Leaders in postsecondary education and healthcare were among those honoured by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC).
The MCC celebrated its 21st Annual Awards Gala Thursday night at the Ciociaro Club in Tecumseh. The MCC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
"The MCC takes so much pride in organizing an evening to thank those who make our community so wonderful and so welcoming. It really is a wonderful night," said MCC Executive Director Fred Francis. "On behalf of our board and the gala committee, we would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the partners, sponsors, and individuals who contributed to the success of this event. Each year, this is a labour of love, and seeing the final result, so many people enjoying themselves and honouring the award recipients, makes it all worthwhile."
St. Clair College President Patti France was the recipient of the 2023 Herb Gray Harmony Award, for outstanding work in contributing to a welcoming community. France was honoured for her efforts to make St. Clair College more inclusive and for promoting Windsor-Essex as a place where international students feel welcome.
Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare CEO Bill Marra, a former Windsor city councillor, was given the MCC Champion Award. Marra was honoured for over 40 years of community service. The award is given to a first-generation Canadian, as Marra emigrated to Canada with his parents from Switzerland when he was three years old.
Kobra Safi, who fled war-torn Afghanistan to come to Canada, was awarded the Kathleen Thomas Inspire Award, which goes to a newcomer to recognize optimism and perseverance. Safi was training to become a surgeon when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. She set up an emergency camp and risked her life to work in the media, providing accurate, unbiased information.
The theme of Thursday's gala was Havana Nights and featured a Cuban motif. Proceeds go to the MCC's programs and services.