Narine Dat Sookram, Founder of ACTIVE VISION Charity Association and host of the award-winning weekly community radio show, Caribbean Spice, has received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.
The award recognises outstanding individuals who have volunteered their time to help others in creating a more intelligent and caring nation.
The Lieutenant Governor, The Honourble David C. Onley, O Ont., presented the honour to Sookram and 21 other recipients at Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario last Wednesday February 19, 2014.
“I am always honoured to be recognised, especially when it is from the mainstream,” Sookram said after receiving the award.
“I never thought a small boy who grew up in one of the smallest villages in Berbice, Guyana, (would have made such) an impact. For me it was more prestigious to be amongst other heroic recipients who have one thing in common, and that is to maximise their potential to make Canada a better place,” he added.
“This award is important to me because this tells me that the hard work that I have been doing for over two decades now is making an impact not only locally, but nationally. The good thing about this award is that it’s mainstream and I am glad that I can be a role model for other West Indies,” Sookram further stated.
Sookram recalled that his passion for volunteerism dates back to his days in Guyana at primary school, where he initiated a youth group in his community of Number 64 Village, Berbice, Corentyne.
Reflecting on those earlier years, the Guyanese-Canadian said: “I have learned from a very educated priest, Pt. Dave Deonarine Chetram, who now resides in the USA. Another thing I could remember is that I used to give water to the school children, because we used to run a “cake shop” in Guyana which is popularly known as a “corner store” here in Canada. And these are all good values I try to carry up to this day, because I find it very fulfilling to give back”.
The award
The Caring Canadian Award encompasses traits such as compassion and engagement, qualities that are synonymous with Canadian character. It also aims to recognise and thank recipients for the contributions and positive impact they have had on the lives of others.
The award was created in 1995, when the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc came to be Governor General and was determined to recognise selected individuals who generously volunteer their time and effort to their fellow man while asking nothing in return. The award also aims to recognise individuals who have made unpaid, substantial and continued contributions to their community. The Caring Canadian Award itself is made up of a certificate and lapel pin that is appointed to recipients by the governor general or by lieutenant-governors, territorial commissioners, mayors or partner organisations.
The award’s emblem is indicative of Canadians who unselfishly dedicate their time and energy to their fellow citizen. The maple leaf symbolises the spirit of Canadians; the heart depicts the open-heatedness of volunteers; and the outstretched hand symbolises limitless generosity.
Sookram has always been engaged in his community, both in the Region of Waterloo and his homeland, Guyana. He has received over 100 awards/recognitions, including the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award in 2013.
