We’re pleased to launch the Community Builders column on Apartment 613 to share the stories of every Community Builder recognized by United Way Ottawa.
In this column, you’ll see the stories of every day Ottawans who take the time to extend a helping hand, break down stereotypes and barriers, and those who push for a better city by showing us the true meaning of compassion for others.
Do you know someone who deserves a Community Builder award? You can nominate them.
Rawlson King is a community leader and advocate in the Overbrook neighbourhood and the latest Community Builder Award recipient. He was surprised with an award on Saturday, April 21 at the Overbrook Community Centre during their pancake breakfast by presenter Stefan Keyes.
Rawlson is president of the Overbrook Community Association, and led the organization when it organized and fundraised a successful community musical project last year that brought together 60 cast members and more than 120 volunteers to entertain nearly 800 people. Learnings from this project will be used to help other high-need neighbourhoods stage community musicals across Ontario to help strengthen social cohesion.
We wanted to let all these unsung heroes know how much we and the community appreciates them, so we started the Community Builder Awards program in 2000. Every year, we recognize (with a surprise visit from our Recognition Team) about 30 organizations, neighbourhood groups and individuals who work tirelessly to improve our city. These Community Builders have their names permanently etched on the Wall of Inspiration at City Hall’s Jean Pigott Place, so people will see their contributions for years to come.
By Erica Howes
Officer, Community Relations & GenNext Outreach, United Way Ottawa
