FERNANDA PONTES of Haven on The Queensway with flowers and Award of Merit for her dedicated work. On front page is volunteer Zai Batasar with Award of Merit winner Don Harrison Short. Photos by Tom Godfrey.
Some outstanding members of the community, including groups and agencies were honoured at the 22nd Annual Awards of Merit organized by LAMP Community Health Centre.
The late Marg Ciupa, a former LAMP employee, was remembered for her active role as a volunteer for a number of South Etobicoke organizations.
AWARD OF MERIT winner Phillip Cote with friend and (right) TTC bus mural painted by Cote.
About 300 area residents joined Toronto Police 22 Division officers, fire fighters of Station 435, on Eighth St., The Rovers, Pipes & Drums of the Toronto Scottish Regiment- Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother’s Own, Ukrainian dancers and many others for the May 22 event on the front lawn of LAMP at 185 Fifth Street.
There were tents lined with residents seeking food, taking part in a silent auction, health programs and other activities.
TTC bus with mural painted by award winner Phillip Cote. Courtesy photo.
Master of Ceremonies Alicia Markson and some of the organizers, Jasmin Dooh, who’s been active in LAMP for 40 years, and Zai Batasar are credited for doing an outstanding job.
“The community looks forward to this event every year,” said Keddone Dias, LAMP executive director. “The place is packed and everyone is having a great time.”
LAMP officials say they have not been able to host the popular event for two years due to the pandemic.
Award of Merit winner Tom Godfrey, publisher of the South Etobicoke News, is all smiles with his award. Photo by Susanna Basheir.
“It is a great event that brings the community together,” Dooh said. “They (winners) have gone the extra mile to make a difference and contribute to building a healthy community.”
The awards winners were selected based on their ‘goodwill and support to their neighbours during these difficult times.’
Awards of Merits were presented to realtor-webmaster Graham Rowlands, Sharon Muszynski, South Etobicoke News Publisher Tom Godfrey, Daniel Lauzon and Catherine Mayled of Food for Now.
Also accepting awards were law firm owner Margaret Cecilia McCarthy, Sandwich Sisters Pods, Neighbourhood Love, Timothy’s Pub, Fernanda Pontes, of Haven on The Queensway, travelling artscaper Don Harrison Short and well-known Indigenous artist Phillip Cote.
Cote, who has painted many Native murals in the community, now has a new mural rolling around the city on a sides of a TTC bus.
DANIEL LAUZON and Catherine Mayled of Food for Now. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
Other Awards of Merit winners include sales coordinator Leanne Gonacio, Lakeshore Affordable Housing, Advocacy& Action Group, The Daily Bread Food Bank, Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, The Gardens Lakeshore, Chef Jagger Gorden of Feed it Forward, Vaccine Engagement Team, Spin Me A Yarn, Vera Lyn Perdon of 6ixSewees 850 Degrees Pizzeria and Mohamad Fakih, CEO of Paramount Fine Foods.
MEMBERS OF THE Etobicoke Jazz Band had the crowds on their feet for the event. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
THE AREA kids had a blast playing with the Toronto Police horses. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
THESE RESIDENTS were collecting funds to help those homeless in need back at home in Ukraine.
Performances by The Scottish Regiment Pipers and the Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance were a highlight for many.
THE LAMP CHEFS and volunteers were working hard to feed the attendees. No one left hungry.
MEMBERS OF the Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance entertain the crowd. Photo by Susanna Basheir.