Dr. Gezaghn (Geza) Wordofa wants to represent all of the unique voices that call Stratford home.
Wordofa is running for city council during this year’s municipal election. The founder of the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron (MAPH), Wordofa says that over 79 countries are represented in Stratford. He is hoping to be a voice for all of them.
Wordofa was born in Ethiopia and educated in Russia, where he met his wife Nicole. Nicole, a Stratford-native, introduced him to the city and they moved here in 2011. That same year Wordofa founded MAPH.
The not-for-profit organization helps newcomers to Canada adjust to life in southwestern Ontario. Although serving Perth-Huron, Wordofa’s work often crosses county lines. He noted that many of the families he helps settle go to Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and anywhere in between.
At the beginning of October, Wordofa was formally endorsed by many of the families his organization has helped settle in the area. Pastor Volodymyr Postyrnatz presented him with a handmade coat made by the community, along with his well wishes.
Over the years in Stratford, Wordofa has become aware of many issues facing the city. In conversation with StratfordToday, Wordofa expressed that a main concern he has is the city’s lack of big-city resources.
Long wait times at the emergency room or having to go to a larger city for care are hurdles for many families in the area. Wordofa wants to see the creation of a walk-in clinic. He says that he has already been speaking with doctors from different cities in the region to attract them to start a clinic here.
He is also concerned about a lack of a men’s shelter in the area. He says that the city needs a place for people to take a shower and to sleep, rather than pointing to bigger cities.
Recently MAPH has been devoted to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Wordofa himself has been to Ukraine and Poland a handful of times in the last year to assist refugees coming to Canada.
Wordofa is grateful for what the past council has done, though notes that now it's time to 'pass the baton'.
The voting period for Stratford's municipal election runs from Friday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Mon. Oct. 24. You can vote via internet or telephone during this time period.
You can find information on voting and see the list of candidates for city council on the City of Stratford's website.
