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Winnipeg, Man.
MCC named recipient of international humanitarian award


Mennonite Central Committee has been named this year’s recipient of an international award given for outstanding humanitarian contributions.

The St. Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation of Winnipeg announced Sept. 20 that MCC is the recipient of its 2000 International Award.

Past recipients of the award include well-known international figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Andrei Sakharov; Pope John Paul II; Mother Teresa; Dr. Jonas Salk, who discovered the polio vaccine; Prince Philip, for his contribution to health care and physical fitness; Rosalynn Carter, wife of former US president Jimmy Carter, for her dedication to the mentally ill and handicapped; and José Carreras, for his commitment to alleviating the suffering of those afflicted with leukemia. The award is given only when a deserving recipient is found. The last award was given four years ago.

“This award is a tribute to the thousands of volunteers who have worked with MCC over the past 80 years,” said Ron Mathies, executive director of MCC. “It is also recognition of the wide scope of MCC’s work which is done in almost 60 countries around the world.”

St. Boniface Hospital, Western Canada’s first hospital, was founded in 1871 by the Grey Nuns, a religious order inspired by Saint Marguerite d’Youville. The Research Foundation was established in 1971 to raise funds for health care research in Manitoba, and the International Award in 1976.

Bill Norrie, a former mayor of Winnipeg and currently chair of the St. Boniface Research Foundation, said, “The contributions MCC has made to the betterment of society on a global scale is second to none. Given the criteria for the award, MCC is a perfect fit.”

MCC was founded in 1920 to assist Mennonites suffering through a famine in Ukraine. Since then, MCC has contributed over $700 million in food, money and material aid to those in need around the world.

Ken Reddig, executive director of MCC Manitoba, said, “None of the work MCC does would be possible without our dedicated volunteers. This award belongs to them.”

In 1999, MCC had 1,412 workers who spent at least 12 months in 56 countries helping with community development, peacemaking, education, health, food production and administration.

The 2000 International Award will be presented to MCC at a fundraising dinner Nov. 16 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

 – MCC, Winnipeg Free Press, St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation

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Last modified December 3, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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