1997 Harmony Award Recipient

Ruth Goldbloom is a remarkable and dedicated woman. She carries her enthusiasm into every committee and her devotion into every important cause she has championed. She sparkles with wit and effortless charm. She gives her time and energy with a generosity of spirit that never fails to amaze.

She was born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, and attended Mount Allison and then McGill University. Since moving to Halifax in 1967, she has held leadership positions in many community and educational institutions, including being the first woman to chair the Metro United Way Campaign. She has had a long association with the Izak Walton Killam Children’s Hospital.

Her university appointments have included the chair of the board of Mount Saint Vincent, University Regent of Mount Allison University, and Chancellor Emeritus of DalTech University.

Friends say she was thrilled that she, a Jewish woman, was asked onto the board of the Mount Saint Vincent University which historically was a Catholic school. She thought it was important for Jews and Catholics to work together to improve the educational possibilities for young adults in Nova Scotia.

These days, one of her most important projects, both personally and from the standpoint of promoting harmony, is the restoration and revitalisation of Halifax’s Pier 21. Pier 21 was the gateway to Canada for over a million-and-a-half immigrants as well as soldiers returning from Europe. She is president of the Pier 21 Society which is dedicated to building a heritage centre akin to the magnificent and moving creation at Ellis Island, New York.

One of its main features will be an immigration exhibition which will recognize our country’s diverse makeup and show how people from so many lands have accomplished so much in Canada and have enriched us all. Three quarters of the initial budget has already been raised, with the final portion now being sought from donors across Canada.

Ruth Goldbloom has received many honours, including honourary degrees from Dalhousie University and Mount Saint Vincent University, and awards such as the Human Relations Award of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, and the Volunteer of the Year Award of the Center for the Advancement and Support of Education in Washington, D.C. She was also the recipient of the Canada 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal.

In 1992, her community and national service were recognized in her appointment to the Order of Canada.

Ruth Goldbloom is married to Richard Goldbloom, professor of pediatrics at Dalhousie University. They have three children and seven grandchilden.

In spite of her many accomplishments, she is unassuming, down to earth, and has earned a reputation as being easy to work with. She is ebullient and optimistic. And, we’re very proud to say, she is the recipient of the 1997 Harmony Award.