Robert's mother, Carolyn Swinson wrote on The Mother's Against Drunk Driver's website:

Rob was driving home after buying his girlfriend a Valentines gift when his car was hit by a 32-year-old woman who had had her drivers license for 10 days and was driving with a BAC two-and-a-half times the legal limit. He was killed instantly. She was acquitted on charges of impaired and impaired causing death. My son was given a life sentence.

Rob was 27 years old when he was killed and his future was taken from him. He was a happy and optimistic young man who could always make you feel good. He was an avid sportsman, he loved to snowboard and to ride his mountain bike. He owned a bicycle store, a dream he had had since high school. He gave a lot of himself to others. He did not deserve this tragic death.

NEWSRELEASE: MADD PRESIDENT IS RECOGNIZED BY TORONTO CITY COUNCIL

Carolyn Swinson accepts award on behalf of MADD Canada volunteers, her son and father

Carolyn Swinson, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is being recognized by Toronto City Council today as it presents this City’s Volunteers of the Year Awards. In a ceremony at City Hall Council Chamber, Mrs. Swinson will receive recognition for her outstanding volunteer contributions and activities.

Mrs. Swinson stated she will accept the award on behalf of all MADD Canada volunteers: "Our organization is a very special family, brought together by very unfortunate, personal tragedies and a concern for a safe community. Our volunteers are extremely committed to saving lives and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts. Together, we are making a difference."

Mrs. Swinson added: "I would also like to accept this award for my son Rob, and for my Father, and to thank them for giving me a strength I didn’t know I had."

Andrew Murie, National Executive Director praised Mrs. Swinson’s resolve. "In working with Carolyn for the past two years, I have never met anyone so courageous and so determined. Her attitude and work is a real inspiration."

"Carolyn has turned her personal tragedies into a personal goal of eliminating impaired driving from our roadways and to support victims of this preventable crime," Mr. Murie added.

Recipients of Toronto’s Volunteer of the Year Award were selected based on the criteria of length of service, commitment and volunteer activities. In the announcement of the 22 award recipients, Mayor Mel Lastman said, "Their dedication, enthusiasm, efforts and gift of time have made a real difference in many lives in our great City."

Prior to Mrs. Swinson’s two-year term as National President, she served MADD Canada as Toronto Chapter President. She has been an active member of MADD Canada in Toronto for years, since the death of her son, Robert.

Mrs. Swinson also was recently recognized with the Individual Achievement Award by the Ministry of Transportation for her leadership, dedication and creativity in the field of road user safety.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Carolyn Swinson:

MADD Canada National Office 1-800-665-MADD (6233) or visit the website at www.madd.ca Andrew Murie, National Executive Director