2025 Community Impact and Appreciation Awards
On Friday, June 20, 2025, we held our inaugural Community Impact and Appreciation Awards at The Rooms in St. John’s.
This special event recognized, celebrated, and thanked the many dedicated partners, employers, volunteers, and staff who, for years, have supported both our organization and Newfoundland and Labrador’s newcomer community.
The event was made possible with generous support from Calibre Valentine Gold Mine, Fortis Inc., McInnes Cooper, and PF Collins, as well as Sean and Lynn FitzGerald.
Welcome
– Sean FitzGerald, Chair of the Board of Directors
“This event celebrates the very best of what makes our work possible—our dedicated partners, employers, volunteers, outstanding newcomer youth, and long-term employees.
The ANC has always been more than just an organization, it’s a community, and, we are honoured to celebrate those who make our community stronger, more compassionate, and more inclusive for all newcomers who call Newfoundland and Labrador home.
We are proud to shine a light on those who help turn the idea of ‘welcome’ into action, every single day. We’re so fortunate to have so many friends and supporters – thank you for making our work possible.”
Megan Morris, Executive Director, Association for New Canadians
“Everyone recognized here today has played a major role in the lives of newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador. It is both an honour and a privilege to celebrate those who have helped build a province that is diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to all.”
Bridget Foster, ONL
On June 20, 2025, we dedicated our flagship building at 144 Military Road in honour of Bridget Foster, ONL, one of the ANC’s founding members, former Executive Director, and a pioneer for settlement services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Her family, close friends, and former colleagues joined us for an afternoon reception to unveil the newly named “Bridget Foster House” – adding her rich legacy to a building that has helped countless newcomers find community and support for over 40 years.
May this space continue to serve as a beacon of opportunity and a lasting tribute to Bridget’s illustrious life and career – one that includes the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador amongst her many accolades, and her tireless commitment to helping make our province a place where everyone feels welcome and included.
Award Recipients – Outstanding Employers
Awards presented by ANC Board Member Tanya Finlay
Allied Construction
Casa Amigos
Carol Lake Metal Works
Country Ribbon
Green Infrastructure Partners
Happy Adventure Sea Products
JAG Hotel
Kennedy Accounting Services Ltd
Oliver / Final POS
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
TLC Nursing and Homecare
Viking Construction
Employer Highlight Videos
Oliver / Final POS
Allied Construction
Keyin College
Innovative NL
TLC Nursing and Homecare
Casa Amigos
Country Ribbon
Dedicated Community Training Partners
Keyin College
Carpenter Millwright College
Outstanding Volunteers
Awards presented by ANC Board Member Dr. Paul Coolican
*Not pictured – Barbara Albrechtsons, Ed O’Neill, German Moreno, Mohinder Grewal
Personal Impact Story
Youth Pathways Program | Tamana Haidari
Originally from Afghanistan, Tamana arrived in NL in the fall of 2022 and joined ANC’s Youth Pathways Program and worked with our Summer Camp, quickly becoming a pillar of leadership. She was subsequently selected to join the City of St. John’s Youth Engagement Working Group. In addition, she does her own podcast and volunteers twice a week.
Tamana’s goal is to become a Social Worker and most recently, she was one of only two students in the province to receive the prestigious TD Bank National Community Leadership Award. She also received a scholarship from the Joyce Family Foundation. She is well on her way to a very bright future!
The Fred Coxworthy Award
Our friend and gracious volunteer, Fred Coxworthy, dedicated his life to helping others. This award in his honour recognizes individuals who came to Canada as refugees and are now continuing educational pursuits — a journey that takes great courage and determination. This award is a celebration of hope, resilience, and ambition.
Fred Coxworthy Award Recipients
Awards presented by ANC Board Member Jane Qu
Long Serving ANC Employees
Awards presented by Leo Etchegary, ANC’s Director of Language Services
Norma Hatcher
Angela McGrath
Dana Murphy
Grace Okwera
In addition to the awards, the afternoon included dedications, presentations, and touching video tributes to employers who go above and beyond to welcome and support newcomers.
On behalf of the Board and staff of the Association for New Canadians, we extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors: Calibre Valentine Gold Mine, Fortis Inc. McInnes Cooper, PF Collins International Trade Solutions, and Sean and Lynn FitzGerald, as well as the event’s speakers, presenters, performers, and attendees for helping to make this a truly memorable afternoon. Your support and participation were essential to the success of the event.
We also extend heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients. Together, this event highlighted the strength that comes from collaboration and celebrated the many individuals and organizations who are helping to build a more inclusive, welcoming, and supportive province for all.
