BY ALEX GREGORY
“You just act. That’s all you can do.” Alisa Cheddi, a committed community volunteer and supporter of local initiatives in Brampton, said she “thought it was a prank” when she was informed that she would be receiving the 2020 Citizen of the Year – Adult award for her work helping to build green spaces, support fundraising for kidney research and provide supplies to local children in need.
The annual awards, which were announced this year after being delayed due to the pandemic in 2020, includes 175 new recipients who were honoured for their volunteer work in the community — and show what can be accomplished with enough determination.
Cheddi, a mother of three, said she was “humbled and honoured” by the recognition during an interview with Peel Weekly News on Wednesday. “I thought it was one of my friends playing a prank,” she said when she was notified of the recognition by the City of Brampton. “(When) I realized I won, I didn’t know how to feel. I hadn’t won anything like this before.” This year’s awards helped recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of local residents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Wards 3 & 4 regional councillor Martin Medeiros, who chaired the awards committee. “The number of people who have given generously of their time and attained personal achievements in arts and sports is really quite remarkable,” Medeiros said this past weekend.
“I am so proud of the community spirit we have here in Brampton.” Motivated by the support of her father, who was on dialysis at the time, and her family, Cheddi helped fundraise for the Brampton Kidney Walk in 2020 and found it to be a “lifechanging experience.”
