EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALS HONORED AT THE L. RON HUBBARD HUMANITARIAN AWARDS GALA

May 25, 2010

Recipients of the L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Award including (far right) keynote speaker and recipient of the L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Award for Liftetime Achievement for 2010, Chief Armand La Barge. He is joined with the performing artists of the evening and (second to his left) Rev. Yvette Shank, the President of the Church of Scientology for Canada who sponsored the celebration.

Chief Armand La Barge, York Regional Police, was the keynote speaker and recipient of the L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement for 2010 this past weekend at the award ceremonies sponsored by the Church of Scientology. His mentor, Kamil Sadiq, Founder of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship, was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award as well. These were just two of the six recipients of the prestigious L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Award.

In his keynote address, Chief La Barge looked back on his 37 years as a police officer, thanking the men and women who serve York Region and the community leaders who have worked with him over these years. Reflecting on his life he shared a quote from L. Ron Hubbard, humanitarian and philosopher, who stated, “There are only 2 tests of a life well lived. Did one do as one intended? And were people glad one lived?” Chief La Barge has had a life well lived.

These L. Ron Hubbard Humanitarian Awards originated back in 1999 when members of the Church of Scientology decided that it was more than fitting to honour individuals who had demonstrated, without fanfare, humanitarian goals and achievements. These were individuals who through their hard work and dedicated efforts were and are making a difference in society.

Reverend Yvette Shank, President of the Church of Scientology in Canada stated, “All of us and the very fabric of our civilization depend on the work of humanitarians, people of good will, who, through their own hard work and vision, bring about a society we can be proud of.”

Recipients of the award for 2010 included:

Dr. Ken Ng, President of the Federation of Chinese Canadians of Markham and his wife Emily Ng were honoured for their tireless dedication to building bridges across all cultures to enrich not only the Asian community but the Canadian community as a whole, particularly through the now annual celebration of Taste of Asia festival.

Zul Kassamali, Vice President of the Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada and the President of the Toronto Area Interfaith Council, has worked for decades to fight intolerance and abuse of citizens and particularly the elderly.

Mrs. Melanie Dickson-Smith, coordinator for the Drug-Free Marshals and Civilian Co-Chair of the Toronto Police Services 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee, has worked for over 10 years to educate youth on the harm of drugs and to create safe and drug-free communities all over the GTA.

Guests were treated to the inspirational sounds of pop/classical singer Angelica and popular Blues songs by Jeremiah Sparks, backed up by Anna Maria Sparks and Brenda Webb, with a special appearance by Juno-nominated drummer Darren Shearer.

“We are proud of the stellar individuals we have acknowledged this year”, Rev. Shank said. “They understand as Mr. Hubbard did, that ‘Life is a group effort. None survive alone. ‘ ”