Moe Atallah receives the Key to the City

[guest]

Mayor Jim Watson presented the Key to the City to Moe Atallah at a fundraiser at Algonquin College this evening. The key was presented to Mr. Atallah in recognition for the indelible mark he has made on our city through countless philanthropic acts of kindness since arriving in Canada in 1976 as a 32-year-old refugee from Lebanon.

Mr. Atallah was immediately drawn to the restaurant industry. He started as a dishwasher but he quickly learned the business, and in 1988, he bought the Newport Restaurant in Westboro. While operating the restaurant, Mr. Atallah dedicated himself to local causes and philanthropy, donating thousands of pizzas and funds to local charities. Mr. Atallah used to open the doors to his restaurant every Christmas for anyone looking for friendship or food.

Mr. Atallah’s generosity has been felt across Ottawa. He has been recognized as a United Way Ottawa Community Builder, Ottawa Businessman of the Year, Restauranteur of the Year and as a St. Joe’s Women’s Centre Champion. He has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of Ottawa.

Mr. Atallah was also key in establishing the Elvis Sighting Society, hosting the Society and its memorabilia at the Newport Restaurant.

Quotes

“Moe Atallah has been an incredible philanthropist for our city. He is always willing to help the community in any way he can. Ottawa is richer for having Moe Atallah and we are thankful for the positive impression he has made on our city.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson


Key Facts

The Key to the City

• The Key to the City is Ottawa’s most prestigious award.
• An ornamental key is presented to esteemed residents, visitors and others whom the City of Ottawa wishes to honour. This practice has a symbolic meaning evoking medieval walled cities, the gates of which would be guarded during the day and locked at night. The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of city residents.
• Some former recipients include:
• Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth (now, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)
• Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands
• Author Margaret Atwood
• Photographers Yousuf and Malak Karsh
• The Community Foundation of Ottawa
• Actress Sandra Oh
• Ottawa Senators former Captain Daniel Alfredsson
• The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C., Chief Justice of Canada
• Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek
• TV and radio news journalist, Michel Picard
• Carleton University and Algonquin College
• Former Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401). You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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