Mitch Stanley Maga, a student at Holy Cross Collegiate, was given the Rescuer Award by Canadian Red Cross.
Maga was presented the award on Tuesday (June 10) after trying to save the life family friend and father figure Len Voerman in February.
Maga checked on Len after hearing concerns from Len's wife, Gail, about how he was not answering her calls. After knocking on the door to no answer, Maga made his way to the back of the home.
Scaling a gate to access the back yard, Maga peered through a window to find Len lying on the floor. Asking his mother to call 911, Maga forced open the steel back door, gaining entry to the home.
Despite Maga's efforts, Len could not be resuscitated.
"He was my neighbour a couple of houses down. I visited him a lot, visited his cat, and we spent a lot of time together," said Maga.
Maga continued to care for the Voerman's family pet until Gail returned home. He also gave a eulogy at Len's funeral.
"Sometimes I just remember what I actually have to life for. For example, my mother, my pets, and that just keeps me going," added Maga, reflecting on how he's been coping with the loss of a close friend.
Due to Maga's First Aid and CPR training, he was presented the award as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and learning First Aid.
The Rescuer Award is given to those who volunteer to save a life, prevent further injury, or provide comfort to the ill or injured.
Children who provide help without training, and non-professional rescuers, are also eligible for the award.