The 10th Annual respect. Awards, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community that have demonstrated leadership in enhancing diversity, inclusion, equity and respect for others were awarded on February 23, 2022.

The Awards were established by the Respect Initiative Working Group and are sponsored by Diversity Thunder Bay. Two recipients will receive awards this year, including an individual and one for an organization or business.

The respect. Initiative is a joint initiative of the Anti-Racism & Respect Advisory Committee and Community Safety & Well-Being Thunder Bay.

Congratulations to the 2022 respect. award winners, Barbara Cooper and Elevate NWO.

Barbara Cooper, who works in Health Records at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre was nominated for her caring and compassionate approach to her work. She recognizes the importance of human dignity and exemplifies respect in her interactions with co-workers and clients.

Elevate NWO was recognized as it staged an intervention to support individuals who were sleeping unsheltered in local encampments. Finding appropriate housing and supports, the group’s approach prioritized compassion, dignity and respect. Individuals involved in the program are being supported to work as house leaders in the housing units, and as community support workers at Elevate’s warming centre. The program participants are gaining valuable employment skills that will help them secure permanent housing.