LONDON, ONTARIO – Each year the Pillar Community Innovation Awards provides opportunities for both celebration and reflection as we honour individuals, organizations and enterprises investing in positive community impact in our region. We celebrate by gathering together in community, enjoying the work of local artists and amplifying the work of those who are shifting systems. We reflect on the issues and causes our finalists work to support and how we can all contribute to building a better future for our community.
The virtual 15th Annual Pillar Community Innovation Awards celebration began again with local award-winning DJ, host and community organizer, Zahra Habib encouraging attendees to unite through dance and music. Community Leader, Samantha Whiteye then guided the audience through a land welcoming and accountability statement calling all to consider our obligations to the first peoples and to the land we inhabit set to her striking nature photography. Throughout the evening, local singer Travae Williams joined the program to share uplifting songs of change, perseverance and hope.
This year, the twelve stories of our finalists highlight both the systemic inequities present in our region and the incredible work being done in the areas of Innovation, Leadership, Impact and Collaboration to shift broken systems. Food insecurity, community support and wellness, equity and inclusion, access to health care, anti-human trafficking, and support of equity seeking communities are just a few of the areas where our 2021 finalists are facilitating transformation.
“In responding to urgent needs, these finalists have prioritized the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable and historically marginalized in our communities. They have prioritized belonging, justice and dignity for all,” reflected Mojdeh Cox, Executive Director of Pillar Nonprofit Network. “They are doing the work of transformation. They have a vision of a future they wish to live in and put that vision into action in real-time.”
In its 15th year, the Pillar Community Innovation Awards continues to demonstrate what is possible when dedicated and visionary individuals prioritize the needs of those often overlooked and underserved in our community. Selected by a group of community volunteers, Pillar Nonprofit Network has the honour of announcing and presenting the 2021 Pillar Community Innovation Awards to the following award recipients:
Community Innovation: London Muslim Mosque Community Support Program
Community Leadership: Leroy Hibbert
Community Impact: Elyssa Rose, Okaadenige Program, Atlohsa Family Healing Services
Community Collaboration: Health Outreach Mobile Engagement (H.O.M.E)
Community Choice: Jyoti Vaidya
To learn more about each of the finalists click here.
Thank you to our Platinum sponsor for the event, Libro Credit Union, and to our Award sponsors 3M, Rogers TV, Canada Life and FM96/AM980/Fresh103.1/Country104.
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About Pillar Nonprofit Network:
Pillar Nonprofit Network strengthens individuals, organizations and enterprises invested in positive community impact. We support nonprofits, social enterprises and social innovators by sharing resources, exchanging knowledge and creating meaningful connections across the three pillars of nonprofit, business and government. We believe that a connected network sparks collaboration and a willingness to lean on each other to help build an engaged, inclusive and vibrant community.
Media Contact:
Maria Luisa Contursi, Pillar Nonprofit Network
201 King St. London, ON N6A 1C9
Tel: T: 519-657-6018