HOF106: Art DeFehr

Art DeFehr is the son of refugees who settled in Canada in the 1940’s. Thus, from an early age, he had an interest in refugee issues. In the late 1970’s he worked with the Mennonite Central Committee and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). He eventually developed the “Landbridge Aid Program” situated along the Thai and Cambodian borders.

In the early 1980’s, he assisted with the creation of a cross-border program to provide food supplies to Cambodians at the end of the Khmer rouge period.

Mr. DeFehr continued his involvement in Asia by supporting aid initiatives in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Vietnam.

Over the years, he has received several honours including: Officer of the Order of Canada, Honorary doctorates as well as other awards as a recognition of his dedication to refugee issues.

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