Sault Ste. Marie: Great Lakes Honda, in partnership with Bon Soo and the celebration of Black History Month Dinner is excited to announce this year’s winners of the 2017 Community Driven Awards.
The fourth annual Community Driven Awards was held in conjunction with the celebration of Black History Month dinner at the Machine Shop this past Saturday February 11, 2017. The sold-out dinner hosted a variety of amazing and inspiring performances as well as speakers. The cultural cuisine was absolutely delightful and was a highlight of the evening. The Community Driven Awards stands to recognize and award those who continually strive to make a difference in our community (of Sault Ste. Marie.)
It is our honour to present the following individuals and/or groups as recipients of the 2017 Community Driven Awards.
Community Group: Refugee 705
Refugee 705 is a Sault-based group of volunteers that actively work to make Sault Ste. Marie an inclusive and welcoming place for refugees. They work hard to make the community a more diverse and unified place for all. Refugee705 is a grassroots, locally-based and 100% volunteer-led nonprofit group.
Community Driver: Melissa Cutler
Melissa is truly deserving of this award; by openly sharing her story about her personal struggles with mental health and mental illness she inspires other people to get the help they truly need. Melissa has personally raised over $10,000 to support mental health in our community, as well as leading “Project SemiColon” locally. Thank you Melissa for your continued support in leading those who struggle daily with mental illness in our community.
Post-Secondary: Quinn Meawasige
Quinn is an Anishnaabe youth leader from Serpent River First Nation, a student currently in his second year of the Community Economic and Social Development Program at Algoma University. He contributes to the strength and diversity of Sault Ste. Marie through his strong sense of identity and culture, his contribution to the development of important topics such as; youth well-being, water protection and the continued commitment to collaboration with others who are also engaged in the goals of promoting healthy communities.
High School: Benn Fisher
Ben is involved in numerous community and school organizations, and was nominated twice this year. He is actively involved with his Student Council and other school groups, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Rotary Youth Programs, local theatre, a historical reenactor and is an Air Cadet. He is an individual with academic, musical, theatrical, oratorical and personal talents.
Thank you to all those who nominated an individual or group, we look forward to next year’s Community Driven Award.
