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HEARTS OF THE COMMUNITY: Sacrificing own time for others

Aravindor Gunasinghe, or Constable Ravi as he is known throughout the community, believes that volunteering brings people together.

Aravindor Gunasinghe, or Constable Ravi as he is known throughout the community, believes that volunteering brings people together.

Gunasinghe was honoured Feb. 19 with the Hearts of the Community award, presented by Beacon Community Services and the Peninsula News Review.

He’s a busy guy and the PNR could not track him down for a sit down interview (being an RCMP officer, that evasion skill might come in handy) but his nominator had great things to say about a man who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“Ravi is a people person,” stated Scott Stinson. “He enjoys meeting people and building relationships. Through his volunteer commitments, he has been able to make and retain many positive relationships.”

Gunasinghe, while at one time posted as the RCMP’s liaison to local schools, has continued on and added other areas of interest to his volunteering resumé. From 2002, he has been involved with the Peninsula Track Club, sharing his love of running with local youth.

As a Secret Santa, Gunasinghe worked to bring cheer to several families in need. That effort, said Stinson, has seen his work with families grow over the holidays.

“His work led him to volunteer large amounts of time, often to the detriment of his own family time, in support of children and youth at risk,” Stinson stated.