It was an award Suman and Manjit Virk never wanted.

But on Monday the Victoria couple graciously accepted the highest honour in community safety and crime prevention from the provincial government.

The Anthony J. Hulme Award of Distinction honours extraordinary achievement in crime prevention and community safety.

It something the Virks have been committed to since their daughter Reena was murdered 12 years ago.

“On November 14th, we lost our daughter,” said Suman. “We never thought that we would be doing this type of work, but we felt very passionately that we wanted others to learn from our tragedy.”

The couple has spoken to school kids, developed an educational DVD, and Manjit recently published a book titled Reena: A Father’s story to help other parents who have suffered the loss of a child.

“With amazing strength that inspired many, the Virks turned their personal tragedy into an opportunity to help others, despite their heart aches, they chose to do everything they could to ensure no other family or child would suffer the horrible consequences of bullying,” said Solicitor General Kash Heed, in presenting the award.

Both parents spoke thoughtfully Monday neither reading from a script. Both were thankful for the award, a bitter sweet reminder of their enormous loss. Suman welled up at times, pausing to let her emotion pass.

Both reiterated the importance of family values in children’s lives as a way to prevent bullying that can turn violent.

“We all realize that there is tremendous pressure put on young people and it’s not easy for them,” Manjit said.

He said people should not only spend quality time with their children, but spend quantity time.

“If we all want safety, then we all have to work together,” he said. “Starting from the family all the way up.”

He said if children learn values from a young age, it gives them something to hold on to so they aren’t buried under mounting pressures.

Fifteen individuals and organizations received a Solicitor General Community Service and Crime Prevention award in one of nine categories across the province.

lweighton@vicnews.com