Winnipeg, MB - This evening, at a presentation during the Winnipeg Chinatown Chinese New Year Banquet, Mayor Sam Katz honoured four Winnipeggers with City of Winnipeg Community Service Awards. Mayor Katz thanked the recipients for their service to the community, and praised their achievements and dedication to promoting cultural awareness.
“This award is given to people who make a difference in their community through their career or volunteer activities,” said Mayor Katz. “Each of the recipients has demonstrated a passion for community service and is well-deserving of this honour. It is my pleasure to recognize these four outstanding citizens for their work.”
The City of Winnipeg Community Service Award recipients who were honoured at tonight’s banquet:
- Gary Liu, founder and president of Manitoba Great Wall Performing Arts, an independent, non-profit amateur cultural performance organization. Mr. Liu is dedicated to community growth and steadfast in his work to raise awareness of Chinese culture and arts.
- Xioalin “Debbie” Guo, an avid volunteer dedicated to raising cultural awareness in the Winnipeg Chinese community, and a member of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre and Peace Tower boards. In 2009, Ms. Guo served as founding advisor to the Manitoba Youth Committee and founded the annual Zhonghua Cup Basketball Tournament.
- Joshua Schafer, a scientist at the University of Manitoba and martial arts expert. Mr. Schaefer is the founder of Winnipeg’s Red Mantis Kung Fu Athletic Association and a member of the 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu Federation. He currently trains and teaches martial arts at the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre, as well as lending his time and expertise as a volunteer to many organizations throughout Winnipeg.
- Ngain Sung “Mary” Au, a long-time supporter and volunteer in the Winnipeg Chinese community, currently serving on several volunteer boards and committees , including the Chinese Benevolent Association of Canada, the Manitoba Chinese Benevolent Association, Kuo Ming Tang, the Manitoba Chinese Cultural Association, and the Federation of Overseas Chinese. Ms. Au is also known for her culinary skills, which are known to attendees of the annual Chinatown Street Festival and Folklorama.
The City of Winnipeg Community Service Awards have been presented to civic-minded citizens since the 1950s. The awards give recognition to citizens of the City of Winnipeg who demonstrate excellence and outstanding achievement in any field, benefiting the social, cultural or economic well-being of their community.