Parents of Reena Virk recognized for work against bullying, violence
Parents of Reena Virk recognized for work against bullying, violence
Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist
Published: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Suman and Manjit Virk, who have tirelessly worked against bullying since their 14-year-old daughter, Reena, was murdered 12 years ago, have been awarded B.C.'s highest honour for community safety and crime prevention.
Solicitor General Kash Heed presented the Virks with the Anthony J. Hulme Award of Distinction yesterday.
Since Reena's tragic death in 1997, the Virks have spoken countless times in schools and at community events in an effort to prevent others from becoming the victims of bullying and violence.
"With amazing strength that inspired many, the Virks turned their personal tragedy into an opportunity to help others," Heed said.
"Despite their heartache, they chose to do everything they could to ensure that no other family or child would suffer the horrible consequences of bullying."
The Virks have developed a DVD about their experience.
Manjit Virk, who has also published a book titled Reena: A Father's Story, urged people to spend "quantity time" with their children as well as "quality time."
"Today as we all realize, there is a tremendous pressure put on young people," Virk said.
"When we were growing up, things were, perhaps, not as complicated. Today they have the pressure of materialism. They have pressure to conform to peer pressure.
"They have commercialism in their face and ... less affection and love and personal support from families and other resources. There's family breakdown. There's moral breakdown, and our young people are confused at times," he said.
"I never thought we would be doing this type of work, but we felt very passionately and very strongly that we wanted others to learn from our tragedy," Suman Virk said.
Manjit Virk said he believes society has to create an environment for young people that is "conducive for learning and affectionate, so they believe they belong somewhere with families to care for them."
"From an individual basis, I believe we can all make a difference," he said.
The annual Solicitor General Crime Prevention and Community Safety Awards recognize excellence in child or youth leadership, media and local government leadership, crime prevention, community safety and volunteerism.
bcleverley@tc.canwest.com
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