Frank O'Dea, co-founder of The Second Cup to be keynote speaker at Be a Hero awards

Halton Region is hosting the fifth annual Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing awards ceremony on November 22, 2011 at the Burlington Convention Centre (1120 Burloak Drive, Burlington) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. High school students from across Halton will be honoured at the ceremony for their artistic submissions to the Be a Hero contest. Each year Halton Region invites students from high schools across the region to raise awareness about the issue of affordable housing by using art to express their thoughts on the issue and how it impacts people living in our community. This year’s awards ceremony is being held on National Housing Day – a day created to celebrate housing initiatives and to recognize the need for long-term affordable housing solutions to help end homelessness.

“The Be a Hero contest educates local youth about some of the challenges their peers and families may be facing and it empowers them to have a voice to raise awareness about this issue,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “It is quite something to see the creative and thoughtful work Halton youth produce.”

Members of the community are invited to join students, educators, and local elected officials at this year’s awards to celebrate the achievements of local youth and to hear the inspirational story of Frank O’Dea, keynote speaker for this year’s awards ceremony. Mr. O’Dea, co-founder of The Second Cup, one of the largest chains of gourmet coffee and tea shops in Canada, will share his personal journey from living in substandard housing to co-founding The Second Cup and a series of other successful businesses and international non-profit organizations. Mr. O’Dea’s story of success and his powerful message of Hope Vision Action motivate his audiences to make a difference, in their homes, in their careers, in their communities.

The winners of the Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be announced at the ceremony. The winner of the Gold award will receive $1000; the Silver award recipient receives $500; and four cash prizes of $100 each will be awarded to the Bronze winners. All student submissions will be on display. To register to attend the Be a Hero. Be a Voice for Affordable Housing awards ceremony, please contact Halton Region by dialing 311 or 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, TTY 905-827-9833. Visit www.halton.ca/beahero to learn more about the Be a Hero awards.

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