THUNDER BAY — A well-known Thunder Bay doctor and community leader has been recognized for his years of volunteering.
Dr. Prashant Jani received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award this week. The award is one of Ontario’s highest honours for volunteers and is given to people who make outstanding contributions to their communities.
Dr. Jani has helped organize many cultural events in Thunder Bay, including the Festival of India and the Festival of Colours. These events focus on inclusion and celebrating cultural diversity.
He also started a meal-delivery program called Food for Life, which provides more than 20,000 meals every year to people in need.
Dr. Jani said the award isn’t just for him—it’s for all the volunteers in Thunder Bay who help make a difference.
“Only 20 people across Ontario get this award,” he said. “It’s humbling to receive it here in Thunder Bay. This is not just my award. It’s for everyone who has helped us over the years.”
He believes the real credit belongs to the many volunteers who give their time to help others.
“This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about the whole community, and I’m thankful to everyone who supports what we do.”
Dr. Jani says the goal of life is to serve others and bring joy.
“Whether it’s a community event or a hot meal, it’s about making people happy and bringing them together,” he said. “Seeing people smile makes all the work worth it.”
In addition to his volunteer work, Dr. Jani is an associate professor at NOSM University and works as a pathologist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
He says anyone can be a volunteer, and it doesn’t need to be something big.
“Helping a neighbour by shovelling snow or just listening to someone who needs to talk—that’s volunteering too,” he said. “The more we help others, the better our lives and communities become.”
