King Charles Awards

Our Distinguished Winners

Don D’Souza

Don is an outstanding member of the community. His local involvement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving the lives around him. As co-founder of the Navy League Cadet Corps ADVENTURE, he has established a program for youth that promotes teamwork, good citizenship, and leadership skills. Don helped raise over $50,000 to create the Milton Cadet Centre and regularly volunteers with the Milton Legion and the Halton Regional Police Service. Thank you for your service and hard work, Don!

Bob Elliot

Bob has made a remarkable impact on the Milton community through his unwavering commitment to honoring Canada's heroes and supporting local initiatives. As an Executive Member, Poppy Chair, and Cadet Liaison Officer at the Milton Royal Canadian Legion Branch #136, Bob works tirelessly to preserve the memory of Canada’s veterans while actively engaging with youth and community programs. His dedication to service extends beyond the Legion, having served as a Board Member at St. John Ambulance Halton-Hamilton-Haldimand for over a decade. A retired Canadian Army Reserves Officer, Bob’s lifelong commitment to community service and honoring Canada’s legacy truly exemplifies his passion and dedication. 

Donna Danielli

Donna’s unwavering commitment to community service is a testament to her leadership, kindness and dedication to improving the lives of those around her. She is a long-time Halton District School Board Trustee and has played pivotal roles in organizing various community initiatives such as the Coldest Night of the Year Walk, which is a fundraiser in support of local charities. Additionally, she is the Executive Director at Milton Transitional Housing, an organization which aims to provide support to Miltonians who are expericing a housing crisis. She is the kind of person who is always seeking ways to uplift those around her. Donna is a true pillar of the community– she leads with empathy selflessness, always striving to make Milton a better place to live and work. 

Stacey Newman

Stacey Newman has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service through her extensive volunteer work and leadership. As the founder of Milton Stays No, she has been a vocal advocate against the CN intermodal proposal, tirelessly working to protect the community's interests. Stacey’s dedication to the arts is evident through her long-standing role as a Photographer and Marketing volunteer with the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra for over nine years. Additionally, she has contributed her skills as a photographer to support health and wellness initiatives, including volunteering with Prostate Cancer Canada, the SickKids Foundation, and the Milton District Hospital Foundation. Through her commitment to causes ranging from health to culture, Stacey has made a lasting impact on the Milton community. 

Masood Pehlvi:

Masood Pehlvi has made an outstanding impact on the Milton community through his dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. As the Vice Chair of the Milton District Hospital Foundation, he has been a driving force in ensuring local healthcare advancements and supporting critical medical services. His long-standing involvement in the Halton Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee reflects his commitment to promoting sustainability and improving community living standards. As one of the original members of the Muslim Association of Milton, Masood has fostered community unity and inclusivity. His tireless dedication and passion for making a positive difference truly exemplify the spirit of community service.

Brian Penman

Brian’s contributions to Milton have helped develop this community into an amazing place to work and live. Decades later, he is still dedicated to community service. He is a retired teacher who dedicated 33 years to serving on Milton ON Council as the ward 1 councillor. As a committed environmentalist, he spent three decades on the board of Conservation Halton and also served as Chair of Milton Hydro. He is currently the Chair of the Milton District Hospital Foundation. Brian’s passion for helping others and improving the community is a testament to his character– a caring, generous and hard working individual whose accomplishments will leave a lasting impact on Milton. 

Our Distinguished Shortlisted Nominees

Liam Wilson

At such a young age, Liam has accomplished so much. He is a SickKids ambassador and even began a new initiative called Comfort Kits which provides essentials to parents and children arriving to the hospital with nothing. Liam is the embodiment of strength and kindness. In addition to creating ComfortKits, Liam is also a two-time author! He doesn’t let his Cystic Fibrosis hold him back and I can’t wait to see all of the amazing things Liam will do in the future. His leadership and service to our community is greatly appreciated.

Deana Wilson

As a mother to a child who made frequent trips to the hospital, Deana knew how tough it can be for parents and children to plan and pack for unexpected visits. Along with her son, Liam, she created kits to distribute to families who didn’t have the time to pack essentials. Deana is dedicated to raising awareness for her son and others like him who are diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Her selflessness and community service is what makes our community so beautiful. 

Captain David Fimio

Captain David Fimio is truly a force of good and selflessness. David is a Reserve Officer within the Canadian Armed Forces and serves as a Cadet instructor to lead and train both Army and Air Cadets In Oakville and Milton. For decades, David has dedicated his time to supporting our community through community service and leadership. He has assisted poppy campaigns for local legions since 2001 and volunteers with the Lorne Scots Regimental Museum and the Lorne Scots Regimental Outreach Cell program, offering his time ensuring opportunities such as scholarships, employment, musical programs, summer employment, and community service hours are afforded to youth programs across the GTA. Thank you for your service, Captain David!

