KCA Celebrates and Honours The Seniors at a Colorful Event
Toronto, Canada – September 18, 2021
Kenyan Canadian Association - KCA held its inaugural Seniors Celebration Day on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in North York, Ontario.
The event also featured the Senior of the Year Award to honour seniors, 65 years and above, that have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to enrich the social, economic and cultural life in the community. The recipients of the award must have made the commitment to service without thought of personal or financial gain.
Six seniors were awarded in five categories including; Raphael Fernandes who is the KCA Board Chair/Sports & Recreation and former Kenyan Olympian for Community Leadership Award; Dr. Jacobet Edith Wambayi from Uzima Women Relief Group International for Humanitarian & Community Service Award; Pastor Eunice Magira-Hawkins from Glory Community Church for Spiritual & Community Support Award; Amina Rishard Omar for Outstanding Newcomer Award; Ligia Van Rosi and Jimmy Van Rosi from the Van Rosi Duo for Arts, Music & Cultural Preservation Award.
KCA Board officials at the event included Ephraim Mwaura – President & Executive Director, Catherine Matimu – Board Secretary/ Newcomers & Settlement, Fatma Nadhir – Social Economic Empowerment and Terry Ortlieb – Seniors Outreach. KCA Secretariat was represented by Miriam Mackenzie – Gender Equality Officer.
In his speech, KCA President noted there is more informed recognition of the important contribution that seniors make to their families, communities and the country.
He said that redirecting attention to health promotion and disease prevention is required in order to enable our elders maintain optimal health and quality of life.
Ephraim also pointed out some of the barriers and inequities that will need to be addressed through KCA Seniors Outreach Program initiatives.
He encouraged seniors across the country to come out and register on the KCA website at www.kcacanada.org/seniors to facilitate seniors outreach program planning for services that will help address the social economic issues facing them.
It is fact that the number of seniors in the community is rapidly growing.
Winners of the 2021 KCA Senior of the Year Award
(From Left to Right) Winners by Award Categories:
- Community Leadership - Raphael Fernandes, OLY
- Outstanding Newcomer - Amina Rishard Omar
- Spiritual & Community Support - Eunice Magira-Hawkins
- Humanitarian & Community Service - Dr. Jacobet Edith Wambayi, PhD
- Arts, Music & Cultural Preservation - Ligia Van Rosi & Jimmy Van Rosi
