World Vision honours Canadian "Heroes for Children"
World Vision Canada awards recognise extraordinary Canadians for their passion to help the world's most vulnerable children
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 28, 2019 /CNW/ - Passionate Canadians who have worked to give children the opportunity for a full life wherever they live, were honoured at the annual World Vision Heroes for Children awards on January 27, 2019. The recipients have helped World Vision shape the world into a better place for the world's most vulnerable children.
"The Heroes for Children awards celebrate the incredible power of advocacy, vision and philanthropy," said Michael Messenger, President and CEO, World Vision Canada. "This year's awards recipients are dedicated to empowering children, families and their communities to overcome poverty and injustice. They are proof that together, we can make the world a better place for children."
The recipients of this year's Heroes for Children awards are:
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau – Voice of Children Award: Minister for International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau is known for opening the halls of power to young people. In June 2018, after listening to girls and at the urging of grassroots organisations such as World Vision, Bibeau championed education for girls in crises to Canada's G7 presidency, leading to a significant increase in financial and political commitments from the Canadian government and its partners.
Rodney Blyth – Courage Award: Rodney Blyth, a retired school teacher from Moncton, New Brunswick and a child sponsor for 40 years, walked 6000 km across Canada last year and raised more than $63,000 in funds for Raw Hope, World Vision's programme that supports children living in the world's most dangerous places.
Rob Charach and Linden Christian School – Ruth Roberts Award: Rob Charach, the principal of the Winnipeg-based Linden Christian School, has always advocated the potential for youth as the true agents of change. Rob and the school have partnered with World Vision for the past 13 years, raising more than $200,000 and impacting children and their communities around the globe.
Don Posterski – Dr. Ken McMillan Award: Author, speaker and thought leader Don Posterski helped change Canadian attitudes toward caring for the poor. Till his death in 2018, Don served as Director of Christian Commitments for the World Vision global partnership where he broadened the organisation's reach to Christian communities across denominations and around the world.
Robert and Francine Barrett – Power of Generosity Award: For the past 50 years, Robert and Francine Barrett and their family have supported business and skills education programmes in Canadian schools and, in 2016, looked beyond our borders. The Barretts and World Vision Canada launched the Jovenes Super Pilas or Youth Ready programme in El Salvador and Honduras, transforming lives of thousands of young people and empowering them with skills to build a better future for themselves.
Kevin Jenkins – Dr. Bob Pierce Humanitarian Award: As President and CEO of World Vision International since 2009, Kevin Jenkins has transformed how World Vision works globally through his faithful leadership, including the launch of Our Promise 2030, World Vision's new global strategy. In his role, Kevin has engaged at the highest level with leaders in humanitarian organisations, government and United Nations, and has provided deep perspective to some of the most significant issues affecting our sector.
Now in their fifth year, World Vision Canada's Heroes for Children awards have honoured over 30 Canadians who have made a difference in the lives of the world's most vulnerable children.
MORE INFO:
Detailed Bios & Photos of Recipients
www.worldvision.ca
About World Vision
World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organisation working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
For more information, visit www.worldvision.ca or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
SOURCE World Vision Canada
MEDIA CONTACT: Edward D'Mello, Public Relations Manager, Tel: 905-565-6200 ext. 3207; Mobile: 647-865-2803, [email protected]
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