The founders of the Lacombe-based charity A Better World were recently honoured for their extensive humanitarian service. Brian Leavitt and Eric Rajah were given the Meritorious Service Medal at Rideau Hall by Governor-General Mary Simon.
The founders of the Lacombe-based charity A Better World were recently honoured for their extensive humanitarian service.
Brian Leavitt and Eric Rajah were given the Meritorious Service Medal at Rideau Hall by Governor-General Mary Simon.
“Our local area MP, Blaine Calkins, graciously spent the afternoon guiding us through Parliament, arranged our entry to attend the question period, and hosted us for dinner at the Parliament Restaurant,” noted a release.Â
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our A Better World friends and our family for their unwavering support, which made this honour possible.”
According to the organization’s website, it was in 1990 that Leavitt and Rajah wanted to invest $5,000 in a development project.
“They and a handful of others decided to pay for reconstructive surgery for 15 children in Kenya, enabling those children to walk for the first time. And so, A Better World was born. The project was so successful that they began to receive donations to continue their humanitarian work. Nine years later, they travelled to Kenya to see their project site.”
Currently A Better World has projects in over 15 countries and has invested $35.7 million in quality education, essential healthcare, and clean water.
Over one million lives have been changed for the better, noted the website.
“Throughout the years, people have joined us on our journey to make the world a better place. Over 2,800 volunteers have travelled to project sites and countless more have supported ABW through fundraising.”