THUNDER BAY -- Daniel-Kwaku Voss doesn't volunteer to get awards.
The 17-year-old started giving his time while in the sea cadets. Involved in several youth initiatives and the Regional Multicultural Youth Council, Voss spent his high school years making safe and positive spaces for the city's youth.
Now graduated, he's taken his volunteering to the national level.
His efforts were rewarded Tuesday as Voss joined Governor General David Johnston as nearly 20 people were given the Caring Canadian Award in Thunder Bay.
"This honestly means the world to me," Voss said after being presented the award by Johnston and his wife Sharon, currently on a trip to several Northern Ontario cities.
"I genuinely just enjoy helping the community and helping people."
"Honestly it couldn't be better just knowing that I can help make a difference."
While it's getting better, Voss said there's still a stigma out there that youth are lazy and aren't engaged. But every young person has passion. It's about showing them that there are opportunities.
"Just giving them the opportunity to help seek that and find out what they really want to do. They can help engage the community on such a huge level that they can make a difference that you couldn't possibly imagine," Voss said.
Before the ceremony Johnston held a short panel discussion on volunteerism. He told the gallery at city hall that he will share the stories from Thunder Bay with the rest of the country.
"It's such an inspiring example to all of us when we see our neighbours do great things," he said.