SPOKANE, Wash. — When evacuation orders swept through the Spokane area during the recent fires, Elysee Kazadi faced a choice like many others: protect his own home or help his community. He chose to help.
Kazadi, who immigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, rushed to the Red Cross shelter instead of going home to check on his belongings. His decision to prioritize his community’s needs during a crisis has now earned him recognition at the national level.
The Courage Project has awarded Kazadi for his dedication and service during the emergency. The honor recognizes his critical work translating for evacuees who arrived at Red Cross shelters unable to communicate in English…