Community leaders of all kind were recognized at the Pillar community awards. The awards brought out hundreds of organizations to all partake in a special night.
Organizations work year-round to provide services for Londoners to live a better life. From building homes for low income citizens to even just a frequent donator giving to the charities in the city that need it the most, the Pillars recognize them all.
“It’s a night to celebrate all of those people who invest all of their time and talent in making London a better place to be,” said Christina Fox, co-chair of the Pillar Organization.
As the record was broke for the number of people in attendance, a nominee broke a second record at the event. Mustfah Madlol received this year’s Community Leadership Award as the youngest ever to do so.
Only in grade 12 at Oakrid
ge Secondary School, Madlol already has over 800 volunteer hours as he volunteers with The Boys and Girls Club of London and various other organizations. Contending against Marie Fiedler (community organizer), and Jeffrey Robb (frequent charity donator), Madlol was surprised when he won.
“It feels amazing. I can’t begin to express how awesome this feels. It’s such an honour. I’m ecstatic right now.”
From taking the time out of his every to volunteer and help make a difference, Mudlol feels that it has made him a better person.
“If you invest time in your community, you really feel the love that comes from it. You really feel like you’re a part of something much bigger than you are.”
Community Choice
Jeffrey Robb – Community Choice Award Winner
Although Mudlol beat out Jeffrey Robb in the Community Leadership Award category, Robb picked up an award of his own near the end of the event. He won the Community Choice Award which is voted on by the general public.
Robb owns Turner Drug Store on the corner of Grand Ave and Carfrae Crescent. His family has been in the Pharmacy business for over 80 years. He believes his contributions to the community through the pharmacy and donating to charities across the city is the reason he won the award.
“I give to Community Living London. They’re one of my true passions. I also give to the London children’s hospital. They are a worthy recipient.”
Donating is something that Robb loves to do and encourages others to follow whether they have the money to do so or not.
“It’s one of those things that everyone can do. They can give of their time. Some of us are lucky enough to give our money. Find a cause that you’re passionate about and just donate your time to that cause.”
Robb says “behind the scenes” is the way he likes to describe his community involvement. He added that giving a little bit here and there and genuinely just doing something good in the community could have you receiving a Pillar Award just like he did.
Other Community Leader Nominees
Not everyone can take the award home, but they can continue their work as community leaders in the city. Habitat for Humanity in London continues to build the community with houses for low income citizens.
Even though they did not win an award in the Community Impact Category, the organization was still delighted with the award nomination and will use it to grow as a team.
“Our entire team was thrilled. Pillar itself is just an extraordinary organization. The prestige that comes with just being nominated was amazing. Our team was literally walking on cloud nine. To win or to be nominated is just all about validating everything we do every single day and why we come to work every day. So, it’s a tremendous honour to be nominated,” said Brian Elliot, CEO of Habitat for Humanity.
The Pillars brought out some of the best in the community. It will be interesting to see who can top the leader board at next year’s Pillar Awards.
Learn more about the Pillar Award winners and nominees below:
