It was a regal affair on July 13 at the Mississauga Grand Banquet Hall where Law Professor, criminal attorney, community activist and philanthropist Dhaman Kissoon was crowned Citizen of the Year at the 12th Annual Gala of the Rotary Club of Brampton Flower City.
Among the over 400 guests in attendance were judges, lawyers, police officers (from Toronto and Peel and York Regions), several business owners and professionals.
The Rotary club handed out six scholarships to High School students going to University and made a presentation of $10,000 to the Free For All Foundation in support of their STEP TECH computer programs. This is geared towards underprivileged youths and recent immigrants to the Brampton area. Additionally, the Club made contributions to the Addictions Court in Brampton and the Breakfast program at the Ridgeview Public School.
Kissoon migrated to Canada as a teenager from Guyana, completed his studies and was called to the bar in 1991 in Ontario. After a short stint on Bay Street he opened his own law practice from which he has represented all criminal charges from shop lifting to murder.
He is a founding member of the York Regional Police – ISCAC project, the Integrate Strategic Community Advisory Council – a special group of citizens that partners with the police on matters that have important positive impact on major crimes in our communities.
Kissoon is Co-Chair since 2005 of the Advocates for Etobicoke Youth which helps over 1,000 underprivileged and troubled youth every year. He is a member since 2002 of the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and in 2002 he started a golf tournament which has raised over $500,000. to date – a large portion of it going to the Sick Kids Hospital and too many other organizations to name.
In addition the list of Awards and Recognitions throughout his career are impressive.
In fact, only one week ago he was Knighted – Chevalier de France – in a ceremony at Trafalger Castle by the Commander of the Chevalier from Avignon France.
He now joins a very impressive group of prior recipients of this award: Member of Parliament Tony Clement, Former MP Ruby Dhalia, Developer Iggy Kaniff, RioCan CEO Eddy Sonshine, Retired Peel Police Chief Mike Metcalf, former Toronto Maple Leaf Star golie Johnny Bower, former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion and Chief of Staff at Humber River Hospital, Dr. Narendra Singh.
Kissoon is a well respected community leader with a huge heart who is committed to strong family values.
in his acceptance speech he thanked outgoing President Bhagmatie Persaud for her outstanding job and spoke of the greatness of Canada and of Rotary. He urged the young persons in the audience to grab hold of the opportunities presented to them.