Statue of Canadian Humanitarian who Rescued Thousands of Armenian Orphans Erected in Markham

On Saturday July 13, around 100 Armenian community members and political representatives joined together at Markham’s “Forest of Hope” park, to mark the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Sara Corning and her humanitarian pursuits.

After the playing of the Canadian and Armenian national anthems, Master of Ceremonies Alique Barsamian explained the extraordinary life of Sara Corning, a nurse from Chegoggin, Nova Scotia, who devoted her life to the humanitarian pursuit of saving Armenian orphans during the Armenian Genocide. Following a prayer from the Very Reverend Father Vartan Tashjian, Parish Priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, His Worship Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Her Worship Mayor of the town of Yarmouth Pam Mood, Armenian Community Centre president Vahan Ajemian and Nishan Atikian from the Armenian National Committee of Toronto unveiled the monument. The monument was designed by artist Garen Bedrossian and funded by the generous contributions of Simon and Maral Hasserjians. The architect who designed the Forest of Hope was Haig Seferian. The monument depicts an image taken of Sara Corning with orphans on both her sides.

Founder of the Sara Corning Centre of Education, and the event’s keynote speaker, Mr. Raffi Sarkissian, shared details of Sara Corning’s life. Sarkissian explained that Corning’s one of a kind humanitarian spirit is the reason the organization is named after the Cheggogin-born nurse. Sarkissian expresses that, “Canada needs more Sara Cornings,” as her humanitarian spirit must serve as a guide to our moral compass, especially concerning genocide prevention. By collectively commemorating Corning’s legacy, we “create a future where the rights of all are respected equally”. Sarkissian also referenced Hitler’s famous words, “who after all, remembers the Armenians,” to explain that a forgotten genocide allows the precedence of genocides to continue and for new atrocities to be committed.

Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti spoke about how despite many moments of humankind have been blighted by conflict, it is through the actions of people like Corning, where we are able to find hope and light in the darkness. Scarpitti went on to explain the importance of the statue in honouring Sara Corning’s legacy and lifelong dedication of her humanitarian work.

Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood, also spoke about how the monument serves as an embodiment of Sara Corning’s legacy; a legacy defined by spreading kindness and the goodness of humanity.

A total of 16 political representatives from the Markham York region were present at the event. 2 members of Sara Corning’s family were also present– Jennifer and David.

After the event, many families took the opportunity to take a picture with the newly-erect monument. This event was truly memorable; as it not only was a historical moment for genocide remembrance, but also strengthed the bonds between the Canadian and Armenian communities. Let us all follow Corning’s example, to continue the noble pursuit of saving humanity with grace and the kindness of our own hearts.

Born in the village of Chegoggin, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1872, nurse Sara Corning made it her life’s mission to help others. In her mid-twenties, she moved to the United States for training and worked in New England for almost 20 years, before returning to Nova Scotia to help the 10,000 victims of the Halifax Explosion.

In 1918, at the age of 46, Sara was certified by the American Red Cross and joined Near East Relief—an organization created to help civilians affected by the Great War. Landing in Constantinople (Istanbul) soon after, she helped rescue and care for thousands of Armenian and Greek orphans, often risking her life in the process, for more than a decade.