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About One Love Gala

What is One Love Gala?

The One Love gala was inspired by Bob Marley’s song One Love!

Some eight years ago, when diversity chaplaincy was under threat, thanks to a Minister who thought otherwise, I was sitting distraught and this song was playing. I thought to myself that we must have an event that both celebrates our work with those incarcerated and advocates for the continuation of this crucial service. The name suited it so much as interfaith leaders and people from all walks of life joined us for an evening of much love!

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Speakers & MCs

Proud to bring inspirational speakers to the One Love Gala

Awards

Malcolm X Social Justice Award  

  • 2015 - Yasin Dwyer, former Chaplain at Corrections for 12 years.

  • 2016 - AbdurRashid Michael Taylor, longest standing Muslim Chaplain in Canada.

  • 2017 - Yusra Khogali, co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter-Toronto, a spoken-word artist, and community organizer.

  • 2018 - Yusuf Faqiri, founder and brother of the Justice for Soli movement.

  • 2019 - Warren Gambino, ex-inmate who was released after 10 years in prison on evidence later found inadmissible.

  • 2020 - Bryan Rouse, Rastafarian Chaplain for 20 years in Canada.

  • 2024 - Imam Shakiru Ishola, volunteer Muslim Chaplain in Ontario Prisons for the past 25 years.

Tayibah Taylor  Award   

  • 2015 - Tamara Fazal, successful reintegrated single mother.

  • 2016 - Shahina Siddiqui,  world renowned advocate against radicalization and racism.

  • 2017 - Bri-anne Swan, volunteer Pastor at Texas Institution for persons on death row.

  • 2018 - Elizabeth Rahman, co-founder of the Abraham Festival in Peterborough, ON.

  • 2019 - Orev R. Katz, Jewish Chaplain and Diversity Advocate.

  • 2020 - Kailey Oliver, served a federal prison sentence for human trafficking.

  • 2024 - Emily O'Brien, ex-inmate and founder of Comeback Snacks.

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Ghulam Sajan Award

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  • 2015 - Ahmed HabHab, successful reintegrated youth offender.

  • 2016 - Ibrahim Downey, chaplain for Corrections Canada and former inmate.

  • 2017 - Imran Ally, chaplain Peel Police and Imam at TARIC Islamic Centre for 15 years.

  • 2018 - Shakiru Ishola, volunteer prison chaplain for Corrections Canada.

  • 2019 - Joseph Grmovsek, served a federal prison sentence for insider trading.

  • 2020 - Andrea Tabnor, served a prison sentence related to gang crimes and the founder of J-F Unity BBQ and president of Jane and Finch Unity Organization.

  • 2024 - Juma Kuol, served a prison sentence.

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Lyla Ali Education and Community Service Award   

  • 2017 - Rukya Omar, single mother and  student at University of Toronto who have demonstrated excellence in community service and academic achievements.

  • 2018 - Hodan Nayaleh, founder of Integration TV Media

  • 2019 - Joey Twins, advocate for injustices for Indigenous people.

  • 2020 - Andrea Page, youth mental health advocate and owner of Fitmom.

  • 2024 - Randy Persaud, former inmate who served in a federal prison and is currently out on full parole.

 

Carl Rayaz Jadunandan Humanitarian Award

  • 2017 - Tia Tariq, self funded volunteer who assists Syrian Refugees cross the globe

  • 2018 - Sadro Usman, founder of Interfaith Deeds and supporter of incarcerated family.

  • 2019 - Mohammed Motiar, former juvenile inmate

  • 2020 - Jordan Moyer, former inmate who serve a federal prison sentence.

  • 2024 - Discontinued

 

One Love Award for Successful Re-Integration (New)

  •  2024 - Wayne Judge, served a prison sentence but today this proud grandfather is contributing to his community with gratitude.  Wayne is walking the path of healing  with courage and humility. 

 

One Love Award for Supporting Re-Integration (New)

  •  2024 - Maxcine Telfer - a champion who applies her motto “ be the best, outsmart the best” in her
    daily life.

SPONSORS

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