Community champions earn Canada 150 awards

Canada 150 Community Service Awards were presented last Friday to 20 individuals for their “dedication and positive impact” in the federal riding of Pierrefonds-Dollard. Frank Baylis, Liberal MP for Pierrefonds-Dollard, announced the winners, who received a lapel pin made of the copper originally used on the roof of the Canadian Parliament. Individual laureate winners include Corey Fleischer, Asmick Jean Jacques, Claudine Campeau, Annick Kanku Kapuku, Subhash Khanna, Lynne Pronman, Ginger Petty, Veronica Lopez, Asha Pathak, Jian Liu, Samer Majzoub, Surinder Singh Bains, Kim Reid, Ed Janiszewski, Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Zeitz, Sergio Arione, Robert Samoszewski, Jay Bradbury, Al Short and Otis Grant. Ten local organizations were also honoured for their community work. Laureates went to the following organizations:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island: International Cup Kids Playing for Kids:

Since 1975, the non-profit organization has provided “life changing relationships to children who are struggling with serious challenges such as bullying, low self-esteem and isolation. Founded in 2006, the soccer tournament aims to provide young players and local recreational clubs with the chance to experience a major international tournament locally, based on

FIFA protocols. Nova West Island:

NOVA is a nonprofit organization that delivers health care for vulnerable adults, youth and families within 16 municipalities in Montreal. Last year, NOVA cared for more than 1,300 people on the West Island.

Roxboro branch of the Royal Canadian Legion:

The Roxboro Canadian Legion provides services and support to local veterans, seniors, and youth programs. The legion also raises funds, and does volunteering to help those in need in the community.

Volunteer West Island:

Since 1967, the non-profit organization has offered a unique mix of programs and services to people of all ages. The organization is dedicated to supporting the needs of volunteers as well as community groups that require volunteer help.

West Island Community Shares:

WICS is a fundraising organization that supports 41 local community groups. Since 1998, WICS has raised and distributed more than $13 million to local community groups.

West Island Women’s Shelter:

Since 1979, the West Island Women’s Shelter has offered a free, confidential and safe haven to women and their children who are victims of conjugal violence.

West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped:

WIAIH is a non-profit organization that works to increase opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism.

Coopérative d’habitation Village Cloverdale:

The Cloverdale Village co-op is one of the biggest in Canada.

Action Jeunesse de l’Ouest de l’Ile:

AJOI is an outreach program which aims to improve the quality of life for people aged 12 to 25 years. Outreach workers patrol the streets, parks, green spaces and other public areas to meet and build links with the youth. An external organizational laureate was presented to Brad Anderson, on behalf of Rapid Relief Team. The organization earned honorary status in the Pierrefonds-Dollard community for its efforts during the 2017 spring floods. Their 120-person sandbagging operation produced a total of 20,000 sandbags.