Mairuth Sarsfield facts for kids
Mairuth Hodge Sarsfield (born in 1925, passed away on May 7, 2013) was a truly inspiring Canadian. She was a talented writer, a helpful diplomat, and a well-known journalist. She also worked as a broadcaster on TV and radio. Mairuth was a civil servant, meaning she worked for the government. She was also a best-selling author. She was honored with the National Order of Quebec.
Her Incredible Life and Work
Mairuth Sarsfield had many different and exciting jobs. She was a host for major Canadian TV networks. These included the CBC, CTV, and TVOntario. She used her voice to share important stories.
Mairuth also worked for Canada's External Affairs Department. This department helps Canada connect with other countries. She helped organize Canada's displays at big world events. These events were Expo 67 in Montreal and Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan. She made sure Canada's exhibits were amazing.
Later, she worked for the United Nations Environment Programme. This is a part of the United Nations. It works to protect our planet's environment. She worked in Nairobi, Kenya. There, she started a global project called "For Every Child a Tree." This campaign encouraged planting trees for children everywhere. She also worked for Canada in Washington and New York.
Mairuth came back to Canada in 1984. She then joined the board of governors at the CBC. This meant she helped guide the direction of the national broadcaster.
Her novel, No Crystal Stair, was very popular. It was chosen for Canada Reads 2005. This is a national book competition in Canada. An Olympic fencer, Sherraine MacKay, supported her book.
Mairuth was a mother. Her children were Jeremy Hodge (who passed away in 1979) and Jennifer Hodge de Silva. Jennifer was a pioneering Canadian filmmaker. She passed away in 1989.
Awards and Special Honours
Mairuth Sarsfield received many awards. She won honors for her work at the World's Fair pavilions. These were for her amazing theme coordination for Canada.
In 1986, she was given the Chevalier a L'Ordre National du Quebec. This is a very high honor in Quebec. She also won the National Congress of Black Women Foundation's First Literary Award. This was for her book No Crystal Stair. The city of Cleveland even named a 'Mairuth Sarsfield Day'. This was to celebrate her work with the United Nations in Nairobi.
Her Books
Mairuth Sarsfield was a talented author. Here are some of her published works:
- No Crystal Stair (1997)
- My Friend and I
- The Fourth Wise Man
