On June 18, 2019 the Janusz Korczak Medal and Statuette awards ceremony took place at the Government House in Victoria. This wonderful  event was hosted by the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia,  the  honorary patron of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada.

The awards were bestowed in recognition of Caring for Children in the Spirit of Dr. Korczak.

The Janusz Korczak Medal was awarded jointly to Mr. Ted Hughes, OC and Mrs. Helen Hughes, OC.

The Janusz Korczak Statuette was awarded to Mr. Irwin Elman, the past Advocate for Children and Youth of Ontario.

The ceremony started with welcoming remarks by the Honourable Janet Austin.

Lillian Boraks-Nemetz spoke eloquently and warmly about Dr. Janusz Korczak with a moving personal touch.

The awards were presented jointly by Jennifer Charlesworth, BC Representative for Children and Youth and Jerry Nussbaum, President of the Janusz Korczak Association of Canada. The Representative affectionately introduced all the recipients and their extraordinary achievements.

The audience was treated to inspiring and at times humorous remarks by all three recipients.

The ceremony was elegantly MC-ed by Mr. Jerymy Brownridge, private secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Executive Director of the Government House.

The well attended event ended with a delightful reception in the beautiful Government House and its amazing gardens.

Link to a part of Irwin Elman’s acceptance speech: Part 1   Part 2