from missionary work to countless hours of volunteering. Despite her need for hearing support, Patricia always prioritized helping those around her and would never consider spending money on herself.  

Her family’s nominations reflected deep admiration for her selflessness. Winning our Family Day giveaway has given Patricia the gift of better hearing, allowing her to continue her legacy of caring for others with renewed energy and connection. 

Annette Rom Is Our Simcoe Winner! 

Annette Rom has relied on hearing aids for most of her life, using them to stay connected to the world around her. Unfortunately, she could no longer afford the repairs her old devices needed or the expense of new ones.  

Her family and friends nominated her, sharing how much Annette’s ability to hear means to her daily life. Thanks to a comprehensive hearing assessment and new hearing devices, Annette is rediscovering the simple joys of conversation and the comfort of clear sound. 

For Waterloo, Bob Doede Is Our Winner! 

Bob was nominated by his father-in-law Erv Demko, who recognized Bob’s need for hearing support as a deserving family member.  

The gift of hearing care means Bob can now enjoy more fulfilling interactions with his loved ones and community, enhancing every aspect of his daily life. 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

This year’s Family Day giveaway was made possible by the generosity of Starkey Canada and Bernafon Canada, who provided state-of-the-art hearing aids for each winner.  

Arnold Hearing Centres is proud to have delivered all services to the winners, ensuring that every recipient receives ongoing support and personalized care. 

To everyone who took the time to nominate a loved one, thank you for helping us celebrate the spirit of Family Day, where community, compassion and connection truly shine. 

Are you or someone you know in need of hearing care? Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you reconnect with the sounds that matter most!