WINNIPEG, MB –Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg is honoured to present the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award to recipients Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida at the 2014 JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday, March 29. Kreviazuk and Maida have used their talent and celebrity to champion human rights, world peace, education and the environment while contributing to charities worldwide.
“Chantal is one of the most notable graduates of the University of Winnipeg high school on campus – the Collegiate (Class of 1990), and is a tremendous role model for youth who want to make a difference in the world,” said Axworthy. ”She and her husband Raine are tireless advocates on behalf of vulnerable children, mental health patients, addicted peoples, impoverished societies and Aboriginal communities both at home and abroad.”
Axworthy and Kreviazuk together launched UWinnipeg’s unique Opportunity Fund in 2006, which helps Indigenous and new immigrant youth, and other students underrepresented in post-secondary education by removing financial barriers. As of February 2014, just over $3 million has been raised and 1,443 fast track bursaries have been awarded to students in financial need, resulting in more than 238 UWinnipeg graduates to date.
Kreviazuk is also an Honourary Founder of War Child Canada. In 2000, the couple traveled to Iraq with War Child to see the effects of war on the Iraqi children and provide humanitarian assistance. This trip resulted in the documentary “Musicians InThe War Zone”, which served as a call to action for Canadian youth to become informed global citizens. Maida founded War Child’s Busking for Change initiative in 2007 with a goal of raising $30,000 to build a school in Congo. Maida also took part in War Child’s assessment trip of Darfur, which laid the groundwork for the organization’s program in that region.
The duo’s advocacy work spans a wide breadth of causes, including The Hospital for Sick Children, The Children’s Hospital Winnipeg and Canuck House Vancouver (a palliative home for children and their families). Kreviazuk has also worked alongside organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association and Polar Bears International, and fundraised in support of B.C.’s Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community. Maida has also been a voice for democratic participation, supporting Apathy is Boring, which encourages youth to take interest in their communities and participate in the political process.
Both Kreviazuk and Maida are extraordinary forces in the Canadian music industry and both are multi-platinum artists. Kreviazuk, with her signature piano-driven songwriting, is one of the premiere female artists in Canada , while Maida has served as the driving force behind one of Canada’s leading rock groups, Our Lady Peace. Maida has also launched a successful career as a solo artist.
The Allan Waters Humanitarian Award recognizes outstanding Canadian artists whose contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and is named after CHUM Ltd. founder Allan Waters.
During JUNO Week, on March 26, at 12:30 pm, The University of Winnipeg is holding a Special Convocation to honour Kreviazuk, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters.
At this ceremony, the University of Winnipeg is honoring humanitarian and champion of women’s rights, Dr. Denis Mukwege, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws. Joseph Stern will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his commitment to justice, development and good governance which have made a significant difference to communities both in Canada and abroad
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACT to arrange interviews with Chantal and Raine:
416-755-0025
MEDIA CONTACT for Dr. Axworthy
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
