Earlier this week, Saint Mary's University announced Boutilier, along with accomplished curator Judith Dietz would be receiving honorary degrees on Jan. 19

A local humanitarian says he was in the barber shop waiting to get a haircut when he received a very important phone call.

"A man said he was the president of Saint Mary's (University) and that the governing body had decided to grant me an honorary degree," Mel Boutilier said. "My first question was, is this real?"

Earlier this week, the university announced Boutilier, along with accomplished curator Judith Dietz would be receiving honorary degrees on Jan. 19.

Boutilier told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show he grew up in a "very poor family" of 10, and worked his way up into a government job before leaving it to join his brother's business.

Eventually he got involved in community work, starting the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank in 1983.

"There's no better joy than being able to help people," he said. "When you talk to them face to face and you know how they're hurting, when you have the opportunity to find some help for them, see them through a difficult time, nothing can compare to that."

The 89-year-old is now the executive director of Metro Care & Share Society, where he helps to raise money and find scholarships to put students through school.

Boutilier read a letter from one of those students, who is in his second year at Saint Mary's.

"I'll be the first of my siblings to attend a post-secondary institution, with this opportunity I'll be able to help my family and make a better future for myself," the letter said.

The university will bestow a Doctor of Civil Law, Honoris Causa to Boutilier.

He said his wife is the one who helped make it all possible and she'll be right by his side when he receives his honorary degree next month.

Listen to Sheldon MacLeod's conversation with Mel Boutilier: