Mes P’tits Copains receives Mayor’s City Builder Award

Mayor Jim Watson, College Ward Councillor Rick Chiarelli and River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington presented the Mayor’s City Builder Award today to Gwenaëlle Salaün and Zoulikha Stambouli of Mes P’tits Copains, for their tireless commitment to the education of preschool children.

Mes P’tits Copains, a not-for-profit Francophone playgroup, was established in January 2000 by Gwenaëlle Salaün in Ottawa west. During the first year, Zoulikha Stambouli joined Gwenaëlle and soon Mes P’tits Copains will celebrate its 15 year milestone.

Mes P’tits Copain meets an important need in the west end, providing parents and caregivers with an opportunity to immerse children 5-years and under, in an engaging and fun, francophone environment. Mes P’tits Copains also serves as a forum for parents and caregivers to exchange concerns and information on child development, and prepare their children for French language school.

Mes P’tits Copains, stands out as a centre of excellence that provides first-rate exposure to the Francophone community and to a quality education. Since its inception, nearly 300 children have benefited from the program.

The Mayor’s City Builder Award is a civic honour created to recognize an individual, group or organization that has, through outstanding volunteerism or exemplary action, demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making our city a better place today and for the future. This may include lifelong service, outstanding acts of kindness, inspiring charitable work, community building or other exemplary achievements. Individuals, groups or organizations may be nominated by members of City Council or the public. The award is presented at the beginning of each City Council meeting.