The founder and President of HelpingACT Mohammed Ali has been named as the Canberra Citizen of the Year for 2022.
Mr Ali is being recognised for his dedication to supporting vulnerable members of our community through his roles with HelpingACT, the ACT Multicultural Advisory Board, ACT Refugee Asylum Seeker and Humanitarian Coordination Committee and Companion House.
Mr Ali founded HelpingACT in 2018 to provide food security to Canberrans who need it. This includes refugees, international students and homeless individuals. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, HelpingACT were active throughout Canberra in support of local families who were struggling to purchase food and other items, or were in isolation.
During the 2019/20 bushfires, HelpingACT partnered with Slabs for Heroes to donate goods to fire-affected areas in the Canberra region. The organisation also prepared meals for families who needed support at evacuation centres set up in Canberra.
HelpingACT support the work of other local community organisations, including Havelock House, the Early Morning Centre, Woden Community Service and a number of local street pantries.
I congratulate Mr Ali on this recognition and I look forward to seeing him continue to make an impact in our community over the coming 12 months and beyond.
