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EHS volunteers take time out of their busy schedules to help animals who greatly need it, and we want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate what they do every day to make the world a better place. One of our volunteers, Ken Luckhardt, recently received a prestigious recognition for doing just that in his work life.
On April 30th, Ken and his colleague, Brenda Wall, were invited to South Africa to receive The Order of the Grand Companions of OR Tambo from the President, Manamela Cyril Ramaphosa. This prestigious award recognizes contributions towards the advancement of democracy and significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans. National Orders are the highest awards that a country can bestow, and, in Ken’s case, it will honour decades of activism and work in the global anti-apartheid movement. The Order has only been awarded to a Canadian once before, in 2015, to former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney.
In the late 1970s, Ken and Brenda began their work with activism at the University of Alberta and, later, decided to leave their studies to volunteer their time and dedication to the South African Congress of Trade Unions. They spent years researching and writing Organize or Starve (1980), founding the SACTU Canadian Solidarity Committee in 1980, and fostering trade union international solidarity within Canada. Their efforts significantly raised anti-apartheid consciousness among Canadian trade unions and left a legacy for social justice.
Ken shows care in many areas of his life. We want to thank him again for all the work he’s done with us throughout the years while working on incredible efforts towards social justice. Although, we’re not sure how he finds the time.
Congratulations Ken! Read more about Ken and Brenda’s work in the press statement from the South African High Commission.