Sara Younus 

Sara is an inspiration who selflessly dedicates her time to the betterment of Milton. As a key organizer of the Milton Halal Food Festival and the Milton Kids Festival, Sara encourages cultural unity and the sharing of flavours, strengthening community bonds. She is also the founder of a non-profit organization, Mums and Daisys, which she began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-profit has organized a variety of community events such as fundraisers, gift drives, food drives and clothing drives. Sara has supported women and families by offering educational programs, support groups, and outreach efforts that strengthen the community. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to giving back is so inspiring and I believe she is a spectacular role model not just for young women but for everyone!

Abdul-Raheem Chaudhry 

Raheem’s passion for community service is a breath of fresh air, especially for someone as young as he is. Through his fundraising efforts for Halton Women’s Place and Milton Transitional Housing, Raheem has raised thousands of dollars to support women facing domestic violence and individuals experiencing homelessness. He also gives annual birthday donations to charities like MCRC Infant Food Bank and youthplanet.ca further showcase his commitment to giving back. Believe it or not, these are just a few examples of his work in the community. This young man is destined for greatness and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next. 

Reza Ali Chaudhry:

Reza Ali Chaudhry has made a remarkable impact on the Milton community through his dedication to service and community building. After a distinguished 23-year career as a Canadian Army Officer, Ali continues to make a difference as the Board President of Community Conflict Resolution Services of Halton, providing free mediation services and promoting community harmony. His commitment to supporting vulnerable populations is evident through his work with refugee families, helping them thrive in the Halton community. Additionally, Ali’s leadership in the HDSB Parent Involvement Conference has empowered over 1,500 parents to support their children’s education. His tireless dedication and leadership make him a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Colin Best

Councillor Best’s devotion to Milton is recognized by everyone within the community. Whether its the annual Milton Farmer’s Market, Canada Day celebrations, Santa Clause Parade or any local event, Councillor Best is someone you can count on to ensure everything goes smoothly. Milton is lucky to have him as a Councillor and community member!

Rick Imus

Rick is someone who brings happiness to Miltonians through music and community service. As a music teacher accomplished musician sung national anthems at international sporting venues, representing Milton. Along with the FirstOntario Arts Centre, Rick organizes programs, helps in Milton’s Music Festival and has contributed to local youth programs such as ReSoul. Thank you for igniting the passion of art and music for Miltonians through your hard work and dedication!

Robert Hewlett

Rob is an important member of our community who leads from the heart. He generously DJs for charities and organizations such as ARC Sing for a Cause. Rob also volunteers to several local organizations such as the Optimist Club of Milton and Oakville   and the Milton Legion where he hands out poppies for Rememberance Day. It is people like Rob that keep Milton strong. Thank you for your community service

Murtuza Diwan

As a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, Murtuza selflessly dedicated himself beyond what was expected of him to ensure hospital staff and patients were safe and taken care of. He is also a key player in the promotion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IPAC Canada, ensuing members with diverse backgrounds are treated with dignity and fairness. In addition, Murtuza has volunteered for the Milton Spikes as a coach as well as Toronto Grace Hospital where he assisted patience and provided them company by playing chess, reading books or taking them out. Thank you for your commitment to community service and well-being!

Jennifer Tasca

Jennifer is an inspiration and role model to women and girls within our community. She organizes fundraisers for the hospital which demonstrates her creativity and philanthropic nature. Jennifer’s community service goes beyond her fundraising efforts as she generously volunteers her time to be a Girl Guide leader and soccer coach. Community leaders like Jennifer play a pivotal part in shaping the lives of the youth, specifically young women. 

Skylar Tasca

Much like her mother, Jennifer, Skylar wants to give back to her community by being creative. Whether it is a lemonade stand or making jewelry, Skylar works hard to raise money for the local hospital. As a young girl, Skylar is an inspiration to others around her. Her selfless and philanthropic mindset shows that anyone can make a difference in their community, regardless of their age. I am so proud of Skylar and I wish the best to her in the future!

Patrick Murphy

As a dedicated community leader, Patrick has donated countless hours to local groups including the Milton Santa Claus Parade, the Halton Girls Softball Association, and the Milton Minor Hockey Association. He is a leader and role model to local youth through his coaching and mentoring, encouraging cooperation, sportsmanship, and a love of exercise. As a former HCDSB School Trustee, Patrick’s leadership helped get funding for new schools and led the board through the pandemic's obstacles. Patrick’s leadership and service for the community and its youth will leave a long-lasting impact, hopefully inspiring others. 

Usman Qidwai

Usman is an active member of our community and a caring husband and father to four children. He has dedicated his time to ensuring new community members are prepared for the future by mentoring new immigrants, providing important guidance to newcomers on resume development, networking and job interviews. People like Usman make Milton a great place to live and work. 

