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Remarkable Fathers Awards honour quiet heroes
“We see you. We honour you, and we give you your flowers while you are still alive.”
Editor’s Note: We are honoring an amazing year of community growth! This story is one of many highlighting the inspiring people and ideas shaping our shared journey.
The Remarkable Fathers Awards & Gala, held Saturday, August 30th, 2026, offered a rare, resonant tribute to the enduring and often unheralded contributions of fathers and father figures. Now in its fourth edition, the event unfolded under the theme, “Honoring the Strength, Sacrifice & Legacy of Remarkable Fathers,” drawing together a cross-section of men whose influence spans business, law, medicine, religion, the military, environmental protection, community development, photography, and public service.
Founded by Ngozi Gertie Ugoh, publisher of the Nigerian Canadian News, the gala has grown into a signature occasion that reframes fatherhood not merely as a private role but as a public good. In her opening remarks, Ugoh positioned the evening as more than ceremony, “This occasion is more than an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of fathers and father figures whose sacrifices are not always announced, whose struggles are often carried silently, and whose love, wisdom and leadership continue to shape families, strengthen communities and transform lives.”
Photo Courtesy of Jey Jeyakanthan
She added, “For generations, society has often expected men to remain strong without acknowledging their burdens, their sacrifices or their need to be appreciated. Tonight, we are changing that narrative. We are saying to every father and father figure in the room: We see you. We honour you, and we give you your flowers while you are still alive.”
The program booklet included messages from senior political leaders, underscoring the event’s widening institutional recognition. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote, “On this occasion, you gather to salute the silent heroes, who by their sacrifice and deeds, have strengthened families and uplifted communities. Much of their work goes unnoticed, but the impact of their presence, their actions and their counsel are profound and lifelong.”
David Smith, MPP for Scarborough Centre and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, called the gala “An important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Fathers and father figures whose leadership, sacrifice, mentorship and service have made a lasting difference in the lives of their children.”
Mohamed Firin, MPP for York South–Weston, echoed that sentiment, noting that “Honourees contributions are reflected in the guidance they provide, the values they pass on and the positive example they set for future generations.”
Forty-four men received awards, called forward in five batches. As each group approached the stage, they joined the host in a brief celebratory dance, an uplifting ritual that transformed recognition into shared joy. Among the recipients from Brampton and Mississauga were Dr. Matthew S. Weekes (general dentist, philanthropist and community mentor); Richard Miller (founder of Keep6ix); Ron Cunningham (founder and CEO of Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development); Roy Virtue (freelance photojournalist and reporter); Anthony Henry (president of the Walnut Foundation); Desmond Spencer (recognized as an exemplary father); and Justice Dr. Irving W. Andre (author, judge, scholar and community leader).
Photo Courtesy of Monica Singh Soares
In a Facebook postdated August 28th, Cunningham reflected on the honour, “I am deeply honoured that my life’s work of mentoring, empowering, and creating opportunities for young people and strengthening communities has been recognized this way. This honour is not mine alone; it belongs to the countless young people, families, colleagues, partners, and community members who have shared this journey with me. To be recognized is humbling; to have made a difference is the true reward.”
Ugoh’s follow-up posts reinforced the gala’s core message. On September 1st, 2026 she wrote that the 2026 edition was “A beautiful celebration of fatherhood, leadership, sacrifice, love, excellence, and legacy,” thanking all who helped realize the vision. On September 2nd, 2026, in “A Portrait of Purpose, Legacy and Leadership,” she observed; “These are the fathers, mentors, community builders and quiet heroes whose influence is felt in their families, professions and communities. Their stories remind us that true greatness is not measured only by personal achievements, but by the lives we uplift and the legacies we leave behind.” She concluded, “We proudly gave your flowers while you are still here to receive them.”