Latest news with #culturalRecognition
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Reclaiming Father's Day in MENA on June 21: A cultural opportunity waiting to be celebrated
In a region where appreciation runs deep, Floward is on a mission to give Father's Day the emotional and cultural weight it deserves In a region known for its strong family ties and deep respect for tradition, you'd expect both parents to be celebrated equally. But while Mother's Day has become a major moment across the Arab world, with schools, brands, and media all taking part, Father's Day barely gets noticed. Most people in MENA don't know when it is. Few make plans around it. There's no real recognition from institutions, no widespread conversation, and very little commercial activity. In many countries in the region, it's not even marked on official calendars. At Floward, we believe this is a moment worth paying attention to. A global occasion that hasn't landed locally Father's Day has been around for more than a hundred years in many parts of the world. It's widely celebrated in places like the US, the UK, and parts of Europe. Some countries in our region have started to adopt it too, like the UAE, which officially observes it on June 21. But overall, engagement remains low. Part of the reason is timing. It falls during summer break, which makes it less visible in schools. But it also reflects how the idea of fatherhood is often viewed. While the role of mothers is front and center in our culture, fathers tend to stay in the background. That doesn't match how fatherhood looks, especially today. Younger fathers are more present in their children's lives than ever before. They're involved, nurturing, and engaged. But that shift hasn't been reflected in how we celebrate them. Floward ran a survey recently to get a better sense of what occasions matter to people. Father's Day ranked among the top four occasions people said they'd consider buying a gift for, even though it's not widely promoted. That tells us something important. People do care. They just need someone to help bring the occasion to life. Why this moment matters We hear a lot about the sacrifices mothers make. And rightly so. But many fathers have stories that are rarely told. Stories of quiet support, of long working hours, of showing up again and again in ways that don't always get noticed. There's the dad who took a second job to support his family. The one who drove his kids to school every morning without fail. The younger father who balances work calls with bedtime routines. These stories deserve attention, too. Celebrating Father's Day helps make space for those stories. It challenges old ideas about the traditional roles of fathers. It encourages shared parenting. And it reminds us that love and care can look different from one family to the next. What Floward is doing We've always believed that gifting is more than the gift itself. It's about showing someone you've thought of them. And we think Father's Day is one of those occasions that hasn't had its moment yet. This year, we're making it one. We're launching a regional campaign that highlights the role of fathers and brings them to the forefront. Our campaign includes storytelling, curated gift selections, influencer collaborations, and social content that encourages people to connect with their dads in a more meaningful way. We're also acting on the ground. Our CSR efforts this year focus on older fathers in care homes who often go unnoticed and many of whom don't receive visitors as well as new fathers who are experiencing fatherhood. These are the people we want to recognise and celebrate. Looking ahead We don't want this to be a one-time campaign. Our goal is to see Father's Day become part of the cultural calendar. We want it to be acknowledged in schools, reflected in the media, and recognised as a moment worth preparing for. Because at the heart of it, this is about creating space for appreciation. For connection. And for showing up for someone who's likely shown up for you more than you've realized. Chairman and CEO of Floward, Abdulaziz B Al Loughani said: "Floward has always been about meaningful moments and delivering feelings. Father's Day is one of those moments that people are ready to embrace, even if it hasn't been fully recognised yet. We're proud to help make it into something people talk about, plan for, and remember." Just the beginning Some occasions are already part of our culture. Others need a little help to grow. Father's Day in the GCC falls into that second group. We're here to help it grow. Because being thoughtful means noticing who's been there all along and giving them their moment, too.
