The City of Ottawa presented our President and CEO Michael Allen with the Order of Ottawa.
The ceremony took place at City Hall on November 18 (COVID safe) with Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, members of the selection committee and a few family and friends of each member.
“The 2021 Order of Ottawa inductees are a group of remarkable individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of those in our community through their professional accomplishments. Their leadership, hard work and compassion for others is an inspiration to all, especially during these challenging times.”
The Order of Ottawa celebrates outstanding citizens. This prestigious civic award recognizes exceptional citizen contributions in the many areas of city life including arts and culture, business, philanthropy, health care, education, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports, entertainment or other fields of endeavour that benefit the citizens of Ottawa.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to congratulate Michael on being inducted into the Order of Ottawa,” said George Brown, United Way Board Chair and Lawyer, Principal at Integral North. “While I know Michael has never looked for accolades for helping people during floods, tornadoes or the pandemic, our community is a better place because of his leadership and dedication to support those most in need.”
Michael was recognized alongside some very deserving community members including community leader and lawyer Daljit Nirman, former board member, philanthropist and volunteer Ian Sherman, and 2SLGBTQ+ advocate Amanda Jette Knox.
“While this is an honour, I will say the honour really is the work the United Way East Ontario team does to support those most in need. It is privilege to work alongside employees and volunteers to make our community a better place for everyone.”
Michael was recognized for his work with United Way during the pandemic and his ongoing commitment to tackling chronic issues in the region. He has also been a long-time volunteer with Crime Prevention Ottawa and other community-based organizations. Read Michael’s full Order of Ottawa bio.
Mayor Watson and City Council established this prestigious civic award in 2012. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee comprised of the Mayor, City Clerk, Chief of Police, Chief of Protocol, City Archivist and Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Public Library.
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 recipient ceremony was cancelled and those individuals will be recognized at the event including Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey, Barbara MacKinnon and Fiona McKean. Learn more about this year and previous year’s recipients.
“Congratulations to all of the 2020 and 2021 recipients,” added Michael. “I’m humbled to be honoured with this amazing group of people, whose work in the community truly inspires me.”
