Don Curry is this year's inductee in the Nipissing District Human Rights Hall of Fame.
Curry has spent his life in the service of others, as a journalist, a teacher, a mentor, as a friend, says a news release issued by the Hall of Fame committee.
"In his role as Executive Director of the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre and the Timmins & District Multicultural Centre, Don spearheaded not just two settlement agencies but a new perspective in regard to immigration. Through his efforts on local settlement and immigration issues, Don has worked with local, provincial and federal governments and various organizations dedicated to enriching northern communities through diversity. Don’s passionate belief in the value of immigration is infectious. Just ask any of a number of funding bodies who have been persuaded to get behind Don’s efforts," said Meg Ramore the Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator at the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre.
"Don has built partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders across the north, and beyond, in an effort to create a continuum of services for newcomers. In so doing his efforts have enriched our communities in economic, social, cultural, linguistic and religious ways. Most recently, Don’s involvement with the Syrian refugee undertaking and his tenacity at urging North Bay council to move, and adopt, a motion in support of the province granting municipal voting privileges to permanent residents demonstrate a compassion and tolerance needed to be inducted into the Human Rights Hall of Fame.
"Don’s fundamental decency as a person, his good humour, his intellect, his sense of fairness and fair play, and his genuine desire to make our part of the world a better place is evidenced in the many columns he has written regarding immigration which clearly define him as a man of principle. When there seem to be many voices shouting ignorance and intolerance, Don’s calm demeanour and soft spoken approach often cuts through the din to drown out racism.
"North Bay is a much better place because of Don Curry’s efforts. His work has demonstrated respect, understanding and acceptance of all people."
Curry will receive his award at the 28th Annual Evening of Applause March 23rd in the auditorium at West Ferris Intermediate & Secondary School.
The doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. There is no charge.
The Hall of Fame is located near the main entrance to Canadore College.
Students Who Make a Difference will also be honoured, as will four winners of the Antiracism Poster & Artwork contest.
There will also be school performances on the theme of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is March 21st each year. The local International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination project is a partnership including the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, the North Bay Newcomer Network, all four school boards and Canadore College.
