“Humanitarian of the Year” Award
Each year the Malawi Project recognizes a particular person or group who have made a difference in the lives of the people of Malawi. Many of these people appear in the Be The Change category of the Malawi Project website. Each new recipient joins people such as Mama Cecelia Kadzamira, the woman recognized by many as the first First Lady of Malawi, the now deceased former First Lady of Malawi Ethel Mutharika, and Samatha Ludwick of the Cool Runnings Lake Resort. This year this awarding of recognition goes to the Universal Aide Society of Canada and its director, Shirley Gremyachev. Repeatedly Shirley and the Society have come to the aid of the Malawi Project when needs were evident.
Shirley Gremyachev, its director, was born and raised in the Maritimes of Canada. She is the mother of three daughters and grandmother of four grand children. She spent her early years active in social youth work and the last twenty years focused on shipping humanitarian relief aid to those in need over seas. Shirley is Co founder of Global Relief Fund and Founder of Universal Aide Society. She has received many tributes for her dedication to the poor two of which are the Paul Harris award and Honorary Doctorate degree for humanitarian services.
Shirley has traveled extensively over the years witnessing first hand those that are suffering from poverty and the ravaging affects it has on human life and dignity. Her dedication to partnering and networking with other like minds has enabled her to see thousands of shipments find their way to the poor. Shirley’s husband, Yuri Gremyachev also shares her passion for the poor and together they work to bring hope and help to the destitute.