The Juno Awards will bestow a special honour on musician Tom Cochrane next month, presenting the legendary rocker with its humanitarian prize at the annual Juno gala.

The award comes in recognition of Cochrane's extensive charitable efforts, which include a long relationship with the relief organization World Vision and his support of research into Parkinson's disease.

'It is an odd thing to receive an award for trying to do the right things'—Tom Cochrane

“Throughout his career, Cochrane has thrown his support behind a wide range of worthy causes,” the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the industry group which organizes the annual music kudos, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Cochrane — best known to many for his 1991 single Life is a Highway — has made repeated visits to Africa and Asia on behalf of World Vision and recently spearheaded the Canada for Asia benefit concert, proceeds of which went towards victims of the 2004 tsunami. Proceeds from his 2002 single Just Like Ali went to Parkinson’s research.

Cochrane said he is “very honoured” to accept the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, named for the founder of CHUM Ltd.

That said, he added, it is “an odd thing to receive an award for trying to do the right things when those things have presented themselves in the light of the tremendous blessings I have received in my life and career.

“Every day my fans, family and friends get up and many of them do the right things for other people and the good of our world and country without getting acknowledged. So I share this with you. Love to all,” he added.

The Juno Awards will be presented on April 20 in Regina.