Here are the 12 Londoners on this year's Mayor's honour list
The annual honour list is a recognition of people who have contributed to the community to make it a better place for others to live.
The list includes a former broadcaster, environmental warrior and champion of the arts
CBC News ·
Clark Bryan, the founder and executive director the Aeolian Hall, also launched El Sistema in London in 2011. He was named to the Mayor's honour list for 2024. (Michelle Both/CBC)
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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.
Mike Bessegato is on the mayor's honour list for his quick-thinking intervention when a store employee was being attacked. (Supplied by Mike Bessegato )
"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.
Jacqueline Madden is an advocate for making London and its paratransit service more accessible. She says she's hopeful the LTC can make proposed changes to its operations. (Isha Bhargava/CBC News)
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.
The Aeolian Hall on Dundas Street, in London Ont. (Photo courtesy of Scott Gregory)
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.
Visit the Meeting Tree in London's Westminster Ponds
3 months ago
Duration 0:49
There's a nearly 700-year-old white oak tree in London's Westminster Ponds that is believed to have served as a meeting place during the mid-1800s for asylum seekers who escaped slavery by way of the Underground Railroad. Shaquille Sealy, the co-executive director of ReForest London, gave a brief history of the Meeting Tree.
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.
