Passion for Community Recognized with Medal
Senator Salma Ataullahjan (left) presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Malik Syed for her volunteer work and community involvement. The honour was presented at the Muslim Seniors Circle at the Islamic Centre of Canada on Friday (Jan 4).
For Malik Syed, receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at the Islamic Centre of Canada on South Sheridan Way was gratifying.
But Syed, 70, said her husband, Amjad Syed, was even happier for her than she was herself.
The medal was presented to the Mississauga resident of nearly 40 years by Senator Salma Ataullahjan, the first Canadian senator of Pushtun descent. Ataullahjan ran as a Conservative in Mississauga-Brampton South in the 2008 federal election. After losing to Liberal MP Navdeep Bains, she was appointed to the senate.
Syed says her entire family has a passion for helping and giving service to their community.
"Forty-five years of my Canadian life I have been serving the community," she said. "When I came to Canada I didn't know I could do so much more in this community. This is a great country."
Syed volunteers with the Muslim Seniors Circle, which was on hand to see the medal presentation, and regularly visits hospitals to do what she can. But she says her greatest pleasure has always come from helping children.
Trained as a teacher in India, Syed worked for several years as a supply teacher here. She says she has volunteered to serve not just the Islamic community, but the broader Canadian community.
"Malik has spent 45 years doing volunteer work in Canada and it is so appropriate she should receive the medal here in the Islamic Centre," said Ataullahjan.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours the 60 years of the monarch's reign, and is awarded to Canadians who have made a difference in the community.
Source: mississauga.com
But Syed, 70, said her husband, Amjad Syed, was even happier for her than she was herself.
The medal was presented to the Mississauga resident of nearly 40 years by Senator Salma Ataullahjan, the first Canadian senator of Pushtun descent. Ataullahjan ran as a Conservative in Mississauga-Brampton South in the 2008 federal election. After losing to Liberal MP Navdeep Bains, she was appointed to the senate.
Syed says her entire family has a passion for helping and giving service to their community.
"Forty-five years of my Canadian life I have been serving the community," she said. "When I came to Canada I didn't know I could do so much more in this community. This is a great country."
Syed volunteers with the Muslim Seniors Circle, which was on hand to see the medal presentation, and regularly visits hospitals to do what she can. But she says her greatest pleasure has always come from helping children.
Trained as a teacher in India, Syed worked for several years as a supply teacher here. She says she has volunteered to serve not just the Islamic community, but the broader Canadian community.
"Malik has spent 45 years doing volunteer work in Canada and it is so appropriate she should receive the medal here in the Islamic Centre," said Ataullahjan.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honours the 60 years of the monarch's reign, and is awarded to Canadians who have made a difference in the community.
Source: mississauga.com
