Ned Blair To Be Honoured At The 2008 Planet Africa Awards Gala

July 28-08 - As a respected member of the Guyanese and Caribbean Diaspora in Toronto, it is rare that Mr. Blair attends any event without lending a helping hand. "I feel extremely good in making this kind of contribution," said Ned.
Mr. Blair is the recipient of numerous awards. In 1993, President's Award from The Organization of Black Tradesmen and Tradeswomen of Ontario. In 1999 Mr. Blair received the prestigious BBPA Harry Jerome Award for Community Service. In 2001 Ned was awarded The Anthurium Award for creating awareness for Cancer in the Black community. The Guyana Award for Outstanding Service to the Guyanese and Canadian Community in 2004.
The prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Mr. Blair at this year’s Planet Africa Awards gala, Saturday October 25th, 2008. Ned was nominated by members of the Canadian public, and selected by a panel under the direction of Silvertrust Communications.
The awards are given out to individuals, organizations and businesses that make a profound difference in the lives of people of African heritage. Categories include Leadership, Professional Excellence, Science and Technology, Community Development, Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award, Media and Entertainment, African Renaissance, Rising Star, Enterprise, Sports, Heritage, Academic Achievement, Marcus Garvey Memorial Award, Volunteer and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Past recipients include William H. Osborne, President & CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada; Nobel Prize Winner, Professor Wole Soyinka; Ibrahim Dia, Senior Vice President of Royal Bank of Canada; Stanley Julien, Vice President of Bank of Montreal and Chairman of the BBPA National Scholarships; Olympic Gold Medalist, Daniel Igali; YWCA International President, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro; Nuclear Scientist, Dr. Sylvester Osamusali; and Biotechnologist, Dr. Florence Wambugu; among other accomplished individuals and organizations.
Planet Africa Television is the only regular English language series of its kind on African success stories, heritage and current affairs. It airs three times a week on OMNI Television, and Channel M in Canada; BEN TV in Europe, and MBI in Africa. Planet Africa Magazine is distributed on newsstands across Canada. It is the most successful publication of its kind, carried in major stores, including Chapters and Wal-Mart.