By Amit Gossai
Toronto

Dr. Anthony Hutchinson has come a long way. And I’m not talking about his move from British Columbia to Ontario.
Hutchinson, CEO of the Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre was honoured last week by Ruby Dhalla, Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney with the Citation of Citizenship Award.
He is one of 10 Canadians to receive the award this year. He is being recognized for his outstanding contributions in assisting newcomers to Canada and helping them become successful members of Canadian society.
"It was humbling," Hutchinson said of winning the award.
Born in New Westminster, B.C., and mainly growing up in Burnaby, Hutchinson overcame many childhood adversities such as physical abuse, illiteracy, and youth gang involvement with the support of a highly principled youth worker and a committed high school teacher.
"I've had a lot of adversity in my life," he said.
He said he has always pushed himself so he can serve as a positive role model for his children.
"I wanted to prove I was more than what some people said I was," he said.
Hutchinson moved to Malvern in 1993 and quickly became involved in the community.
He was both an Incorporating Director of the Malvern Community Coalition and HOODLINC Youth Organization – a community-based agency focused on removing youth from guns, gangs, drugs and other negative lifestyles.
While all this was going on, Hutchinson earned Bachelor degrees in Developmental Psychology/Early Child Development and Social Work, a Masters in Social Policy Analysis from McMaster University and a Doctorate in the Social Determinants of Health from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Today, BNRC is the largest multi-service children and family agency in Brampton.
Hutchinson said he shares the award with those he has worked with over the years.
"If you're passionate about your children you try to make a life for them," Hutchinson said. "I don't do anything special; I'm just trying to make a better community for my children."
The ceremony which takes place every two years, awards individuals across Canada for their contributions to integrating newcomers and actively promoting Canadian citizenship.
Dhalla nominated Hutchinson for the award for his outstanding contributions to providing youth and new Canadians in Brampton with a foundation for success.
“Over the past four years I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Hutchinson on a number of initiatives that empower youth, seniors and new Canadians with the resources and tools they need to succeed,” said Dhalla. “The dedication and passion of Dr. Hutchinson is an inspiration to all Bramptonians and all Canadians.”
Hutchinson said he has been blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals such as Dhalla, whose support has helped ensure seniors groups and youth empowerment projects continue to receive funding and equip residents with the resources needed to integrate in to Canada.
Kenney presented Hutchinson with the special gold lead medallion award at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Office in Mississauga.
When asked what he thinks makes a good citizen, Hutchinson replied “A good citizen is someone who cares about their community, someone who aspires to make their own life and community better.”