John Iatridis Named 2020 Citizen Of The Year
Lifelong Moose Jaw resident John Iatridis has been named Moose Jaw’s 2020 Citizen Of The Year.
In a lunch hour presentation Iatridis was awarded the honour for his dedication and making Moose Jaw a better place for others.
“In the year that was hard for everyone John stepped up time and time again to help people in our community,” host Rob Carnie said why Iatridis had received the recognition.
“John is a passionate man. Passionate about our community and always bringing a smiling face,” Carnie said.
In a short emotional acceptance speech, where Iatridis was close to tearing up, he said he did not know what to say but it was an honour to receive the award.
“I don’t know what to tell you Carns (Rob Carnie) I had no idea this was happening until last week,” Iatridis said, adding “I really appreciate it. It was nice to be recognized and to be involved with the people we have been involved with.”
Iatridis spoke about being called by Moose Jaw and District CEO Rob Clark to ask if he would accept the nomination.
“When Robbie Clark called he actually made me tear up when he told me how much my dad and uncle did for the community. I told Rob that was good enough for me there,” he said.
“Sorry if I do a quarter of what they have done I would be proud of myself. They loved this city, they always did”
Iatridis spoke about his father - who had immigrated to Canada from Greece - and how his father would say “how proud he was to be Canadian.”
“The only thing he would swear about was the weather he never could get used to that.”
Iatridis father and uncle started and operated Rodos Pizza. The business is still owned by the Iatridis family.
The Citizen of the Year Award was in an on-line format this year due to the COVID - 19 pandemic - Source Facebook
The award was presented for a number of things Iatridis did during 2020.
Iatridis ran errands for people during the pandemic for people who were unable to leave their homes. He also provided delicious meals from his restaurant the Mad Greek and sponsored Moose Jaw Minor Hockey.
An example of his efforts to help people smile was when Iatridis anonymously bought and replaced Christmas ornaments which had been stolen from a family’s front lawn.
Also nominated for the award were Ashley Armstrong, Marta Woodrow, Aspen Williams, and Nick Hennink.
The Citizen of the Year Award was presented by the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce, Golden West Radio and CAE Inc.