Rafiq Rokerya Honored

Two Mississauga men have been recognized for outstanding work in the community.
Rafiq Rokerya and Beato (Bobby) Amiel Dela Cruz were among six members of the Certified General Accountants of Ontario to receive the Ontario Distinguished Service Award last week at the group's annual practitioners' convention.
They received nods for showing exemplary dedication to the profession, the association and their respective communities.
Rokerya, who's been connecting newcomers to Canada with what they need to enter the CGA program of professional studies, says he's still in "celebration mode."
A CGA for more than 25 years, Rokerya says he's thrilled to be recognized for the work he does in his profession and in the community.
"I couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement of my family, my mother and my friends," said Rokerya, who works for the Canadian Revenue Agency and sits on the City of Mississauga's election campaign finance committee.
He says he's received so much support from the community that it was his turn to give back and help guide people to their full potential.
As a founding member of the Memon Association of Canada, a South Asian family education and counseling center, he produces and co-hosts a radio show aimed at educating the community on social issues and the support available.
Rokerya says it gives him "personal satisfaction" doing something good or touching a person's soul.
"If someone follows my mentorship and my guidance...I am rewarded," he said. Dela Cruz, who in his spare time leads the Association of Filipino-Canadian Accountants, says he's elated at the recognition. The Meadowvale resident of nearly 23 years says he's proud to lead an organization that has grown from 30 active members, when he joined in the early '90s, to 600 today.
He said he's also proud of heading a committee that raised enough money to buy a building for the Fiesta Filipina dance troupe to practice and perform.
"It's the satisfaction that you've done something for the community," said Dela Cruz, who also has a leadership role in the National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants.
He said the dance group has been around for 40 years with costume and equipment being passed around and stored at different houses. Much of the time, Dela Cruz said, costume pieces would get lost and finding a place to practice was difficult.

 

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