This award follows a Citizens Award bestowed on Burns in 2001 by the Mayor of the City of Christchurch, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to charity. This related mainly to his work in helping to form the Variety Club of New Zealand (South Island) and Camp Quality - a Lions project for Children with life-threatening health problems. He also served several years as Entertainment Director for Camp Quality and as Organiser of the Annual Variety Club Children's Christmas party.