March 19: Attend the Agnes Macphail Award presentation

The public is welcome to attend the 2023 Agnes Macphail award ceremony on March 19 at 2 p.m. at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.

This year the Agnes Macphail Award is to be presented to Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova for her contributions to the East York community.

An ophthalmologist specializing in the treatment of glaucoma, Sharipova came to Canada from Tajikistan in 2009 and has lived in East York since 2010.

She founded the Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network (TPASN) to provide information and inclusive activities for children living with autism and their families. During the pandemic, she organized outdoor and inclusive camps for children living with autism with special needs and their siblings, providing respite opportunities for families, according to a city news release announcing the award.

Championed causes

Among numerous other charitable activities, Sharipova organizes a toy drive for low-income families and the Ramadan Free Hot Meal Project to deliver meals door to door during the pandemic.

This Agnes Macphail award is named for Canada’s first female Member of Parliament who championed causes including women’s rights, fairness for seniors, criminal justice reform and access to housing, health care and education.

Award recipients designate a charity to receive donations from the Agnes Macphail Fund and this year’s charity is The Neighbourhood Organization.

For more information, see the news release and the Agnes Macphail award webpage.