Last Thursday, June 21, at St. Mary’s Boat Club, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia held it’s Annual General Meeting which included the presentation of the 3rd Annual Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia Awards!
The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia Awards recognize an individual, a community group, and business/employer, who have demonstrated exceptional and innovative efforts in welcoming immigrants to Nova Scotia and in assisting them to successfully integrate into the community.
This year’s recipients are:
Individual Award
Winniefred Kwak is the recipient of the Mohamed Hashish Award. Winniefred joined Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia as a Community Connections volunteer in 2008 and has been actively matched with 7 Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia clients. Winniefred is one of the first 55+ volunteers to be active in the development of seniors support activities. As a retired Halifax Regional School Board teacher, she has worked closely with program coordinators offering invaluable insight on program development.
This award is dedicated to the memory of Mohamed Hashish, who worked as the Financial Comptroller of Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia for many years and died in 2011. Mohamed, an immigrant from Egypt and leader in his community, was dedicated to the work of supporting new immigrants to settle in the communities of Nova Scotia, a province that he loved so much.
Community Award
Killam Properties is the recipient of the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia Community Group Award. Killam is recognized for their enthusiastic support of Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia programs and services over the past 5 years. Killam Properties provides safe and affordable housing and has housed over 300 Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia clients. The award was presented to Michael Kabalan, a Property Manager in Clayton Park, (who was joined by many staff!) who initiated collaboration with Metro Housing and submitted several apartments for the Subsidized Rent Program.
Business/Employer Award
Scotia Bank is the recipient of the Dick Smyth Award. The Award was presented to Bruce Smith, Senior Manager of Staffing and Planning, Human Resources. Scotia Bank provides informational interviews for Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia clients and has hosted 19 work placements. Bruce Smith’s positive “can do” attitude is the driving force behind Scotia Bank’s involvement with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia.
This award is dedicated to the memory of David Richard Smyth, who was employed as Vice President, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Nova Scotia Division until his death in 2005. Dick was passionate about immigration and played an instrumental role in advancing the issue of immigration in Nova Scotia. From 1990 -1995, Dick served on the Board of Directors for MISA and was a mentor for many immigrant entrepreneurs, clients and staff.
Congratulations to all recipients!
Please check out the gallery below from our Annual General Meeting.
