Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova wins 2023 Agnes Macphail Award

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The 2023 Agnes Macphail Award recipient, Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova /City of Toronto

On Sunday, March 19, the City and the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee will host an awards ceremony to recognize Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova’s contributions to the East York community. The City’s annual Agnes Macphail Award is presented to an individual in East York for their volunteer leadership in community-building and social justice issues.

A skilled ophthalmologist specializing in the treatment of glaucoma, Dr. Sharipova came to Canada from Tajikistan in 2009. A mother of four and grandmother of two, she has lived in East York since 2010. Dr. Sharipova founded the Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network (TPASN), which stemmed from her experience as a mother with a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. TPASN provides 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.

Dr. Sharipova supports her community by organizing a toy drive for low-income families and the Ramadan Free Hot Meal Project. With a team of volunteers, she has provided 4,240 meals since the program started, delivering meals door to door during the pandemic. Dr. Sharipova also fundraises to provide food and supplies to families and seniors in need. She is also dedicated to creating opportunities for youth to engage in community development.

Dr. Sharipova’s contributions to the East York community are nothing short of inspiring. From toy drives for low-income families to hot lunches during Ramadan – her heart has always been in community service. Her dedication to the East York neighbourhood is incredible and I couldn’t be prouder to see her honoured in this way.Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth)

The recipient of the 2023 Agnes Macphail Award will be honoured in a ceremony taking place on March 19, 2023. The public is invited to attend.

Agnes Macphail Award Ceremony
Sunday, March 19, 2023
2:00 PM

True Davidson Council Chambers
East York Civic Centre
850 Coxwell Avenue
Toronto, ON M4C 5R1

The recipient will receive a medal and a framed certificate of recognition and will have their portrait placed on an honour wall in the East York Civic Centre.

Award recipients designate a charity to receive donations from the Agnes Macphail Fund, which the East York Foundation manages, and this year’s charity is The Neighbourhood Organization. The award will be presented on Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m. at the East York Civic Centre and the public is welcome to attend. More information, including past recipients, is available on the City’s Agnes Macphail Award webpage.

Dr. Sharipova is physician, mother and grandmother who has dedicated her time and energy to ensuring the families in her East York neighbourhood are supported. She is a selfless leader – creating inclusive communities to help others understand autism and other developmental disabilities. Her leadership and passion make her well-deserving of this award.Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches-East York)
On behalf of the City of Toronto I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations and thanks to Dr. Sharipova for being recognized as this year’s Agnes Macphail award winner in recognition of her lifetime of service to her community. Through both her professional and voluntary contributions Dr. Sharipova has made East York and our city a better place to live.Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie

This award was established as a tribute to Agnes Macphail, Canada’s first female Member of Parliament and the first female sworn-in as an Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament in the riding of York East. She championed causes such as women’s rights, fairness for seniors, criminal justice reform and access to housing, health care and education.

Source:
www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/awards/agnes-macphail-award/