Harry lehotsky biography

A challenging read that inspires gratitude for Harry's life - lived and shared. SO pleased to have had the opportunity to read this book and meet Harry in depth. Hoping you have the opportunity to meet this 'Canadian' hero in your reading journeys. Throughout the years, Harry was always aware of the need for quality, affordable, supportive rental housing for people who were working hard to improve their lives.

InNehemiah housing was formed, a non-profit renovation company, established to provide emergency housing for people with little money, and who were considered high risk.

Harry lehotsky biography: Harry Lehotsky, CM was a pastor

Through the help of the Winnipeg Housing and Homeless Initiative, they renovated three apartment buildings in and another three in The apartment buildings had all been near to closure due to fires or building and health code violations, before they were bought by Nehemiah. Due to the nature of his work, Harry had been involved with politics throughout his career.

Inhe decided to run formally in the Manitoba Provincial Elections, for the riding of Minto. Many community members wondered why the Reverend, known as the angel of the inner city, would choose to get involved with politics.

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His wife explained it very well. Many thought he should have run with the New Democratic Party, due to his social justice work and beliefs. Harry found, however, that his philosophy agreed more with that of the Conservatives. He really believed in giving a hand up, not a hand out, a concept that he felt the Conservative party advocated.

After so many years working to rebuild the inner city community, he had come to understand the difference between the two. However, his decision to run as a Conservative greatly affected the response of voters. Throughout his campaigning, Lehotsky found a pattern in the belief of many community residents. Although they admired the work he had done, and acknowledged that he could do so much more if he were to be elected, they would not vote for him because he was not an NDP candidate.

Losing the election was a disappointment to Harry, who felt that party initials had come to mean more then community involvement. Looking back at the election, Harry felt that the outcome was for the best. The loss of the election resulted in much more time for the ministries, and many great accomplishments to come. InHarry took on one of his greatest projects yet.

The government sold an old building on the corner of Ellice and Sherbrook for a very low price to Lazarus Housing. The building had earlier been home to an East Indian deli and pharmacy, as well as a theatre, which showed Bollywood movies.

Harry lehotsky biography: Harry Lehotsky, CM (26 July –

Upon the closure of the business, the government claimed the historic building. He hoped that a community feeling would be developed, encouraging skill development through volunteering, job training, and employment. The business would also assist the New Life Ministries in providing community service without relying on operating funds from the government.

Despite his complete devotion to his work, the reverend always put his family first. Harry and his wife Virginia had three boys. Their oldest son Mathew was born on January 23rd oftwo years after the couple moved to Winnipeg. Twins Brandon and Jared were born injust as the New Life Ministries were opening their doors at the new church on Maryland Street.

Harry had a very special relationship with each of his sons. Virginia recalls how he never once missed a basketball game. It was his goal to raise his sons to be strong, independent men, and to find their own niche in life. While Virginia admits that she sometimes worried about raising her sons in the West End, she is also so appreciative of the many lessons that it has taught them.

Despite facing certain challenges, they have developed an understanding of diversity and conflict resolution. For Harry, there was no other place he could live. He simply could not justify working to rebuild and sustain a community, and not residing in it. He could not accept any form of hypocrisy. Virginia did often feel that Harry took on a lot of responsibility, but she never once stopped him.

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She always knew that Harry could handle whatever he took on. She, like many others, admired his passion for social justice. Mathew Lehotsky is currently finishing his degree in Actuarial Science at the University of Manitoba, planning to graduate in Brandon and Jared only graduated from high school inbut Brandon is interested in construction, and Jared is interested in education.

Virginia Lehotsky always thought that her sons would move away from the West End neighbourhood. However, the three sons have recently purchased the house next door, which is the last house being renovated by Lazarus Housing. Harry Lehotsky Award for Community Activism to recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to crime prevention in Manitoba.

Lehotsky was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada with effective date of 5 Octoberas announced by the Canadian government on 20 February Though Lehotsky died before the official announcement, he was informed of the honour privately prior to his death. Contents move to sidebar hide. Inshortly before his death from pancreatic cancer, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press13 November This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people.