Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: November 15, 2001
• Invested on: September 27, 2002

Ryan Victor Hreljac, M.S.M., Kemptville, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

In 1998, when six-year-old Ryan Hreljac learned that African children were dying for lack of clean water, he initiated an ambitious donation project which resulted in donations of over $60,000 for new drilling and well construction equipment in Uganda. By saving his allowance and taking on chores around his home, Ryan initially raised $70. Soon after, the media published a story about his endeavour and people were touched by his caring and spirited drive. Enough funds were contributed to construct Ryan’s Well near Angolo Primary School in Uganda. In July 2000, greeted by hundreds of appreciative Ugandans, the young philantropist visited the well named after him. A role model of devotion, Ryan has brought great credit to himself and to Canada.