Tuesday, October 9th., 2012
 |
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee
awards recipients in Mississauga
presented by Member of Parliment
for Mississauga-Erindale Mr. Bob Dechert
on Tuesday, October 9th., 2012 |
Today Mr. Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale presented the Queen Elizabeth II
Diamond Jubilee Medal to over 20 recipients during an event at The Gateway
Centre for New Canadians in Mississauga.
M.P. Bob Dechert said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has encouraged community service
for an incredible 60 years. That is why I am honoured to present these Diamond
Jubilee Medal Awards in her honour to several outstanding Canadians who have
demonstrated decades of service to Canada and those in need in our
community.”
About the Diamond Jubilee Medal
This commemorative medal is being presented throughout the year to 60 000
deserving Canadians to celebrate significant contributions and achievements, and
to recognize those who, like Her Majesty The Queen, have dedicated themselves to
service to their fellow citizens, their community and their country. The
awarding of this national honour is done through governmental and
non-governmental partner organizations.
RECIPIENTS’ CITATIONS
Major Douglas Alexander Arey, CD (Ret’d), served with the
Canadian Forces Reserve for 37 years retiring in 1996. He is the Chairman of the
Support Committee for 2754 RC (Army) CC, and is in numerous community groups.
Charbal Barakat, is a noted expert on the Middle East and has
written several articles about multiculturalism, is an active member of the
community, and has assisted many newcomers integrate into Canadian life.
Gloria Brown, has spent almost 20 years with Mississauga
Salvation Army Family Services where she has provided assistance to the neediest
people of Mississauga. Gloria is an integral part of the Salvation Army
Mississauga.
H. Nasir Chatha, in his many years of community service, has
been a leader in the South Asian Community. He has held leadership roles in the
Canada Pakistan Friendship Association, the Heartland Creditview Neighbourhood
Association and several other groups.
Jim Chestnutt, in 2004 began organizing a fundraising walk on
the hospital’s indoor track. So far the On Track to Cardiac Recovery walk has
risen well over $750,000 for The Toronto Rehab Foundation.
Rosabella Chiu, since making Canada her home, alway intented
on giving back to the community especially Mississauga where she work. She has worked with countless community groups
including Trillium Health Centre, Safe City Mississauga, Canada China Business Communication Council and the Mississauga
Chinese Business Association.
David Culham, was a Mississauga city councillor from 1974-1976
and from 1981 to 2000. David Culham introduced recycling programs, such as Blue
Box, initiated neighbourhood preservation policies, and founded Friends of the
Credit River Valley.
Jihan Falah Diab, is a founding board member of the Marc Diab
Children’s Foundation, which reaches out to needy children. The Foundation is
named for her son, Trooper Marc Diab, who died while serving in Afghanistan.
Richard Dufresne, is an award winning firefighter with the
Greater Toronto Airports Authority with over 30 years of service. His volunteer
work within the community has previously earned him recognition from the
Governor General.
John Dunn, in almost 40 years of community service, has been a
leader in several community groups like the Credit Valley Hospital Foundation
Board, the Streetsville Lions Club and the United Way.
Private Edward Jones (Ret’d), bravely served in the Canadian
Armed Forces during World War Two.
Bernice Louie Kwong, spent over 30 years volunteering for
countless organizations in Ontario. She currently volunteers with Credit Valley
Hospital, the Living Arts Centre the Canadian Red Cross, and the Chinese
Association of Mississauga.
Flight Lieutenant John Lee (Ret’d), is an innovator,
entrepreneur, and a strong community advocate. Mr. Lee served with the Canadian
Officer Training Corps during WWII, and with the Royal Canadian Air Force from
1949-1954, during which time he flew many times to the Arctic.
Ellen McGregor, is the President & CEO of Fielding Chemical
Technologies Inc. She is a successful and award winning businesswoman, who is a
member of several community boards and committees serving Mississauga.
Major Philip Nicholson, served in the Canadian Forces for 26
years, where he was a section commander, qualified military parachutist, and
intelligence officer. He currently commands 2 Intelligence Company in Toronto
and is an avid volunteer.
Major Harry Pedwell, is a highly capable and respected officer
who personifies professionalism and teamwork. He has taken a leadership role in
supporting numerous Brigade level training events and deployed as a company
commander on OP Cadence in 2010.
Father Maximos Rizkalla, is a large part of The Church of
Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius. Through his work with Anba Abraam’s Coptic
Charity and St. Mary’s Food Bank, Father Max has contributed greatly to the
lives of thousands of New Canadians.
norary Lieutenant-Colonel David Aaron Rubin, Q.C., B.A., LL.B., was a
Captain with the Canadian Forces Reserves for 34 years, and is an Honourary Lt.
Col. for 2 Intelligence Company. He was a director of the St. John’s Ambulance
for 17 years earning a Service Medal in 1994 amongst other distinctions.
Ron Starr, is a dedicated community leader. Ron currently
serves as a Mississauga and Peel Regional Councillor and previously served in
the same role from 1978 to 1980. Ron has contributed greatly to Mississauga and
has served on numerous boards.
Sardul Singh Thiara, is the General Secretary of the Ontario
Khalsa Darbar (OKD) Sports and Cultural Centre, and previously a director and
the vice-president of the OKD. He has personally organized numerous Cultural
and charitable endeavors.
Rev. Julius A. Tiangson, is a committed citizen with a strong
involvement in community development and member of various volunteer driven
boards and committees relating to refugees, multiculturalism, and Filipino
organizations in Mississauga.
For more photos from this ceremony please check gallery below:-
