Gideon Luty on Finding Purpose Through the Award

“My Award has truly been a transformative experience for me. It has become a significant talking point in almost every job interview I’ve had, showcasing personal growth and professionalism that are invaluable in any career.”

– Gideon Luty , Gold Award Holder

Gideon, the Award was the moment his life changed course. At 18, he was homeless. Growing up in a dysfunctional household, the odds were stacked against him. But the Award gave him something he had never received before: structure, validation, and belief in his potential. 

Earning his Gold Award offered more than a certificate or a pin, it offered purpose. “It was the first time someone in a position of authority recognized my value, my contribution, and my accomplishments,” Gideon shares. That moment sparked a lifelong drive to serve others. 

One of his earliest breakthroughs came during his Skills section, when he enrolled in first aid training. To his surprise, he didn’t just pass— he excelled. “At 16, I was proudly telling my parents that I was good at something,” he recalls. That realization led him to join St. John Ambulance, launching a path of volunteerism that would soon include cadets, military service, peer support for veterans, and involvement in two search and rescue organizations. 

Gideon would go on to serve with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, where the resilience, leadership, and integrity he built during the Award became essential in the face of high-pressure situations. He began teaching others about professional development in the security field and helped open doors for them too. 

Gideon serves as a Correctional Officer and simultaneously mentors four boys through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

One of his contributions came when he identified a major gap in the health system. Seeing 911 ambulances overwhelmed by non-emergency hospital transfers, Gideon asked the question others wouldn’t: why not create a separate service to alleviate the pressure? Drawing on his military and leadership experience, and his confidence built through the Award, he launched Ontario’s first patient transfer service in the KW-Guelph-Halton region. “The Award taught me to think outside the box,” he says. “It showed me I could lead, innovate, and create real solutions.” 

His volunteerism continued to evolve, extending even into the holiday season through an initiative called Santa on a Motorcycle. Grappling with the grief of losing family around Christmas, Gideon found healing in bringing joy to others. “That time of year is hard for me, but instead of feeling down, I chose to make it meaningful. Seeing others light up from something I did… that brings me peace.” 

Now 62, Gideon remains deeply connected to the Award. He still lists it on his resume, and employers still ask about it. “The Award has come up in every interview I’ve ever had,” he says. “People are impressed, not just by what I did, but by how it shaped who I became.” 

For young people who feel lost, Gideon offers this: “It’s not what people think of you, it’s what you think of yourself. Set goals. Push limits. Ride out the storm. And know that purpose is possible, even when life feels impossible.”

“My legacy,” Gideon says, “..is all because of the Award.” 

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