April 12, 2005 OTTAWA — Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, today announced the names of 29 recipients of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community. Recipients have served over a number of years and normally have not been recognized previously by a national or provincial honour. The names of the recipients are attached. The award consists of a framed certificate and a lapel pin for everyday wear. The award symbol represents Canadians who selflessly give of their time and energy to others. Presentations will be made at a later date by the Governor General in communities across Canada as her travels permit, or by a designate of the Governor General. The citations follow. Additional information about this award can be found at http://www.gg.ca/honours/caring_e.asp. -30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-0287 (613) 993-8158 www.gg.ca Public Information Chancellery of Honours, Government House 1 800 465-6890 GOVERNOR GENERAL'S CARING CANADIAN AWARDS Gertrud Antoine Barwick Rosemere, Que. Sadhvi Bajpai Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. Howard W. E. Baugh Kanata, Ont. Geneviève Bolduc Ottawa, Ont. David Grant Campbell Teulon, Man. Cody Welsh Clark Kemptville, Ont. Leone Clark Owen Sound, Ont. Victoria Pauline Collins Sherwood Park, Alta. Denis Denis Donnacona, Que. Jeannine Drouin Arntfield, Que. Margaret Finley Ottawa, Ont. Nicole Fournier, s.g.m. Montreal, Que. Joseph Alcide Gagnon Moncton, N.B. Alqaim Giga Calgary, Alta. Geoffrey Ward Hardy Pincher Creek, Alta. Fay Herridge Fortune, N.L. Lambertus J. Huizinga Scarborough, Ont. Joseph Raymond Johnson Winnipeg, Man. Eugène Kirouac La Broquerie, Man. Ann Koshman North Vancouver, B.C. Nigel Reeve Molaro Saskatoon, Sask. Pauline Monnette Grande Prairie, Alta. David Randolph Owen Riverview, N.B. Marie Louise Poland Ottawa, Ont. Leah Gladys Daphne Richards Change Islands, N.L. Elizabeth Helen Rowley Coquitlam, B.C. Glenda Standeven Chilliwack, B.C. Peter Verhesen Trochu, Alta. Catherine White Victoria, B.C. Gertrud Antoine Barwick, Rosemere, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian Award As a dedicated teacher at the Lake of Two Mountains High School in the Montreal area, Gertrud Antoine Barwick volunteered her free time to organize extracurricular activities for students. Since her retirement in 1995, she has been equally generous in helping others, raising thousands of dollars for charity through her church, and helping with Meals on Wheels. A member of the Montreal General Hospital Auxiliary, she volunteers weekly in the gift shop, donates her own artwork for sale and organizes extraordinary fundraising events such as fashion shows and Victorian teas. Mrs. Barwick's generosity of time and talents warms and benefits all those around her. Sadhvi Bajpai, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award When Sadhvi Bajpai left her home in India to settle in Canada, she brought with her a love of the arts and a deep commitment to serving the community. After settling in Moncton in 1977, she became a founding member and president of the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area and promoted cultural diversity throughout New Brunswick. She organized a multicultural amateur acting group to present a wide variety of performances, with all proceeds going to charity. Today, this caring and multi-talented person continues serving others, organizing activities that enhance the lives of many seniors. Howard W. E. Baugh, Kanata, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Howard Baugh has been involved in charitable work for over 65years. He has volunteered at children's camps and at the Montreal Children's Hospital. In the 1970s, he taped textbooks on cassettes for visually impaired university students and encouraged others to do the same. A member of the Masonic Order since 1959, he remains active in programs for seniors who are housebound or hospitalized. A former president of the Telephone Pioneers of America, he helped this industry-related community service organization raise millions of dollars for charity. Many Canadians have benefited from Mr. Baugh's leadership, kindness and thoughtfulness. Geneviève Bolduc, Ottawa, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Since her early teens, Geneviève Bolduc has channelled her energy and creativity into supporting youth from military families. At the age of 14, she was instrumental in establishing a Youth Centre and Council at the Comox Military Family Resource Centre. As head of the Youth Council, she helped organize drug awareness campaigns and planned numerous community events, constantly researching new and exciting ways to get youth involved in their community. Familiar with the difficulties encountered by military youth, Miss Bolduc continues to represent the Canadian Forces youth and to promote programs across the country to make them feel they belong to a community. David Grant Campbell, Teulon, Manitoba Governor General's Caring Canadian Award For over 60 years, and in addition to a lifetime of hard work as a farmer, David Grant Campbell has always given generously to his community. He has been a mainstay of his church, overseeing major building and renovation activities. He has provided transportation for disabled churchgoers, has driven seniors and disabled persons to medical appointments, work or recreational activities, and he still visits the sick and elderly. He has improved the local skating arena and, as a member of the Teulon Agricultural Society, he has helped with the annual agricultural fair and pumpkin fest and has led the Teulon 4-H Club. Mr. Campbell's tremendous help and generosity has enhanced the quality of life of many residents in Teulon. Cody Welsh