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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-12-27, Page 10Crossroads 10 Times -Advocate Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Local man honoured with "Everyday Hero" award By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Exeter business owner and Grand Bend resident Doug Ellison was recently named the winner of an "Everyday Hero Contest," in conjunction with "Under An African Sky: Songs and Stories of Hope and Heroes," a show supporting AIDS awareness in Africa, which entertained about 3,000 people Dec. 9 at the John Labatt Centre. Also featured at the event was chair- man of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and guest speaker Stephen Lewis. For more information visit www.stephenlew- isfoundation.org Ellison, owner of Carlson Wagonlit Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd., in town for the past 26 years, won the contest for his hard work and dedication to the Exeter and area community over the years, with a focus on education, as well as a more recent engagement to build- ing a school internationally. The latter is the main reason why his daughter Marcie Ellison nominated him for the award. "I have seen my dad involved as an everyday hero in many ways for a long time, so when I heard about the oppor- tunity to nominate him it was not too difficult to think of reasons why," says Marcie. "Most recently the impetus for nominating my dad for the `Everyday Hero' award was his recent commit- ment to a new international project to build a school with the Free the Children Network and his involvement in assist- ing an African Children's Choir to come to London and perform at the `Under the African Sky' event at the John Labatt Centre," Marcie adds. Doug flew 10 children, eight to 10 years old from St. Louis, originally from Uganda, to participate in the show. The African Children's Choir performs around the world raising funds for AIDS awareness in Africa. Every child on the choir has lost one or both parents to AIDS. For more information visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com A kick-off party was held in November for Doug, as well as a real treat — liter- ally — which saw Doug's picture printed on 5,000 Jones Soda Co. Cream Soda bottles. They are available in London at the Little Red Roaster. Co -chairperson of the "Under an African Sky" and contest judge Mandi Fields says, "It was a no brainer that Doug Ellison is an `Everyday Hero,' he is an extraordinary and generous man." Doug, a modest man, says he doesn't feel like much of a hero. "No, not really, I just do my normal things," but he does admit that having his face printed on soda bottles is neat, yet, "a little differ- ent." Otherwise Doug says he compares his generosity to those who support their churches. "This is my church. An opportunity to give back, it's the thing to do. I've had a good life." says Doug. As far as Doug's involvement with the construction of a new school interna- tionally, he isn't sure where or to what extent he will be helping, but is planning to discuss this with his family over the holidays. Doug knows one thing for sure — that his decision to get involved became clear after seeing Craig Kielburger speak and watching Oprah Winfrey on television. Doug, a former teacher at South Huron District High School is inspired by 23 -year-old Kielburger, a child's rights activist, leadership specialist and award winning author. He also formed the organization 'Free The Children' with his brother Marc Kielburger and now has a partnership with Winfrey's Angel Network. For more information on Free the Children visit www.freethechildren.com Winfrey also had a large impact on Doug's decision, saying something on her talk show that Doug will never for- get. Oprah explained to her viewers how lucky North Americans are because the opportunity for education is readily available. In Africa, there is little oppor- tunity for a good education. "Education is a key. We are well edu- cated in North America. We live so well," says Doug. Doug proves that living in a small town can make an international difference, a message he hopes to get across with his award. Exeter hero — Doug Ellison, owner of Carlson Wagonlit Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. recently won an "Everyday Hero Contest," in conjunction with "Under An African Sky: Songs and Stories of Hope and Heroes, a show supporting AIDS awareness in Africa.Above, Ellison holds a bottle Jones Soda Co. Cream Soda with his picture printed on the bottle for winning the contest. Below, Ellison, left, stands with chairman of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and guest speaker for the "Under An African Sky" event, Stephen Lewis. (Above photo/Nina Van Lieshout; below photo/submitted) African heroes — Doug and his wife Cathy Ellison pose for a picture with the African Children's Choir Dec. 9 at the John Labatt Centre. (photo/submitted)