Activist/Author Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay celebrates Hope in the City in Halifax

Caption: Keynote speaker Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay addresses the crowd at the second annual Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast, presented by CIBC, at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax.

Activist and author Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay visited Halifax today to support The Salvation Army at its second annual Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast, presented by CIBC. The event drew approximately 350 business people to the Westin Nova Scotian’s Commonwealth Ballroom, for a morning of networking, entertainment and education about the work The Salvation Army is doing throughout Halifax Regional Municipality. The event raised approximately $30,000.

An award winning international human rights and democracy activist and President and co-founder of “Stop Child Executions” organization, Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay is a tireless worker for those in need around the globe. She is a former singer/songwriter , actor, Miss World Canada and director on the board of the Race Relations Foundation. Her first book, “The Tale of Two Nazanins” chronicles her work to save the life of a young Iranian woman facing execution in her native land.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Nazanin shared an encouraging message of empowerment and hope, urging those in attendance to effect change right here at home.

“I try to instill in everyone that they have the power to make significant change in the lives of those around them,” she said. “We often think that our impact is insignificant, but we really can reshape someone’s life. The Salvation Army works with helping to lift people out of poverty, alleviating dependencies to drugs and alcohol, responding to disasters, to name a few. I wanted you to leave inspired to know that you can continue to help an organization like The Salvation Army.”

Nazanin said that through her experience of living in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, she is constantly reminded that Nova Scotians are among – if not the – most generous of Canadians, always quick to support a cause.

“It’s a testimony to the kind of people that Nova Scotians are that they can help stop a child from being executed in Iran, or help someone who needs shelter here.”

The event also featured CTV news anchor Steve Murphy as emcee, and drew a crowd of business and community leaders, elected officials and youth.

The Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast, presented by CIBC, was made possible thanks to the support of: Presenting sponsor CIBC, Gold Sponsor Irving Shipbuilding, and Silver Sponsors Investors Group, TELUS, Deloitte, WM Fares Group, Cresco, C100 and Metro Halifax.

“We are excited to once again celebrate our Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast,” says Major Doug Hefford, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army. “It has been a great morning. With your support, you are helping us continue to provide the basic necessities of life – food, shelter and clothing – to those marginalized in our community.”