Clark, Kemptville, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award At the age of 10, Cody Clark knows first-hand what it is like to be hospitalized or to see a loved one dealing with grave illness. His response has been to help others in such a situation, and the help he has given is remarkable. He raises thousands of dollars each year for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and other charities. He collected over 2500 signatures of Ottawa schoolchildren for a petition opposing the closure of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's cardiac unit. He has developed "Cody's Individual Comfort Kits" to ease the hospital experience for children or for seniors without families to care for them. Cody's wish is to distribute such kits to all children's hospitals across Canada. Leone Clark, Owen Sound, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award A volunteer for over 80 years, "Bunny" Clark continues to enrich the lives of many in her community. A natural athlete in her youth, she is a member of the local Sports Hall of Fame and still promotes the benefits of physical activity. Over the years, she has served with and headed many groups, including the Women's Missionary Society, the United Church Women and the Women's Circle, as well as the Ontario Hospital Association and the Girl Guide Association. She undertakes fundraising for worthy causes, visits the sick and provides transportation for seniors. An entertaining public speaker, she inspires others to follow her example of community service. Victoria Pauline Collins, Sherwood Park, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award For over 22 years, Victoria Collins has volunteered at the Capital Care Dickinsfield Centre, an extended care facility in Edmonton. Working in pastoral services, she uses her exceptional sensitivity to great effect, providing support and comfort to patients in the last moments of their lives, as well as to family members dealing with the loss of a loved one. She is every bit as active in her church and her community, visiting elderly residents and driving them to religious services. Her gentle, unobtrusive manner wins the trust of those she helps, who, in turn, truly appreciate Mrs. Collins' compassion. Denis Denis, Donnacona, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian Award An ambulance attendant for 52 years, Mr. Denis has also served as mayor of Donnacona for 20 years. Throughout that time, he devoted himself to the well-being of his fellow citizens and played an active part in developing and improving his community, often going beyond the call of duty. Resourceful, always approachable and an outstanding communicator, Mr. Denis has organized many successful luncheon benefits and other fundraising activities for his parish and for the elderly, including the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Children's Wish Foundation. He is admired by everyone and esteemed for his cheerfulness and boundless generosity. Jeannine Drouin, Arntfield, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian Award A retired teacher, Jeannine Drouin is a vibrant and active force in her small community of Arntfield. Thanks to her efforts, the library she runs on a voluntary basis has prospered and continues to develop. She cheerfully responds to her parish's needs, looks after worship services, and sings soprano in the Baladins choir. Mrs. Drouin is also in charge of fundraising for the Téléthon de la Ressource d'aides et services pour personnes handicapées de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue and for the Guignolée (a holiday season collection to benefit those most in need). A thoughtful and considerate person, she offers assistance and comfort to hospitalized parishioners and to shut-ins. Margaret Finley, Ottawa, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Margaret Finley had her first experience of volunteering when, at the age of 7, she helped in the nursery at a mission camp. A thoughtful visionary and a superb organizer, she later found countless ways to help those in need. In the 1960s, she rallied volunteers and organized picnics for homebound disabled persons; and the "High Horizon" program she founded in 1965 at her church is still running to this day, offering transportation and activities for physically challenged members of her community. She also cared for dying patients at the Riverside Hospital, volunteered in schools, has been active in the Kidney Foundation and the Parkinson's Society, and continues to raise funds for charitable organizations. Nicole Fournier, s.g.m., Montreal, Quebec Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Since 1985, in addition to running Accueil Bonneau, a homeless shelter serving Greater Montreal, Sister Nicole Fournier has been working with some 200 volunteers to provide the shelter's 700 regular clients with clothing, food, sometimes lodging and, most important, an extended family. Destroyed by fire in 1998, Accueil Bonneau owes its survival and reconstruction to Sister Fournier's enthusiasm, determination and quiet strength. Ever mindful of the needs of society's less fortunate and in order to help them get back on their feet, she introduced new services at the shelter, including a library, a carpentry shop, a computer room, a convenience store and a choir, whose enchanting music has warmed the hearts of many. Joseph Alcide Gagnon, Moncton, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Joseph Gagnon has helped disadvantaged people in the most practical way, by making sure they have their daily bread. In the mid-1980s, he established a soup kitchen and co-founded Food Bank Moncton Inc., giving generously of his time and often of his money. He later set up the New Brunswick Association of Food Banks