David Olding, an Anglican who is well known in Halifax for his work with society’s underprivileged, is the recipient of the 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Faith in Action Award.
The award “honours exceptional community outreach that is recognized as having provided significant benefit to the wider community.” Olding will receive the award from Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Mayann E. Francis at the Atlantic School of Theology (AST) convocation on May 1, at the Cathedral Church of All Saints.
Olding has been active in prison ministry and has offered pastoral support to various Halifax groups for about 13 years. “Following his retirement, he served for 10 years as full-time volunteer chaplain for Correction Services Canada, making daily visits to halfway houses in Halifax and regular calls to correctional facilities throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,” the AST said in a press statement.
Today, Olding provides support to non-profit organizations that help people who are experiencing homelessness and poverty, such as Metro Turning Point, Direction 180, Metro Non-Profit Housing, Community Action on Homelessness and Stepping Stone.
“His life is focused on caring for those who seem to have no one to care for them-prisoners, the homeless, addicts and sex workers,” said the AST. “His passion and commitment are an inspiration to those who work with him and hear him speak about the issues facing the underprivileged and marginalized in today’s society…. David Olding truly lives his faith in action every day.”
In 2006, the synod of the diocese of Nova Scotia gave Olding a Faithful Service Award. That same year, he was also chosen to serve on the Nova Scotia Minister of Justice Task Force to Make Streets and Communities Safer.
Recipients of the award are chosen by a committee that includes representatives from the AST and the Nova Scotia Interfaith Council. Ω
