Harnoor Gill: South Asian Teen of the Year award ~ UPDATED

NICE0750 (62K)

Y Media and CIBC, the leading North American financial institution that organized the dazzling 6th Annual CIBC Midweek South Asian Awards event on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Grand Victorian Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. This was established in 2007 and at this event; Mr. Yudhvir Jaswal (the CEO & Group Editor of Y Media) along with his team members welcomed and recognized the achievements of extra-ordinary South Asians locally as well as internationally.

Oct 17, 2013: There was one truly amazing category that was just recently added to the awards which was the South Asian Teen of the Year award. This was awarded to none other than Harnoor Gill. Gill was born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada. At the age of 15 and of Indian descendant he is currently a sophomore from Christ the King Catholic Secondary School at Georgetown in Ontario, Canada. As an award winning activist, published writer, motivational speaker and founder of Peace Welcome Club (PWC), Gill has achieved more than the average 30 year-old male. a youth empowerment organization. Being the voice of youth worldwide within PWC was founded by Gill at the age of 14 in February of 2012. As a well recognized student leader internationally Gill has made his footprints on the path of community service at such a young age. Nine individuals including Harnoor Gill were recognized for their professional accomplishments and contributions for the South Asian community.

“I am so thankful to Y Media for such a great honour and a pleasant surprise by recognizing me with a Teen of the Year award. I encourage all South Asian media outlets to refrain from promoting Indian/Punjab’s politics and be more focused on current Canadian issues. This would especially be youth-led projects to promote volunteerism to help make this country a better place for future generations”, Gill said.

He further acknowledged, “I felt so fortunate to stand amongst remarkable people of our community, and it was a blessing.” When asked how the idea came up to promote volunteerism and community service in youngsters; Gill simply stated that, “it starts from home, when you volunteer as a family in the community that’s how your children get inspired and they follow the same path. Do not encourage your children to complete 40 hours of community service only to fulfill high school diploma requirements, tell them to go an extra mile and make a difference.” It was a wonderful evening to be a part of the enjoyment received from Gill and his family.

Ever since Gill moved to Canada in 2002, he has had an incredible impact on environment and volunteerism in local and international community, particularly for youth worldwide.

“It just all comes back to me with my selfless community service, it has unknowingly led me to become a well- recognized person. Speaking about peace, volunteering, how to make a difference, environment and multiculturalism helped me to convey my message to the countless audience globally.” Gill said.

Over the years, Gill has received many awards and honours at the local/international levels. He earned the International Diana Award in 2013, International Eco-Hero Award in 2013, YMCA Peace Medallion in 2012, Queen Jubilee Medal in 2012 and was named one of the Top 15 under 15 in 2011 and as Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Recipient in 2011.

Now he has added another accolade to his award list by becoming a first ever teen to recieve the South Asian Teen of the Year!

“I was in the gym with my trainer when I received the call from Y Media on my cell phone. I thought that they were inviting me to speak about my projects on their media outlets. I was shocked and excited at the same time to hear the great news of being the youngest and the first recipient ever of this award” Gill affirmed.

Gill who lives in the small community of Georgetown, loves it there and is heavily engaged in it. “It doesn’t matter where you live, whether you are giving back to the community is the only thing that matters”. Gill is a well known youth in the community of Peel, Halton, and Greater Toronto Area for his efforts and remarkable community service. In fact he is an inspiration to many.

Congratulations to an outgoing, passionate, resolute youth who is making a change for the future, named Harnoor Gill!

For more details please visit the following links:

Teen of the Year Award: http://www.bramptonguardian.com/community-story/4155139-south-asian-awards-honour-peel-s-best-and-brightest/

International Diana Award: http://www.hcdsb.org/News/Pages/Christ-the-King-Catholic-Secondary-School-Student,-Harnoor-Gill,-Receives-International-Diana-Award.aspx

The Queen Jubilee Medal: http://www.asianjournal.ca/jan%2011_13/ot_head7.html

YMCA Peace Medallion: http://www.mississauga.com/community-story/3130028-peace-medallion-goes-to-inspiring-teen/International Young Eco-Hero Award: http://www.asianjournal.ca/may%2024_13/ot_head11.html

Young Conservationist: http://www.georgetownon.ca/index.php/health-resources/for-seniors/366-editorials/701-canadian-teen-harnoor-gill-face-of-the-future

Canada’s Top 15 Under 15: http://thelinkpaper.ca/?p=12901

Ontario Junior Citizen Of The Year: http://www.theifp.ca/uncategorized/junior-citizen-honoured/

Peace Welcome Club’s youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PeaceWelcomeClub/videos

Peace Welcome Club’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceWelcomeClub

---------------------------------