by Vive Akugha
Tuesday 5 October, 2021
Numerous Canadians were honoured with the prestigious Community Builder award, during the virtual “This is community” event, organized by United Way East Ontario, to honour the generosity, care and contributions of fellow Canadians to the community. The event was hosted by Stefan Keyes and Suzanne Pinel, with special guest appearances by Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
The recipients of 2021’s Community Builder awards were: Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa Public Health; Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Renfrew County and District Health Unit; and Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health, Eastern Ontario Health Unit. The awards were made to the Medical Officers of Health and their tesms, as a recogintion of their ongoing efforts in the pursuit of social justice in public health and a safer, stronger community.
In addition, 22 exceptional people were recognized for their services to the community:
Claire Marshall, Mashooda Syed, Sergiana Freitas, Mante Molepo, Rose Leblanc, Mary Gusella, Ali Arbeau, Avery and Rowan Parkinson, Blanche Mirault, Charity Bartlett, Davy Sabourin, Isobel Boyd, Kara Eusebio, Kayla and Jenna Spagnoli, Kim Hyslop, Osmel Guerra Maynes, Pearly Pouponneau, Dr. Raynold Alorse, Apartment 613, and Allison Brown.
Also, there was a surprise recognition of 100 people and organizations that were members of the Covid-19 Community Response Table, which provided vulnerable families and individuals with necessities such as food, and masks during the pandemic..
Michael Allen, President of United Way East Ontario, shared his joy and congratulated the award winners for their contributions. The recipients received plaques and will have their names inscribed on one of the four Walls of Inspiration in the region.
This was a wonderful event to congratulate greatness in such a positive space and many of the attendees got to clap for the honorees with unmuted microphones.
The Community Builder award program is open to anyone residing in Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Lanark County and Renfrew County, with nominations available year-round through the United Way East Ontario website.
About United Way East Ontario
We love where we live. It’s this local love that fuels our efforts to tackle even the toughest social issues. It’s what compels us to find lasting solutions to the complex challenges that make life difficult for our communities’ most vulnerable people. Our mission is to bring people and resources together to build strong, healthy, safe communities for all.
Contact: Web: https://www.unitedwayeo.ca/; Phone: 613- 228-6700; Email: [email protected]
Vive Akugha is a student in the Bachelor of Arts degree program at the University of Ottawa, majoring in Communications. She writes on social issues, well-being and out of curiosity. Her major platform for writing is on Medium.com as @veevehhswritings. As a follower on there, you can sign up for her email list to be up-to-date on her posts. She is @Veevehhwrites on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to share your opinions with her as she is with you.