Robin Read

Robin is an active member of our community, dedicating her time to improving the lives of others. She is a volunteer for Townsend Smith, Halton Women’s Place, and the Milton Historical Society. Additionally, Robin is an inspiration to aspiring women entrepreneurs, as director at Active Results Collaborative, a digital marketing agency which seeks to support local businesses with brand management, marketing and training. Robin’s dedication to improving our community through uplifting local businesses, volunteering for various organizations, or just being a spectacular person overall will leave a long-lasting impact on those who cross her path. 

Aryan Sarnaik

Aryan has made significant contributions to the community through his dedication to helping others and fostering positive change. He authored a non-profit book to help underprivileged youth develop stress-management techniques, improving their quality of life. As a volunteer at Milton District Hospital, he has spent over 100 hours providing companionship and support to palliative care patients. Aryan also founded the Research Club, raising awareness about global issues, and volunteers at the Vaishno Devi Temple, maintaining a welcoming environment. As a Community Manager for a Canadian company, he fosters a positive atmosphere, exemplifying his commitment to community service.

Balvinder Singh Noor:
Balvinder Singh Noor has made significant contributions to the community through their tireless dedication and leadership. As the founder of the South Asian Seniors Club, they have organized community events such as picnics, the Vaisakhi Mela festival, and cleaning drives at multiple locations. They have also led seminars to educate newcomers on Canadian values, rules, culture, and foster community integration. Their continued commitment to helping people from diverse backgrounds, including offering assistance with transportation and holding daily community meetings, truly embodies the spirit of community service.

Khawaja Raza

Khawaja has made a profound impact on the community through his unwavering commitment to helping others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when face masks were in short supply, he took the initiative to distribute sterilized cloth masks to local mosques, neighbors, and the broader community, ensuring safety and support. As an active community member, he continuously assists newcomers to Canada, especially in the Greater Toronto Area, by providing guidance on job hunting, housing, transportation, and settlement. His dedication to community service and his love for the country make him a deserving candidate for recognition.

Davinder Bhatia

Davinder Bhatia has made remarkable contributions to the Milton community and beyond through his dedication to education, workforce development, and community engagement. As the Director of Canadian Technical and Management College (CTM College), he has been instrumental in expanding educational opportunities for both domestic and international students, particularly by training Personal Support Workers to meet community needs. His leadership has also played a key role in establishing professional accounting chapters internationally, promoting growth in the Cost and Management Accounting profession. Through his vision and commitment, Davinder has made a lasting impact on both the local and global professional communities, exemplifying the spirit of community service and leadership.

Gideon Luty

Gideon J. Luty has dedicated over 50 years to serving his community and country with unwavering commitment. As a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran and recipient of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Gold Award, presented by Prince Philip, he exemplifies the spirit of service. Currently, he serves as a Search and Rescue member with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, while also working as a Correctional Officer for 19 years. His past roles include army medic, auxiliary police constable, law enforcement instructor, and founder of a non-emergency patient transfer service. Gideon’s dedication to mentoring youth through the Big Brother Program and supporting fellow veterans highlights his commitment to positive community impact.

Tahira Haroon 

Tahira Haroon has shown exceptional dedication to community service through her commitment to helping those in need. Since 2015, she has supported residents in the Castlemore Brampton area by assisting with documents, forms, and essential procedures. In 2015, she was honored as the torchbearer for Brampton during the PAN AM Games—the only Pakistani to receive this recognition. As a Barrister and Solicitor since 2021, she has continued to support her church and the Milton community with legal guidance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided both professional help and moral support to seniors struggling with technology, exemplifying her dedication to the community.

Sameera Ali

Sameera Ali has made a profound impact on the Milton community through her unwavering dedication to volunteerism and advocacy for women's rights. As a strong voice against domestic abuse, she actively supports and empowers women through her role as a Peer Support Counselor at The Women’s Centre of Halton. Sameera also plays a key role in community service as the Community Director of the Milton Halal Food Bank and a Public Relations Officer for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 136. With over 15 years of professional experience in PR and marketing, coupled with her commitment to community initiatives, Sameera exemplifies leadership, compassion, and dedication to positive change.

Paul Simas

Paul Simas has made a significant impact on the community through his dedication to youth development and service. As the Founder and Commanding Officer of NLCC ADVENTURE, he has led and mentored young cadets aged 9-12 for over 13 years, promoting discipline and civic responsibility. His commitment to community engagement is evident through his role as Cadet Liaison Officer with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 344, fostering connections between the Legion and youth programs. Additionally, Paul serves as the Chairperson of the Catholic School Council at St. Barbara Catholic Elementary School, supporting school initiatives and guiding parents. His dedication to youth and community service makes him a deserving recipient of this recognition.