Humanitarians

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Lotta Hitschmanova: A Woman of Impact in Canada

As part of Women’s History Month, Status of Women Canada has created an online gallery called “Women of Impact in Canada.”

It is “dedicated to women’s achievements, featuring profiles of courageous women who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields.”

Dr Lotta is one of 100 women recognized by the Government of Canada and has been included in the online gallery as a Human Rights and humanitarian leader. 

I hope this recognition will lead to many more Canadians, men and women, learning about her remarkable life story, and the lasting impact she has had on her adopted society to this day.

David Rain

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Was Lotta a feminist? Was she THE international development pioneer?

“Canada has a long-standing commitment to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in the developing world, particularly women and girls.” Justin Trudeau, Feb 4, 2018.

As we celebrate International Development Week (Feb 4 to 10, 2018), let’s give a thought to one of our pioneering women leaders, Lotta Hitschmanova, and the impact she had on her adopted country, Canada, through her humanitarian work during the 1940s to 1980s.

Quite remarkably, as a refugee, she became perhaps the most prominent Canadian woman of her generation. But more than that, she pushed hard for women’s development around the world, well before this became a key approach followed by international development agencies.

“Development often starts with a woman. Support leadership programs for women through the USC, 56 Sparks Street, Ottawa.” Lotta Hitschmanova, 1978.

Continue reading →

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How to save Sparks Street – Part II – Let’s hear Lotta’s voice again!

The City of Ottawa wants your views on how to revitalize Sparks Street, Canada’s first pedestrian mall.

I’d like to add something new to what I wrote in a previous blog post, where I suggested building upon the only pre-existing “anchor” that already draws people from coast to coast to this narrow dark pedestrian mall – that anchor being Canada’s most iconic address, 56 Sparks Street, made famous by celebrated humanitarian, Lotta Hitschmanova, founder of the Unitarian Service Committee, USC Canada.

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Lotta and her unique uniform bring 2017 to a close

There are many ways we can celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Toronto author and illustrator Evan Munday has toasted the end of 2017 in a most unique way – by posting an original colour sketch of celebrated humanitarian, Lotta Hitschmanova, in her distinctive green uniform.

Munday saved Lotta for his final drawing of the year in this remarkable #365Canadians project. Bravo!

David Rain

 

 

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How to save Sparks Street – Lotta may offer the answer

A recent Ottawa Citizen column re-ignited a debate about what to do with Canada’s first pedestrian mall on Sparks Street. Here is my response:

As someone who worked on Sparks Street for two decades, I have followed with some interest the debate on whether this street can be “saved” or not. Continue reading →

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World Refugee Day: she made a lasting impact on her adopted society

World Refugee Day (June 20) has been established to help commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees around the world.

In 1942, a young Czech woman arrived in Montreal as a refugee from war-torn Europe. As she put it: Continue reading →

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What do Céline Dion, Oscar Peterson, Jean Béliveau and Lotta Hitschmanova all have in common?

What could possibly link together such a diverse group of beloved Canadians: a singer, a pianist, a hockey player and a humanitarian?

Could it be that each became household names far beyond the borders of Canada? That starting from very humble beginnings, each has made an enduring mark in their respective professions? Or might it be the uniforms that both Lotta and Jean Béliveau wore? Continue reading →

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The Bruce Cockburn – Lotta Hitschmanova connection: “She radiated love and concern”

Bruce CockburnIn 1995, award-winning singer-songwriter, activist and humanitarian, Bruce Cockburn recalled how he first came to know and admire Dr Lotta in Ottawa: Continue reading →

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What do Hailey Wickenheiser, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Lotta Hitschmanova have in common?

Hayley Wickenheiser

Photo credit: Creative Commons

What do Olympian Hailey Wickenheiser, singer-songwriter and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie and humanitarian Lotta Hitschmanova all have in common?

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Celebrating a Canadian “pioneer” on International Women’s Day

“Development often starts with a woman. Support leadership programs for women through the USC, 56 Sparks Street, Ottawa.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s give a thought to one of our pioneering women leaders, Lotta Hitschmanova, and the impact she had on her adopted country, Canada.

Quite remarkably, as a refugee, she became perhaps the most prominent Canadian woman of her generation. But more than that, she pushed hard for women’s development around the world, well before this became a key approach followed by international development agencies.

Continue reading →