BROTHER AND SISTER< BOTH YOUTHS, RECEIVE GOVERNOR GENERALS AWARD
Alqaim Giga and Aziza Giga are brother and sister and the only such siblings who have won this prestigious service award.
Caring Canadian Award result
Full Name: Giga, Mr. Alqaim
Residence: Calgary, Alberta
Date Recommended: November 24, 2004
Date of Presentation: n\a
Alqaim Giga, Calgary, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Alqaim Giga, Calgary, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award While still in his teens, Alqaim Giga was the driving force behind the 2001 World Sight Day High School Challenge, an initiative that mobilized students throughout Calgary to collect nearly 3500 pairs of eyeglasses in 4 weeks for distribution in the Third World. Shortly after, he launched a project to educate youth about blindness and raise funds at the same time. His efforts are now being replicated in high schools across Canada. In addition to improving the lives of many in developing countries, Mr. Giga has made a difference in his community by serving as a youth coordinator for the Canadian Diabetes Association, a counsellor at a local youth camp and a tutor to recent immigrants.
Caring Canadian Award result
Full Name: Giga, Miss Aziza
Residence: Calgary, Alberta
Date Recommended: December 4, 2003
Date of Presentation: n\a
Aziza Giga, Calgary, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Aziza Giga, Calgary, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award At the young age of 16, Aziza Giga has shown that one motivated person can really make a difference in the lives of others. At school she founded a volunteer club, encouraging students to help out. She created a user-friendly Web site that lists thousands of volunteer opportunities for youth in the Calgary area, a resource now in use at all area high schools. She spent the past two summers tutoring children of newly arrived immigrant families. She has contributed actively to Operation Eyesight Universal, a Canadian organization which sends used eyeglasses to poverty-stricken countries. At the Calgary Public Library, she has helped children explore the adventure of reading. Her dedication is making a difference in her community and in the world.