CANADIAN Fijian, Peni Lutudromu owes Saskatchewan rugby gratitude for the recognition bestowed for his volunteer work.
The University of Regina Cougars Men’s coach, who introduced rugby to youths, was recently honored with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers award for his contribution to the sport of rugby.
The Canadian decoration is intended for a volunteer who has made a significant and continual contribution to the community either in Canada or abroad.
“The award came as a surprise”, Peni said. “I’m not the kind of a guy who takes credit, I do it out of good heart”.
“I just want to thank the very people who saw good in me.
“The community deserves the award just as much”.
Peni, who immigrated to Canada from New Zealand in 2006 continues to serve Saskatchewan, Regina as a dedicated mentor to youths and has a dramatic impact on the lives of boys and girls as their coach.
“I do, what I do with pure love for the sport of rugby. It’s all about the passion and a service to people”.
The Dog River Howlers player is also the coach of the Saskatchewan Men’s Provincial Rugby and the Regina U16 Boys Select team.
Peni’s unerring love for his roots, Nacamaki Village on Koro Island in Fiji had him raise $30,000 last year, the island was decimated during Tropical Cyclone Winston.
“The funds were raised through community effort. The money was used to buy building materials for the construction of homes, school and the village church”.
He has pledged to raise more funds in the New Year for the construction of the village Hall.
“With the communities backing I will certainly raise the necessary funds.
“Fiji is where the heart is. It’s all about giving back”.
Peni said he will continue to provide volunteer service for the greater good of rugby and more in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and Fiji, his birth place in the near future.
