ARRIVAL LOUNGE
DESIS HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING CIVIC LEADERSHIP
Narine Dat Sookram with lieutenant governor Edith Dumont.
Ontario lieutenant governor Edith Dumont, Kidambi Raj and Raymond Cho.
From ONTARIO MINISTRY OF CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURALISM
and MINSTRY OF SENIORS AND ACCESSIBILITY
Ontario honoured 13 outstanding volunteers with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for 2021 and 2022. The medal represents the second highest honour awarded by the province and recognizes individuals whose exceptional volunteerism has helped drive positive change and made a lasting impact in their communities and across the province.
Edith Dumont, lieutenant governor of Ontario, joined by Michael Ford, minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, awarded these individuals at a ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
“I am delighted to present the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship to a remarkable group of recipients,” she said. “It is so important to celebrate the contributions of Ontarians who have improved daily life in their communities. Their stories illustrate such inspiring examples of good citizenship, an essential part of building caring communities.”
Those awarded with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship have devoted their lives to causes such as protecting Ontario’s natural heritage; promoting the arts, culture and sports; advocating for safer communities; and, assisting those in need. Since 1973, 573 remarkable individuals from across Ontario have been invested with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship.
Award recipients included Narine Dat Sookram of Kitchener.
Migrating to Canada over 30 years ago, Narine Dat Sookram sought to build a career but encountered some barriers. So he built a reputation for helping newcomers find employment. His skills as a social worker also helped immigrants who were suffering from mental illness. But his crowning achievement was the establishment of Caribbean Spice Radio (of Radio Waterloo) to help provide his West Indian community with a sense of home.
Ontario also celebrated the accomplishments of 20 outstanding seniors for their contributions to their communities and to the province at the 2023 Ontario Senior Achievement Award.
“I am so glad to have this opportunity to shine a light on the work of 20 impressive Ontarians, who have done so much to uplift and support their communities,” said lieutenant governor Dumont.
Recipients of the Ontario Senior Achievement Award are helping to improve the lives of Ontarians of all ages through community service and humanitarian activities. The 2023 recipients are being recognized for their volunteerism, charitable fundraising, advocacy work, and more. They also support and empower their fellow seniors by organizing educational, cultural, and artistic initiatives.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the Senior Achievement Award recipients,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “I am inspired by your dedication in helping seniors across our province. On behalf of all Ontarians, thank you for your commitment and exceptional service.”
Award recipients included Kidambi Raj, who has been a steadfast volunteer for over 50 years. He is committed to enriching the lives of Ontario’s residents and has helped many newcomers transition smoothly into Canadian society. Raj has served on the Boards of the Indian Immigrant Aid Society and the Bharathi Kala Manram, developing programs, providing key information, and promoting the cultural needs of immigrants from South India and Sri Lanka. He is passionate about promoting people’s cultural heritage and uniting the community through local events and teaching. Kidambi’s contributions have motivated others to serve the community, leading by example.
Since 1987, the Ontario Senior Achievement Awards have recognized 696 outstanding seniors.
A few quick facts:
The Ontario Senior Achievement Award was created in 1986 to recognize outstanding seniors who, after the age of 65, have made significant contributions to their communities.
By 2025, there will be three million older adults in Ontario – the fastest growing demographic group in the province.
Details on the eligibility for the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship are available online. Nominations are accepted until November 15 every year.
What’s your story? If you’d like to share the story of your arrival in Canada, please write to desinews@rogers.com or call 416-695-4357.