A local businessman and philanthropist has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for his community contributions.
Fred Soofi, owner of Pasta Polo Restaurant in Coquitlam, and an active volunteer and supporter of community projects, was awarded the medal recently in North Vancouver.
The Anmore resident speculates his work in the Iranian community may have been behind the presentation of his medal by Andrew Saxton, North Vancouver MP. However, Soofi said he is involved in many other groups as well, including Amnesty International, the Coquitlam Farmers Market and PoCoMo Youth Society, among others.
"I understand it's a very prestigious medal," said Soofi, who said he was surprised by the award.
The medal, created to mark Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne, is granted by the Governor General of Canada but recipients are chosen by MPs.
Fin Donnelly, MP for New West-Coquitlam and Port Moody, and James Moore, MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, will be naming their medal recipients in coming months.
