Man behind memorial to war dead is citizen of the year
The man behind a stirring memorial to fallen southern Alberta soldiers was honoured as Calgary ’s Citizen of the Year during a ceremony Wednesday night.
Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Murray McCann was honoured for his humanitarian efforts, which notably includes the Field of Crosses Memorial Project launched in 2009. The project honours southern Alberta soldiers who died in the line of duty by erecting thousands of white crosses along Memorial Drive from Nov. 1 to 11 each year.
“We can never forget the people that made a vow to keep us safe,” said McCann.
“I love this city,” McCann said as he accepted the award during the Calgary Awards ceremony, which recognizes the achievements and contributions of exceptional Calgarians for the proceeding year.
McCann also established the McCann Family Foundation, which he uses to fund several initiatives that have positive effects in Calgary and around the world.
Each year, 13 awards are presented to Calgarians in five categories. However, for the 2017 awards only 12 were given out, as there was no recipient for the environmental achievement award.
“These people give a bit of themselves to make this place great for everyone, every single day,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said during the ceremony.
This year’s recipient of the Grant MacEwan Lifetime Achievement award is Mary Rozsa de Coquet, who has helped shape Calgary’s arts community through collaborations with the University of Calgary and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Rozsa Foundation.
“I am tremendously proud of this city and all it stands for. Calgary should be known for the arts more,” she said.
Yuvraj Singh was honoured with the youth community achievement award because of his efforts founding the first high school Sikh Students Association in Alberta and starting the Langar Week Initiative, which has provided more than 2,000 high school students with free food.
A Sir Winston Churchill High School student, Singh founded the United Sikh Youth Calgary organization and co-runs the Eradicate Hunger Campaign, which combats poverty and homelessness in the city.
“I believe that empowering youth and youth engagement is a critical aspect as Calgarians and as active citizens. This defines our city,” Singh said as he accepted the award.
Calgary has been awarding its citizens since 1994, when the first Calgary Awards were given to outstanding individuals, community groups and organizations.