CBC
12-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Emmy Award winner, philanthropists, scientists, advocates among Order of Manitoba recipients
Twelve Manitobans will receive the province's highest honour for a range of accomplishments, from advocacy work and acting to philanthropy, fundraising and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. The formal investiture ceremony is scheduled for July 17 at the Manitoba Legislative Building. Established in 1999, the award recognizes individuals whose achievements enrich the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents "and reinforce that we all have the power to make a difference," the office of Manitoba's lieutenant-governor said in a news release. The following is a list of those being honoured, along with information from their citations: Maria E. Chaput The first Franco-Manitoban woman in the Canadian Senate, Maria Chaput has dedicated her community work and professional career to the growth of the Manitoba francophone community. She led many fundraising campaigns in support of organizations such as Cercle Molière theatre and the Maison Gabrielle-Roy museum, and played a key role in the modernization of the Official Languages Act. Rebecca Gibson Partner and co-owner of Eagle Vision, Rebecca Gibson is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, playwright, best-selling author, devoted mentor and advocate for equity, diversity and accessibility. She is a recent winner of a 2023 International Emmy Award (only the second Manitoba win) and the Banff World Media Festival's 2022 Innovative Producer of the Year Award. Gordon Giesbrecht A dedicated teacher and renowned scientist, Gordon Giesbrecht is a world leader in the study and treatment of hypothermia and drowning prevention. Under his leadership, the University of Manitoba has become a globally renowned centre of expertise in cold stress physiology and pre-hospital care for human hyperthomia. His findings have saved countless lives, with his recommendations forming protocols that are now used by emergency responders across Canada. Digvir S. Jayas An engineer and agrologist, Digvir Jayas is distinguished professor in the department of biosystems engineering at the University of Manitoba. A world-renowned grain scientist, Jayas has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career that has enhanced grain preservation in Canada and around the world. Glen Kruck Throughout his 35-year career with Community Health and Housing in Brandon, Glen Kruck has been dedicated to helping people in need. His work has centred on creating long-term, sustainable solutions to homelessness in Brandon, particularly for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. His housing programs have benefited thousands of Brandon residents and he was instrumental in the development of Brandon's first homeless shelters. Trudy L. Lavallee The former child and family advocate for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Trudy Lavallee's advocacy for First Nations children led to her developing the concept for Jordan's Principle, which intended to make sure First Nations children do not face gaps, delays or denials in accessing government services because of their identity. In November 2005, she wrote an article published in the Paediatrics and Child Health Journal titled, "Honouring Jordan: Putting First Nations Children First and Funding Fights Second," which led to the federal introduction of the Jordan's Principle bill. J. Kenneth Paupanekis An elder of the Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House), Ken Paupanekis has dedicated himself to the well-being of Indigenous communities in Manitoba, working toward Indigenous language revitalization. His fluency in Cree, Anishinaabe, English and French helped with the development of key language programs. His contribution to Manitoba universities has ensured future generations can access culturally relevant learning materials. Kristie Pearson A dedicated fundraiser and volunteer, Kristie Pearson supports community organizations that provide services to Manitobans. Her fundraising efforts have helped raise over $30 million for charities and projects including the Clan Mothers Healing Village, Rainbow Resource Centre, United Way Winnipeg and the YMCA/YWCA. During the pandemic, she developed Linking Hope in response to the many small agencies struggling to raise funds and recruit volunteers. Walter John Schroeder A successful business executive and philanthropist, Walter Schroeder has pledged over $500 million to support educational causes through the Schroeder Foundation. This includes a recent $15-million donation to create the Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts at RRC Polytech and $1.25 million to support the Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee — Build from Within program to support Indigenous teachers. He also provides over 700 post-secondary scholarships annually. Charlie Spiring A successful investment advisor, Charlie Spiring's philanthropy strengthens the social fabric of Manitoba. His foundation has provided millions of dollars to local programs, including Siloam Mission, Adoption Options Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. He led the InSpiring Match for United Way Winnipeg, matching $1 million for the Forever Family initiative, providing immediate support to family centres across Winnipeg. Felix C. Walker A member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), Felix Walker provides innovative programming for the well-being of his community. A band councillor at age 25, he led programs based on traditional Cree values, including reducing trauma to children in care. He also established group home care for youth and continues to work with elders through the Rediscovery of Families program, where families reunite and heal in traditional land settings. Marion F. Willis Marion Willis has contributed to safer and healthier communities in Manitoba by creating and operating St. Boniface Street Links, a program that delivers a holistic approach to help homeless people in Winnipeg. She is also the founder of Morberg House, an addictions recovery residence in Winnipeg. She works to break the cycle of homelessness and to set new standards of care for vulnerable people by helping to restore hope and dignity in their lives. Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, chancellor of the order, will preside over the ceremony in July. Appointments to the Order of Manitoba are made by the chancellor based on the recommendations of an advisory council. A list of all members of the order is on permanent display in the legislative building, and members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life.
