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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

respect

Sheldon Kennedy earns honourary degree from Olds College

Jul 30, 2020 | 3:58 PM

Sheldon Kennedy has been bestowed an honourary degree from Olds College for his significant contributions to the prevention of bullying and abuse.

The former NHLer who grew up in Manitoba is widely known for his advocacy against child abuse in the wake of his decision to charge his major junior hockey coach with sexual assault.

Kennedy has gone on to co-found the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre which provides essential services to children and their families who have experienced abuse. He’s also involved with the future expansion of the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.

In recent years, Kennedy co-founded Respect Group, which provides training to companies, sports organizations and schools. Olds College worked with Respect Group in 2018 and developed a Respect in the Workplace program for the campus.

“To me, this award represents the fact that leaders and proactive organizations, like Olds College, are ready and willing to make positive change,” says Kennedy. “If I have influenced good leadership through my advocacy efforts, then I accept this award as honouring that collaborative work. Thank you so much.”

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Adds Olds College President Stuart Cullum: “Sheldon has shown tremendous support of Olds College through the Respect Group organization. His passion for creating safe, respectful environments for people to feel empowered reflects the values that we hold at Olds College, and makes Sheldon a wonderful recipient of the Olds College 2020 Honourary Degree.”

Kennedy also recently received the Order of Hockey by Hockey Canada, the WHL Governor General Award, and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame through the 2020/2021 Order of Sport.

The 51-year-old will receive his 2020 honourary degree during a combined convocation ceremony scheduled for June 2021.