Here are the 12 Londoners on this year's Mayor's honour list
CBC News | Posted: December 31, 2024 10:22 PM | Last Updated: December 31
The list includes a former broadcaster, environmental warrior and champion of the arts
He was an ordinary Londoner doing such an ordinary thing: getting groceries on a July afternoon.
But Mike Bessegato didn't hesitate when he saw a store employee being hassled by someone. He jumped right in, pulling the man off the 72-year-old employee.
"I did what everyone else would have done," Bessegato told CBC News on Tuesday. "I saw him, he needed help, so I went to his aid."
The assailant pulled out a concealed weapon and stabbed Bessegato multiple times, seriously injuring him. For his bravery, Bessegato was named one of 12 people on the mayor's honour list — distinguished Londoners making their community a better place to live.
"It's a great honour," said Bessegato, who recovered from his injuries and retired from the City of London in October. "To be named to this list, it's a great way to end my career."
Now retired, Bessegato hopes to do a lot more fishing and some travel with his wife.
The other 11 honourees on the mayor's list are:
- Diane MacMillan, for her contributions as a lead volunteer at the free income tax clinics helping older and low-income Londoners access financial resources.
- Jacqueline Madden, for her advocacy for accessibility on public transit.
- Claire Crooks, posthumously, for her research into youth mental health, working to reduce dating, peer, and group violence.
- George Kerhoulas, for his work with London's business community and specifically fierce advocacy for the revitalization of the downtown.
- Jim Chapman, for his longstanding career in music and media, starting in 1964 and spanning a wide range of mediums and decades.
- Clark Bryan, for his commitment to the arts and music education in the city, and his leadership at Aeolian Hall.
- Sheldon Carter, for championing countless charitable and social equity causes and making his company, Digital Extremes, one of Canada's Top 100 Best Companies to work for.
- Tyler Stewart, also known as the London Green Ranger, for using his platform and personal experiences to inspire others and for his passion for ending the stigma around mental health.
- Hethan Karty, for his work enhancing legal, financial and cultural awareness among new Canadians through public education.
- Shaquille Sealy, for his work with Reforest London, from tree-planing to public education, and the continued development of the Westminster Ponds.
- Maureen Spencer Golovechenko, for her contributions to the city's heritage assets, including Eldon House, where she's been a board member and is working to link Eldon House and other downtown landmarks together to provide historical context.