From United Way East Ontario.
Starting the new year off with awarding a new Community Builder is a great way to feel the local love! Thanks to the help of Black History Ottawa, United Way East Ontario surprised Sheila Pitt with a Community Builder Award at their Black History Month launch event.
On January 27, 300 people packed the National Gallery of Canada auditorium to kick off Black History Month in Ottawa.
With the theme of “Beyond the Decade,” attendees enjoyed musical performances, the unveiling of a new coin commemorating Black History from the Royal Canadian Mint, and Canada Post’s new Black History Month stamp. Attendees also enjoyed inspirational speeches from community leaders.
The afternoon host, Sarah Onyango—a 2008 Community Builder Award recipient and a CBA recognition team member—helped with the surprise presentation.
Sheila goes the extra mile to give back, use their voice, and take action to ensure people in their community are supported. Their consistent examples of hard work and compassion inspire others to do good and build stronger, healthier, safer communities for everyone.
United Way East Ontario understands the importance of shining a light on the remarkable work being done by members of racialized and marginalized communities in our region. We’re excited to continue celebrating the legacies left and created by African, Caribbean, and Black people in our communities.
We all have a role to play in combating systemic racism, and we will continue to celebrate their past, present, and future achievements this Black History Month.
Sheila Pitt, centre, receiving the Community Builders award. Photo provided.
Sheila Pitt has been volunteering in Ottawa for more than 40 years. Her journey began in 1966 at the Guyana Association when she was just 20 years old. From that point until 2019, she’s remained an active volunteer for various organizations across Ottawa. Even after retiring from the federal and municipal service, Sheila found her calling as a community advocate.
A true trailblazer, Sheila pioneered Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in 1970 in Ottawa when no formal event marked the day. Over the years, Sheila elevated the celebrations by incorporating information tables, various speakers, educational resources, and even organizing bake and garage sales to raise funds for the day’s observance. Continuing to champion Dr. King’s legacy and philosophy, Sheila has also coordinated numerous workshops based on his model for nonviolent social change.
Dedicating a decade of her time volunteering with Impact Heritage—a community-led youth initiative founded by her sister in the 1970s—Sheila spent many hours outside of her nine-to-five helping kids with their reading and writing. She ensured youth in our communities were set up for success in school, and life.
Sheila Pitt. Photo provided.
As if all that wasn’t enough to showcase the true community champion she is, Sheila was also a founding member of Black History Ottawa—a non-profit committed to advancing education in the history, culture, traditions, and achievements of Canadians of African descent in Ottawa.
Quantifying Sheila’s contributions is difficult, due to her long list of volunteering and fundraising efforts, but it’s safe to say she’s made a substantial difference, raising tens of thousands of dollars for our community over the years.
Sheila is the textbook definition of a Community Builder. Her heart and soul are devoted to helping her community thrive. No matter the task, she is there, ready to volunteer to ensure people in our region have what they need.
Do you know a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support their community? Our Community Builder Awards program accepts nominations year-round!
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