TORONTO – Paul Brandt was named Monday as the inaugural recipient of the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award and Moses Znaimer will receive the 2008 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award in April 2008 at the Juno Awards.
The award given to Brandt, a country musician and philanthropist, recognizes an outstanding Canadian artist who has positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada. Funding for the award comes from the CTV/CHUM benefits package.
Brandt supports several causes, including the Alberta Children’s Hospital, the Alberta Neurofibromatosis Association, the Alberta Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Brandon Cole Memorial Fund, which raises awareness about youth suicide and bullying. He is also involved with the international relief organizations World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse.
The Walt Grealis Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the growth and advancement of the Canadian music industry.
Znaimer co-founded and ran Citytv Toronto, and helped develop more than a dozen more stations, including Bravo! Fashion Television, MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, MusiMax, Musique Plus, Space: the Imagination Station, and Star! – The Entertainment Information Station. He currently owns Classical 96.3 FM in Cobourg, ON, and is president and executive producer of MZTV P&D, a boutique independent TV production and distribution company, and is the producer of the annual ideaCity conference.
“Moses Znaimer is truly an inspiration and a unique force in broadcasting; his contribution and role in the Canadian music industry has been invaluable,” said Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences president Melanie Berry.
CARAS is presenting the two awards.
