Canadian Volunteer Wins 2025 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award

A Canadian humanitarian has won the 2025 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award (RBHA).

Garth Knox, a devoted volunteer with the disaster relief organisation GlobalMedic, received the prestigious award during a special online ceremony on 25 January 2025, coinciding with Burns Night.

The RBHA, with support from South Ayrshire Council's Destination South Ayrshire service, honours remarkable acts of bravery, dedication, and humanitarian efforts from people across the globe, irrespective of their nationality, race, age, or gender.

Garth has dedicated over four decades to volunteering with charitable organisations. Since 2011, he has been a key member of GlobalMedic, an Ontario-based Non-Governmental Organisation specialising in disaster relief. He is the only volunteer in the organisation's history to permanently relocate, spending nearly 1,000 days in Moldova by the end of 2024 to support Ukrainian refugees and host families affected by the ongoing conflict.

In Moldova, Garth oversees the weekly distribution of approximately 1,750 food parcels and works tirelessly to support those displaced by conflict. His dedication extends globally. Serving as part of GlobalMedic's Rapid Response Team, Garth has been deployed to 11 countries, providing aid during major crises such as Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, and the Nepal earthquake in 2015.

Garth's lifelong dedication also includes over 140 platelet donations with the Red Cross and volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Out of the Cold, and Campfire Circle, a camp for children with cancer.

On receiving the RBHA, Garth said: "I am elated to have the spotlight shine on the many, many people, the world over, who make the world a better place through daily acts of kindness and compassion. Such is the currency of volunteerism. On a personal level, I am both humbled and filled with gratitude for this recognition. I'm still in shock!"

Councillor Martin Dowey, Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the RBHA judging panel, commended Garth's exceptional dedication:

"Congratulations to Garth Knox, a truly inspiring individual whose selflessness and tireless efforts have transformed the lives of thousands of people in need.

"His unwavering commitment to humanitarian work across the globe embodies the spirit of Robert Burns, whose compassion and belief in the common good continue to inspire us all. Garth is a shining example of the profound impact one person can make, and we are honoured to celebrate his achievements."

The other 2025 finalists were Gurpreet Singh and Philip Obaji Jr.

Gurpreet is the founder of the Manukhta Di Sewa Society, a charitable organisation based in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. It provides free shelter, food, medical care, and education to the poor and marginalised, while also advocating for victims of modern slavery and supporting families in need through bi-weekly medical camps and monthly food rations.

Philip Obaji Jr., a Nigerian journalist and activist, is the founder of the 1 GAME initiative, which uses football to promote education and advocate for vulnerable children's enrolment in schools. A reporter for The Daily Beast for nine years, he focuses on conflict zones and human rights abuses in sub-Saharan Africa, with his work influencing governments and humanitarian organisations to combat human trafficking and improve education and security for displaced individuals.

As the 2025 RBHA winner, Garth received a prize of 1,759 guineas (approximately £1,800), a nod to the year of Robert Burns' birth and the currency of the time.

For more information about the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/robert-burns-award.