[Photograph of Hakam Bhaloo with an unidentified woman at the 2004 Burnaby Local Hero Awards Presentation]

Group photograph of Hakam Bhaloo with an unidentified woman after receiving the Burnaby Local Hero Award from Mayor Derek Corrigan and another city official on November 29, 2004, at Burnaby City Hall, British Columbia. The event, organized by the Burnaby City Council and the Social Issues Committee, recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Hakam Bhaloo served in many civic bodies and non-governmental organizations in Burnaby. He was a member of the Burnaby Interfaith Committee and helped organize Burnaby's centennial celebrations in 1992. He served on Burnaby's Family Court and Youth Justice Committee for six years, as well as the director of the Burnaby Arts Council. His volunteer work also includes organizing the Ismaili Walk for Charity which raises funds for community organizations such as Burnaby Hospital, the United Way, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

The Burnaby Local Hero Awards, established in 1997, recognize residents of Burnaby who have made long-term contributions to the community through volunteer work. Nominees must have dedicated at least five years to volunteer activities in Burnaby, engaging in at least two different initiatives. Recipients are honored for their efforts in improving the city's quality of life. In 2004, the Burnaby Local Hero Awards held their eighth annual ceremony, recognizing twenty individuals for their dedicated community service as Burnaby's 2004 Local Heroes.