Gerry D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Canada

Mississauga, Jul 3 : Veronica Miranda popularly known as Vinnie received the prestigious "The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal" by Brad Butt, M.P. for Mississauga-Streetsville in recognition for her over 15 years of Volunteer Service at the Mississauga FoodBank on June 27th, 2012.

In honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary of her accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, a new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations.  The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canadians to honor Her Majesty for her service to this country.  At the same time, it serves to honor significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.  In 2012 the year of the Diamond Jubilee the Government of Canada will award the Diamond Jubilee medal to 60,000 Canadians.

Brad Butt, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Streetsville, hosted a ceremony where thirty deserving people were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.  “On this the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II becoming Queen of Canada, I am honored to host an event where we as the Government of Canada recognize citizens who, like Her Majesty, have devoted themselves to the betterment of their community and of Canada,” said MP Butt in a statement issued prior to the event.

Vinnie Miranda, one of the medal recipients has been volunteering with The Mississauga Food Bank for over 15 years, primarily sorting food items on every Wednesday evening.  In addition to helping with the critical function, she also lends a hand in special events such as the Food Bank's Annual gala, benefit concerts and Ribfest community events.  Over the past few years, she has also taken up a leadership role with the various youth groups that volunteer with the FoodBank on Wednesday nights.  Recently Vinnie had won "Ontario Volunteer Service Award-2012" and this Medal has added another feather on her shining cap.

Vinnie, beloved wife of Steve Miranda and mother of Vinitha, Sanitha & Savith is very well known in the community circle for her selfless, dedicated and committed voluntary service.  Throughout her life she has spent in Mangalore, Muscat and now in Mississauga, Canada her community & church service with a smile is really praiseworthy.