As a result of his ongoing Fight Against Hunger Mr. Yank Barry has received nearly two dozen awards since 1995 including the India Humanitarian Service Award 2008, Bahamian Red Cross Humanitarian Award, the Cote D'Ivoire Humanitarian Peace award and the Juarez Mexico Hands of Love and Hope Award for his determined efforts to deliver food and bring hope to hungry people around the World. In November of 2010 Yank received the Gusi Peace Prize for Social Services, Philanthropy and International Humanitarianism in Manila, The Philippines. Yank was also named Philanthropist of the Year at the GLA 2011 Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This award was presented by The Leaders Magazine and the American Leadership Development Association. The most recent acknowledgement of Yank's humanitarian efforts is his nomination for the 2012, 2013 & 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. These awards are a by-product of Mr. Barry sharing his good fortune in a tangible way.
Founded in 1995 by Yank Barry, Global Village Champions Foundation is the vehicle through which Yank, Muhammad Ali and numerous World Class Champions have provided over half a billion meals to people in need across the globe. Celine Dion, Michael Jordan, Buzz Aldrin, King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Dr. Michael Nobel are only a few of the exceptional people who have joined Yank as he strives for "A Day Without Hunger" on a Global scale.
Born in Montreal Canada in 1948, a gifted musician, Yank enjoyed 27 years in the music industry as a singer, composer, arranger and producer. His career began in 1965 as the lead singer of the Footprints singing Never Say Die. In 1967, he became the lead singer of the touring Kingsmen, best known for Louie, Louie. He has enjoyed success in the field of advertising jingles. Some of his jingles include Kellogs Raisin Bran, Dr. Pepper, Kodak, Red Lobster and General Motors.
In 1990, Yank developed Vitapro, a dehydrated soy-based meat-replacement product. While traveling on business, Yank witnessed desperate living conditions that touched his heart. He started donating some of his food product to various charities and NGO's in Canada and the US. Soon Yank's dear friend Muhammad Ali joined Global Village Champions and they brought food, medical supplies, clothing and educational tools to refugee camps, orphanages and areas stricken by disaster all over the World.
Working hand-in-hand with local agencies and NGO's he has helped countless people in their time of need, often traveling to politically unstable areas when very few would lend a helping hand. Yank's goal is to have delivered 1 billion meals by Dec. 31, 2013. Yank invites you to visit the web site often and follow our progress as Global Village touches the lives of people around the World.