Local teacher named to Human Rights Hall of Fame

File Photo John Hetherington pictured on the far right.

International Day for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination
News Release

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John Hetherington’s tireless fundraising efforts have made a tangible and lasting impact in the tsunami-devastated village of Molligoda, Sri Lanka.

A history teacher at West Ferris Secondary School, Hetherington and his students raised enough money to build a permanent home for a tsunami refugee family, construct a children’s and maternity clinic, and complete a second home in the same village. Fundraising efforts continue, with another project planned for this fall.

This is part of the reason he is being honoured as the 2009 inductee to the Nipissing District Human Rights Hall of Fame March 25 at École secondaire catholique Algonquin.

The 21st annual Evening of Applause, held in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, begins at 6 p.m. and the public is welcome to attend free of charge.

Nipissing Area Scouts Canada will receive the organizational award for many years of service to the district and 26 Students Who Make a Difference, representing all four district school boards, Canadore College, Nipissing University and Nbisiing Secondary School, will be honoured. Winners of the annual anti-racism poster contest will be named as well.

The evening begins with a performance by the Interlink Choir.

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