Honorees of 2018-2019

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Dr. Habtu Demsas MD OR. &TR.-IT

Dr. Habtu Demsas was born in Ethiopia and raised in Eritrea where he  pursued his dreams of becoming a doctor.  He completed his studies and  mastered his professional skills in various parts of the world.  In  September of 1983 he arrived in Canada from Italy to embark on a new  adventure of planting his roots and providing positive support to  individuals utilizing his own skills and attributes as his own personal  contribution to the lives of those less fortunate than him.  Dr. Demsas  is not only a positive role model in our community but is well admired  for his humanitarian contributions.  Those who have had the privilege  and honour of knowing Dr. Demsas can vouch for his sincere efforts,  kindness and humility that he has willingly offered to several  individuals all over the world.  He has touched many lives and will  always be appreciated for his many acts of generosity which has resulted  in various awards and acknowledgements in his field of profession and  for his humanitarian services in Manitoba and other parts of the world.  He is married to his kind and thoughtful wife of over 30 years Lettengus  Nussur and the proud father of 4 sons and 1 adopted daughter.  Dr.  Demsas, on behalf of all Ethiopians, we are pleased to honour you with  the Diamond Humanitarian Award for your leadership, personal  humanitarian contributions to the community at large and for your  endless support for our new immigrant settlers.

Mrs. Tsehai Ketema

Mrs. Ketema was born and raised in Harar, Ethiopia.  She completed her  studies there and spent a few years living in Greece prior to  immigrating to Canada in 1991.  As a co-founder of 50 Lemons, Mrs.  Ketema’s kind-heart and fierce spirit has resulted in her many acts of  generosity and support to her fellow Ethiopians and surrounding  community citizens.  She is a strong advocate and support for those who  have suffered great losses due to illness, poverty and community crises.   She is a firm believer of cultural unity and strives to achieve goals  in utilizing resources for positive living at any measure.  Mrs. Ketema  is known to provide her own personal time and financial contributions in  the community by organizing fundraisers, charity events or by simply  spending quality time with those requiring attention and support to  improve their lives.  She is married to her wonderful and supportive  husband Zena Mussie of 21 years and the mother of 3 sons.  The  Ethio-Canadian Charitable Promotional Award Inc. is pleased to  acknowledge and present the Gold Humanitarian Award to Mrs. Tsehai  Ketema for her impeccable work and contributions in our community and  for her selfless acts of humility.

Mrs. Ribka Melesse

In 2001, Ribka Melesse moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba (which she calls her  second home). Since her arrival in Winnipeg, Ribka has continuously  demonstrated her selfless, kind, funny, patient, dedicated, focused and  genuine personality.  She has a huge heart and a passion for her  community and has decades of exemplary volunteer service to our  community. For the last 8 years, she was the driving force to advance  our community on all fronts.  She has been involved in various  fundraising events including the fundraising for Ethiopian famine.  She  gives of herself without thought of her own personal needs and she never  does anything for recognition or praise. Apart from all the many  charitable works she has done, she revived Ethiopia’s participation with  Folklorama in 2009 to pave way for our independent Pavilion in 2010.  Since then, as captain of the Folklorama ship for the last 7 years,  Ribka led by example through hard work, dedication, respect,  collaboration, service and generosity.  The unique and extraordinary  thing about what she has done for her community was that she offers her  help and services self-willingly with a deep passion to enhance the  experiences of people in her community.  Her leadership and initiative  to bring our community together is very inspirational to her peers as  well as providing a strong influence from the youth to be tomorrow’s  leaders.  Her belief that all youth should be encouraged to explore  serving their community and take on leadership roles has resulted in  several successful community events and the growth of youth leaders in  her community. She also has volunteered in senior homes, serving  Christmas dinners, participated in book sale for Children's hospital and  Salvation Army events.

Pastor Gerum Asfaw

In 2001, Pastor Gerum immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba with his family.   He remained within his spiritual profession and is an ordained pastor.   He actively participated in the church by playing the keyboard during  adult worship service and volunteered his time as a Sunday school  teacher.  In 2012, he was ordained as the senior pastor for the  Generations for Christ (GFC).  Pastor Gerum is a dynamic and talented  speaker.  His meekness and humility is a reflection of his character.   He has a soft spot for the younger generation and has a tremendous  heart to offer them his guidance and support to achieve positive goals  for a brighter future. He has a zest for life and a practical mentor for  our young people.  He is a firm believer in unity and diverse culture  and strives to actively participate by being involved with individuals  in the community in their preferred house of worship.  He surrounds  himself with spiritual beliefs he has received from his fellow citizens.   He is married to his lovely wife and has 1 daughter.  Pastor Gerum, we  would like to recognize you with the Leadership Award for your many  acts of kindness and spiritual leadership in our community.

Ms. Feven Mergia

Ms. Mergia is an intelligent, compassionate, generous and hardworking  woman with a bright personality.  She thrives on providing support to  the community to those in need of guidance to improve the quality of  day-to-day living.  Currently her field of profession is social work,  which is a result of her mission to assist individuals with the proper  tools and understanding in order to have a better life in Canada.  Her  love for life is reflected through the work she does in the community.   She has a passion for cultural unity and diversity, and believes in  positive living.  She promotes spiritualism and equality throughout her  surrounding community and is a firm believer in providing the utmost  opportunities for the younger generation to benefit from. It is with  great pleasure that we present Ms. Mergia with the Strive for Excellence  Award to acknowledge her hard work and success in providing  humanitarian services to her fellow citizens in the community.