Celebration of People Awards Presented to 13 Individuals and Organizations on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Ottawa, December 4, 2008 – The 8th annual Celebration of People Awards were presented Wednesday evening to 13 individuals and organizations that have made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities in the Ottawa community.

Held on December 3rd, the UN-designated International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the awards event honoured people with disabilities whose personal example of excellence and contributions are helping to bust barriers and to better enable all citizens to realize their full potential. The awards also recognized other individuals and organizations opening doors for those with disabilities, and promoting an inclusive and equitable society.

The awards were presented at the Hampton Conference Centre before an audience of close to 500 people. Participants included Rick Chiarelli, Ottawa’s Deputy Mayor and Honourary Co-Chair Dennis Jackson, Vice President, Ottawa and West Quebec District, Scotiabank. The other Honourary Co-Chair of Celebration of People is former Ottawa Mayor Jacquelin Holzman.

2008 Award Recipients
For 2008, a new award was launched, the Advocacy Award. It was presented to the late Agnes Wee and accepted by her son Robert. In future years, it will be known as the Advocacy Award in Memory of Agnes Wee.

Accessibility by Design Award
Supreme Court of Canada Modernization Project – Watson McEwan Architects

Artistic Excellence Award
Esther Reaffle

Career Award
André Demers

Citizenship Award in Memory of Cathy Kerr
Christine Murphy

Education Award
Judy El-Hakim

Employee Award
Madelyn Scanlan

Employer Award
Dana Douglas Inc.

Hospitality and Tourism Award
Ottawa Folk Festival

Sports Award
Kathleen Forestell

Volunteer Award
Samuel Fulton

Volunteer Opportunities Award
Good Day Workshop Programs Inc.

Youth Award
Alyse Benzvy Schacter


Media Contacts:
Kathie Lynas, Celebration of People
613-850-7859, klynas@rogers.com

Jennifer Forbes, Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa
613-761-9796 x.233, jforbes@citizenadvocacy.org