Jack McKenzie Award Presented to Michela Pauselli Salter
Posted with permission from The Sioux Lookout Bulletin.
Tim Brody - Associate Editor
Leading the committee to help an Eritrean refugee family find a new home in Sioux Lookout has earned Michela Pauselli Salter the 2016 John Alexander “Jack” McKenzie Memorial Award.
Presented each year by the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout during the opening ceremonies of the Blueberry Festival, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the community made by local volunteers.
From left: Award winner Michela Pauselli Salter, nominees Nancy McCord and Dorothy Broderick, Rotarian Susan Barclay. Shayla Bradley / Bulletin Photo
“After seeing news footage of a young boy washed ashore in the Mediterranean Sea while fleeing his homeland, Michela Pauselli Salter recruited and chaired the Sioux Lookout Refugee Committee,” a news release from the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout explained.
Pauselli shared with the Bulletin when the committee was first being formed, that a 2008 trek across Spain with her brother and a family hike with her husband and two children also were catalysts for her to do something to help refugees.
“But there are women and fathers and children who are doing this day in and day out for months and they are crossing countries. Just the risks they are willing to take, that’s an indication that their circumstances are so dire and desperate.
“I’m a mother of two children and I said to myself, my children have the world, and there are children across the world trying to get at least a shot at life. It was moving. Once you have that moment, make that connection, it weighs on you if you choose not to do something.”
“This year’s award recipient was not only compelled to action, she also motivated a committee of over 30 community members to assist her!” the news release continued.
“Sacrificing countless hours in her quest, Michela oversaw every aspect required to sponsor a refugee family affected by war. The committee prepared to address every conceivable issue regarding a family’s integration into Canadian society: health, language, education, finances, clothing, and more. The variety of personnel that Michela attracted to make such an initiative successful is impressive: health care professionals, educators, lawyers, service and faith organizations, and the general public.”
The Omer-Humed and Roble-Abubeker family arrived in Sioux Lookout in early June.
Pauselli Salter previously shared that the mother and her five children are enjoying the community and the friendships they are forming.
“They LOVE the lakes and all the trees and, as one brother put it, “Canada is sweet!”
“This family is vibrant and resilient at the same time, and they exude a warmth of character that easily draws you in. They are excited to live, learn, and work here and we are honored to share in this unique experience with them,” Pauselli Salter said.
“The John Alexander “Jack” McKenzie Memorial Award is presented in memory of the late Jack McKenzie, a fervent volunteer in our community and a member of the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout”, the Rotary Club shared.
Though the award, first presented in 1992, is presented by the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout, nominations for the award come from community members.
The Rotary Club received three nominations this year.
Nominees were Pauselli Salter, Dorothy Broderick, for her dedication to Sioux Lookout Anglers and Hunters, Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club, Sioux Lookout Figure Skating Club, Kids Kaleidoscope, Scouts Canada and minor soccer and Nancy McCord for her involvement with Scouts Canada, Kids Kaleidoscope, and Friends of Cedar Bay.
Pauselli shared with the Bulletin when the committee was first being formed, that a 2008 trek across Spain with her brother and a family hike with her husband and two children also were catalysts for her to do something to help refugees.
“I had an epiphany. I did all that walking and I carried my son for not even two kilometres and here I’m feeling exhausted and I had ample food, great footwear,” she said.
“But there are women and fathers and children who are doing this day in and day out for months and they are crossing countries. Just the risks they are willing to take, that’s an indication that their circumstances are so dire and desperate.
“I’m a mother of two children and I said to myself, my children have the world, and there are children across the world trying to get at least a shot at life. It was moving. Once you have that moment, make that connection, it weighs on you if you choose not to do something.”
“This year’s award recipient was not only compelled to action, she also motivated a committee of over 30 community members to assist her!” the news release continued.
“Sacrificing countless hours in her quest, Michela oversaw every aspect required to sponsor a refugee family affected by war. The committee prepared to address every conceivable issue regarding a family’s integration into Canadian society: health, language, education, finances, clothing, and more. The variety of personnel that Michela attracted to make such an initiative successful is impressive: health care professionals, educators, lawyers, service and faith organizations, and the general public.”
The Omer-Humed and Roble-Abubeker family arrived in Sioux Lookout in early June.
Pauselli Salter previously shared that the mother and her five children are enjoying the community and the friendships they are forming.
“They LOVE the lakes and all the trees and, as one brother put it, “Canada is sweet!”
Pauselli Salter and her committee of volunteers have continued to support the family as they make the transition to their
new home.
new home.
“The family wants people to know that they are extremely grateful to everyone who played a part - big or small - in helping to get them here. Sometimes the daughter will say, shaking her head, “I cannot believe it!” and then her eyes light up and
she smiles.
she smiles.
“This family is vibrant and resilient at the same time, and they exude a warmth of character that easily draws you in. They are excited to live, learn, and work here and we are honored to share in this unique experience with them,” Pauselli Salter said.
“The John Alexander “Jack” McKenzie Memorial Award is presented in memory of the late Jack McKenzie, a fervent volunteer in our community and a member of the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout”, the Rotary Club shared.
Though the award, first presented in 1992, is presented by the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout, nominations for the award come from community members.
The Rotary Club received three nominations this year.
Nominees were Pauselli Salter, Dorothy Broderick, for her dedication to Sioux Lookout Anglers and Hunters, Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club, Sioux Lookout Figure Skating Club, Kids Kaleidoscope, Scouts Canada and minor soccer and Nancy McCord for her involvement with Scouts Canada, Kids Kaleidoscope, and Friends of Cedar Bay.