14 September 2016Reverend Joseph Kiirya receives Mayor’s City Builder Award_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa **– Mayor Jim Watson and Knoxdale-Merivale Councillor Keith Egli presented the Mayor’s City Builder Award to Reverend Joseph Kiirya at today’s City Council meeting. Reverend Joseph Kiirya is a St. Paul University graduate and a dedicated community leader. He is the founder of the River Jordan Ministry in Nepean, a self described non-denominational, cross-cultural and multi-generational ministry. This year the ministry celebrates an amazing 10 years of offering “a home away from home” to all immigrants living in Ottawa. https://twitter.com/KeithEgli/status/776067904240492544Over the years he has made specific efforts to serve Ottawa’s immigrant population. He continuously goes out of his way to mentor and help newcomers by bringing a message of hope and inspiration. One of the many ways he achieves this is by taking the time to volunteer at the Somerset West Community Centre where he provides vital support to members of the African and Caribbean community. Reverend Joseph is also a member of the Love Ottawa executive committee, a city-wide team representing the One Way Ministry which strives to build and foster relationships for Ottawa’s residents. As part on this team he is also commended for his involvement with the Unity Front and Youth at Risk, two key initiatives that inspire individuals to make the most of opportunities available to them within their community. 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. For more information on City programs and services, visit [ ottawa.ca ](http://ottawa.ca/)or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/cityofottawa), [ Twitter ](https://twitter.com/ottawacity)and [ Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/cityofottawa/).