Surrey, British Columbia
Mr. Indera Raja Malawarair has been involved with the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS) South Vancouver Unit 26 for the past 28 years. For the first five years, he volunteered for various activities such as decorating and cooking for upcoming events. Mr. Malawarair decided to join the ANAVETS Unit 26 as a member in 1991 and established a Snooker League, which along with all other activities he organized that year, helped contribute $2,000 towards the Unit’s budget. Mr. Malawarair has been a member of the Executive Committee for the past 19 years and is now on his second term as President. His areas of responsibility have included Sick and Visiting, House and Grounds, and Ways and Means to mention a few.
Mr. Malawarair has been the Unit’s lead maintenance and repair person since 2000. In the Unit’s old building, he completed an energy efficiency system upgrade, which led to a significant reduction in the overall monthly utility expenses. In the Unit’s new building, he personally renovated it to ensure it met Vancouver Building Code standards. This task consisted of approximately 20 to 30 volunteer hours per week for a nine-month period. He continues to be the main source for repairs to this day.
Mr. Malawarair has been a member of the ANAVETS Board of Directors in the role of Director of the ANAVETS Senior Citizens Housing Society, which is responsible for over 185 units in the Vancouver-Richmond Metropolitan area. He provides advice, liaises with contractors and acts as the main emergency contact, available 24/7. He also serves on the South Vancouver Veterans Council and organizes commemorative events, such as Remembrance Day ceremonies and Battle of Britain parades. He has served as the Parade Marshal, the Sergeant-at-Arms and is also the Colours Sergeant.