Sydney, Australia—A very popular feature event for UPF-Sydney each year is the Living for Others Awards Night. This year was no exception. On Monday evening, December 10, 2018, the Oceania Peace Embassy Sydney hall was packed with over 100 people, and there was a high sense of excitement and enthusiasm in the air. Community groups supporting their local representative Living for the Sake of Others Awards recipient, had to limit their numbers to secure a seat.
The five worthy individuals who received the awards this year were Jasmina Bajraktarevic, Ahmad Karem Dib, Yvonne McDonell, Margaret Neeson and Teresa Kieu Ngoc Tran. They were nominated by their local communities as people who are highly respected for living for others. Bios of each awardee were displayed in the program. After each awardee received the award, they were asked to speak about what motivated them to live for the sake of others. All the five awardees also received an Ambassador for Peace certificate. A sixth person, Haidar Karem, also received an Ambassador for Peace certificate.
The event was opened by Mrs. Jynene Helland, emcee for the evening. UPF-Australia President Greg Stone gave a short talk on the topic “Living for Others” and quoted some inspiring words from Reverend Moon. Living for the sake of others is one of the primary messages stressed by UPF Cofounder Reverend Dr. Sun Myung Moon, which he encouraged others to do on countless occasions and something that he exemplified in his own life.
People from 14 different national groups and many different faith traditions enjoyed the evening together. There was a buzz in the air; the evening was vibrant and a fitting way to conclude the series of UPF public events in 2018.
The UPF Choir, led by Chihiro Midorikawa, presented the songs “Fix You” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.” Both were well received. The evening concluded with acknowledgement of three sponsors, Catherine Edwards, Ghassan Alassadi and Dr. Mohamed Al Jabiri, all Ambassadors for Peace who have supported the work of UPF for many years.