Thursday, March 5, 2009, Ottawa – Recipients of United Way Ottawa’s Community Builder Awards in 2008 were honoured today at the annual Community Builder Wall of Inspiration luncheon. Mayor Larry O’Brien joined United Way/Centraide staff and volunteers, as well as award recipients, to thank the individuals for their generous contributions to our community.
“Community Builder Awards and the Wall of Inspiration celebrate the outstanding volunteers who work so selflessly to help others and make this a better community for everyone,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way/Centraide. “All the people being honoured today are inspirations, and we hope that sharing their stories will motivate others to become community builders.”
Today’s event, which saw the formal addition of the 2008 recipient names to the wall, was hosted by United Way/Centraide’s volunteer recognition team, Michael O’Byrne, Karen Soloman and Suzanne Pinel. Located in Jean Pigott Hall, the Community Builder Wall of Inspiration is a permanent display that lists all individuals who have received United Way/Centraide Community Builder Awards. It is a reminder to residents and visitors alike of the enduring commitment that these individuals and organizations have made to Ottawa. This lasting tribute is made possible through the generosity of Scotiabank.
“The commitment and dedication these individuals display is truly uplifting,” said Dennis Jackson, District Vice-President, Scotiabank. “Our organization believes that everyone has the ability to make a real difference in the lives of others. Scotiabank is honoured to help pay tribute to them with the Community Builder Wall of Inspiration.”
Speaking at today’s event were two of the three 2008 Community Builder of the Year Award recipients: Lawrence Greenspon and Aliai Lual. In recognition of United Way/Centraide’s 75th anniversary, they, along with the late Evelyne Laishley, were named as Community Builders of the Year at the awards gala last May. Together, this trio represents the past, present and future of community building in Ottawa.
Included among those honoured today was Dolores Dufresne, a true friend of our community’s libraries. Dolores has led the Nepean Local Committee of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library and chaired the annual three-day Mammoth Book Sale, raising more than $57,800 for the organization. Mengistab Tsegaye was recognized for his dedication to helping newcomers successfully transition into a new Canadian life. Not only is he co-founder and executive director of LASI World Skills, he sits on numerous boards of organizations that help immigrants prosper and connect them to employment, education, health and community services. Maurice Pagé was another recipient of an award in 2008. He was recognized for his long-standing commitment to the francophone community in Ottawa, especially in Lowertown. He dedicated his time to making sure his community had a place to call home at Le Patro, a francophone community centre with a wide range of services for all ages. Maurice has been an invaluable supporter of the centre for more than 30 years.
United Way/Centraide’s 2009 Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2008. For more information on the Community Builder Award program and this year’s gala, please visit www.unitedwayottawa.ca.
About United Way Ottawa
United Way/Centraide Ottawa’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2008, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support more than 200 projects, programs and partnerships, in more than 100 community organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 or Cell: 613-294-8128
E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca