Founder and President of HelpingACT, Mohammed Ali has been named the Canberra Citizen of the Year for 2022.
The Citizen of the Year award recognises a citizen who has made a major contribution to the community.
Presenting the award, Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said Mr Ali (pictured) was recognised for his dedication to supporting vulnerable members of the community through his roles with HelpingACT; the ACT Multicultural Advisory Board; the ACT Refugee Asylum Seeker and Humanitarian Coordination Committee; and Companion House.
“Mr Ali founded HelpingACT in 2018 to provide food security to Canberrans who need it,” Mr Barr said.
“This includes refugees, international students and homeless individuals,” he said.
“During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, HelpingACT were active throughout Canberra in support of local families who were struggling to purchase food and other items, or were in isolation.”
Mr Barr said that, during the 2019/20 bushfires, HelpingACT partnered with Slabs for Heroes to donate goods to fire-affected areas in the Canberra region.
“The organisation also prepared meals for families who needed support at evacuation centres set up in Canberra,” he said.
“HelpingACT support the work of other local community organisations, including Havelock House, the Early Morning Centre, Woden Community Service and a number of local street pantries.”
Mr Barr said he looked forward to seeing Mr Ali “continue to make an impact in our community over the coming 12 months and beyond”.
