His Holiness Pope Tawadros II meets with Serve to Learn volunteers in Cairo, July 12, 2014.
I have great news! His Holiness is blessing us with his presence at our 25th Anniversary Gala in Canada!
His Holiness’ commitment to attend is an incredible honor, and an affirmation of the amazing commitment that you’ve shown to the children in your years of prayers, support, and love.
Will you accept our invitation, too? The Galas will take place in Canada (Sept. 28) the United States (Oct. 11) and Australia (Nov. 9). You can learn more about tickets, times, and venues by clicking here.
I’m excited that His Holiness will accept Coptic Orphans’ Leading by Example Award, which honors pioneers whose character and achievements make them role models in Egypt and around the world.
His Holiness is our clear choice to receive the award because of his noble efforts to realize his vision of an Egypt of tolerance and prosperity, where Christians and Muslims live in peace. Moreover, His Holiness has been an incredible advocate for the children as far back as 1999, when Coptic Orphans worked with him during his time as a general bishop.
We’re also honored that His Excellency Mohamed M. Tawfik, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United States, will be speaking at our Gala in the United States.
In Australia, the 25th anniversary guest of honor and Leading by Example Award recipient will be Nick Kaldas, APM, deputy commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force.
Nevine Iskander, who directs our office in Australia, tells me: “We’re thrilled to welcome Nick Kaldas as our guest of honor and recipient of the Leading by Example Award. As deputy commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force, Mr. Kaldas is a highly respected and accomplished Australian Copt, whose strength of character and commitment to serving the community at home and abroad, make him our choice for this honor.”
I’m also very proud that Ola Ghabbour, recipient of the 2008 Leading by Example Award, will be honored posthumously at the U.S. Gala for her incredible and tireless dedication to improving the lives of the children of Egypt.
I can’t believe His Holiness will be with us! I’m grateful beyond words. To me, it’s truly a sign that it’s time to celebrate all of our work together. It’s also an incredible way to mark the milestone we’ve reached, by the grace of God, of educating and empowering 30,000 children of Egypt in 25 years.
Thank you for all you’ve done to get us to this incredible day. I look forward to seeing you at the Galas, and to launching our shared vision for the next 25 years of transforming lives in Egypt!