Phillip Rego won his first ever award yesterday — but the bighearted charity worker insisted that the accolade was really for all of Bermuda.

The former landscape gardener — who gave up his business a year ago to help poverty-stricken Haitian children — said he was amazed to be given the quarterly CableVision community service award. "Even when I go there with clothes to Haiti, it's not focused on me; it's what Bermuda is doing for them," he told The Royal Gazette. "It's just about doing our best to help people."

The 50-year-old was presented with his award by Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield and CableVision general manager Terry Roberson at a ceremony at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. CableVision also donated $1,000 to his Feed My Lambs Ministry. Ms Butterfield said Mr. Rego's philanthropy not only empowered and assisted Haitians but helped young Bermudians understand the meaning of giving.

"I think it's great if we can find more people like you," she said. "There are so many people that say charity begins at home, but the world is our home."

Mr. Roberson said he hoped the award would encourage Mr. Rego to continue his good works, which have also helped pregnant teenagers in the remote Peruvian city of Iquitos. "I know what it feels like when there are kids that have nothing and someone just reaches down and gives them something," said the CableVision boss. "They are very appreciative. You are saving lives and some day they'll turn around and do exactly what you are doing."

He added: "We appreciate everything that you have done and all that you are going to do in the future."

Father-of-two Mr. Rego initially set out to support a food programme in Haiti but ended up building a roof for a medical clinic, improving facilities at an orphanage and providing money and goods for locals.

He has raised more than $80,000 in donations and provided educational sponsorship to 160 Haitian children. With the help of contributors here, he recently filled three containers with items now waiting to be shipped to the Caribbean country.

He returned from his latest visit there on Wednesday, having set up a temporary home for 18 youngsters turfed out of an orphanage.

"I didn't even plan it," he said. "We wanted to create a transitional home in an organised way but then we got this thing thrown at us. I just couldn't let these brilliant kids be thrown to the streets."

He said of the CableVision prize: "I have never won an award for anything so this is amazing that I can get an award for helping people. To me, that's the best award. That in itself is amazing, that people of my Country have recognised that."

His wife Maria added: "I have such great admiration for him all of the time. This is his nature, he has always been this way. I just never realised that people really noticed or paid attention. It's amazing to me that people are interested."

• To contribute to Mr. Rego's charity e-mail feedmylambsministry@gmail.com or call 535-8934. Donations can be made directly to Bank of Bermuda account number 010305498012, under the name Phillip Rego. Visit www.feedmylambsministry.org for more information.