February 21, 2024
Shawky Fahel is Awarded Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal
The Board of Directors for the Canadian International Development Organization congratulate its founder and Chair, Shawky Fahel on being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada.
Created by Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to our country.
Fahel is recognized for his leadership within CIDO. CIDO’s focus on supporting education, peace and health initiatives in Canada and globally with a focus on Palestine. As the Chair of CIDO, Fahel demonstrates CIDO’s profound determination in advocating peace, dignity, and respect for all.
“Shawky Fahel’s leadership within CIDO exemplifies the true essence of humanity. With unwavering dedication, he champions causes that matter. He works to empower vulnerable communities and provide hope,” said Dr. Feridun Hamdulahpur, CM, a CIDO Director. “Shawky is a catalyst for change. He advocates for peace and justice in the Middle East. He is a true champion of humanity. His tireless efforts continue to transform lives, one child at a time.”
“Shawky Fahel, a Palestinian born in the State of Israel shortly after the war that established that state. As a child of seven, he experienced another war in 1956 and another 11 years later,” said Dr. John English, OC, a Director of CIDO and a former MP for Kitchener Centre. “With his own experiences in mind, he established CIDO with its emphasis on helping children, the young, and the sick in Palestine and Canada. He has been a consistent voice for peace and for protecting the young, particularly Palestinian children who suffer in war or its aftermath”.
Fahel will be invested with his award at a later date that will be announced by the Office of the Governor General.
About the Canadian International Development Organization. CIDO was established in 1998 as a Canadian non-profit charitable organization. CIDO partners with organizations to invest in projects that promote education, health, peace, conflict prevention and the creation of healthy environments that empower people to make lasting change in their lives and communities. Visit www.cido.ca to learn more about CIDO, its Board of Directors and its charitable projects.
CIDO is a registered Canadian Charity #886428960 RR0001
Shawky Fahel, Founder and Chair shawky@jggroup.ca Mobile 519-651-9433