Northern Lights recipient – John Arinze

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Location: Calgary, Alberta

True leadership seems to have no boundaries and no where is that more evident than when considering the impact that John Arinze has had on Calgary’s Igbo community.

Since his arrival in Calgary in 2004, John has become a familiar face in the community, taking on numerous volunteer roles. After immersing himself in the operations of the Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary as director of finance and vice-president, John has risen to the rank of president. In this role, John has set out to ensure the stability and strength of the organization, leading a campaign that has increased membership in the association by more than 20%. By staying connected with the community through ongoing interactions with Igbo families in the city, John fosters unity that shines forth in monthly meetings characterized by a sense of direction and strong leadership.

That leadership has helped assure the health of the organization – and the well-being of the community. Through regular “health-watch” programs during monthly meetings, John has helped to create awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Presentation by local physicians has helped the community become more “health conscious”. During the pandemic, John has also helped to ensure that community members in need had access to more than information to support their well-being. John mobilized the association to begin a program to lend a financial hand up to 16 families struggling with the pandemic’s financial fallout.

Community spirit and compassion fuel the passion for service that makes John Arinze as worthy recipient of Northern Lights Volunteer recognition.