The executive director of the Inn of the Good Shepherd says it was "humbling" to be recognized by Canada's Governor General recently.
Myles Vanni received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers -- which recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements -- at a ceremony on April 30.
"It was very unique and really wonderful," Vanni said. "We don't typically volunteer to try and get recognition, but it sure is humbling when you receive it."
Vanni was surprised when Mary Simon's office reached out.
"I got a call from the Governor General's office in March, saying I had been nominated and selected for this award," Vanni said. "So, I don't know who nominated me, and then they just started planning for the event. I brought my wife to Ottawa for the ceremony and we took a couple of days to do some touristy things, visiting parliament and that, and then we had a really nice ceremony at government house at Rideau Hall."
Simon said Vanni's efforts have helped improve access to financial support services for thousands of individuals, and local youth have benefited from unique, skill-building experiences.
"A lot of the work I was recognized for was my work with scouting and Rotary, doing the youth development trips where we take young people to Belize or Uganda and build a medical clinic, or water wells, or a school," said Vanni.
He was also recognized for his involvement with the Inn of the Good Shepherd's volunteer income tax program.
"There were [over] 60 recipients from across the country honoured with this award -- the Sovereign's Medal -- and we all talked about the different things we do," he said.
Vanni said the recognition reinforced the positive impact each recipient has had in their community.
"It's helping people. It's building a better community. It's helping our young people grow and develop leadership skills, while helping others in a very positive way," he said.