and served with the Canadian Association of Food Banks. Since the 1960s, he has been instrumental in organizing and leading the Knights of Columbus in Moncton and throughout New Brunswick, and has contributed to the Kiwanis Club. Although enjoying retirement, he continues to take a keen interest in the charities to which he has given so much. Alqaim Giga, Calgary, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award While still in his teens, Alqaim Giga was the driving force behind the 2001 World Sight Day High School Challenge, an initiative that mobilized students throughout Calgary to collect nearly 3500 pairs of eyeglasses in 4 weeks for distribution in the Third World. Shortly after, he launched a project to educate youth about blindness and raise funds at the same time. His efforts are now being replicated in high schools across Canada. In addition to improving the lives of many in developing countries, Mr. Giga has made a difference in his community by serving as a youth coordinator for the Canadian Diabetes Association, a counsellor at a local youth camp and a tutor to recent immigrants. Geoffrey Ward Hardy, Pincher Creek, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award For three quarters of a century, Geoffrey Ward Hardy's community service has enhanced the lives of the people of Pincher Creek. Most notable has been his role in organizing a complete series of local 4-H clubs, which teach children from the age of 8 to 21 about farm work, civic responsibility and leadership. Dedicated to helping and promoting the community, fundraising events are organized through these clubs. Over the decades, Mr. Hardy has contributed to all aspects of the 4-H program, coaching and mentoring the children and becoming a lifelong friend. Known as Mr. 4-H, Mr. Hardy continues to volunteer with young people, sharing with them his wisdom and zest for life. Fay Herridge, Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Fay Herridge is a woman of many talents, and she has used all of them to serve her community. In the 1980s, she began organizing annual music and drama festivals in the Burin Peninsula and those celebrations continue to this day. She founded Fortune Heritage Inc., a non-profit organization that protects the historical and cultural heritage of the town of Fortune, and she worked actively for the opening of the Victoria Hall Museum in 2000 and Heritage House in 2002. As town librarian, she edits the monthly community newsletter, and she provides computer training for adults. In addition, the Web site she created contains a wealth of information promoting the town of Fortune. Lambertus J. Huizinga, Scarborough, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award For over 30 years, "Bert" Huizinga has placed his talents and abilities at the service of his community. He planted and maintains the church garden, and helped with renovations. He visits shut-ins, seniors and the ill. In addition, he takes care of minor home repairs and helps people by driving them to medical appointments and to church. He is also involved with the Lighthouse, an inner-city centre run by his church, and collects and delivers items for its thrift store and its food bank. Mr. Huizinga's discreet neighbourliness has warmed the hearts of many and makes his community a better place to live. Joseph Raymond Johnson, Winnipeg, Manitoba Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Since 1984, "Ray" Johnson has served in many capacities in the Manitoba Division of the RCMP Veterans' Association, including as president. He visits sick or elderly veterans and their spouses who are in institutions or who are unable to go out by themselves, and he can be counted on to offer them transportation when needed. From 1974 to 1985, he volunteered at the Sturgeon Creek Community Centre, and continued helping out long after his own children were grown. For the last eight years, Mr. Johnson has also been a team leader and a canvasser with the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. Eugène Kirouac, La Broquerie, Manitoba Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Even though life on the farm left him precious little spare time, Eugène Kirouac has always been devoted to the parish and rural community of La Broquerie. A sexton for 23 years, Mr. Kirouac also takes care of the church and the cemetery. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he has collected money for over 15 years for local charities, including the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Mr. Kirouac and his wife organize numerous activities for the senior citizens' club. Both give generously of their time and energies to community projects in La Broquerie. Ann Koshman, North Vancouver, British Columbia Governor General's Caring Canadian Award In 1960, Ann Koshman joined the Lions Gate Hospital Auxiliary. Today, she is its longest-serving active member and has never let personal loss, illness or the weather deter her from volunteering at the hospital. Over the years, she has helped out in many different capacities, escorting patients, volunteering in the physiotherapy department and at the Thrift Shop, and most recently by visiting with patients and caring for their flowers. She contributes as well to activities in her church and the apartment complex where she lives. Mrs. Koshman is appreciated for her comforting smile and her genuine wish to help others. Nigel Reeve Molaro, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Governor General's Caring Canadian Award In 2002, at the age of 16, his mother's diagnosis of cancer led Nigel Molaro to mobilize his high school in support of the Race for Recovery, a fund-raising activity for the HOPE Cancer Help Centre. As a result, that year, the event exceeded its fund-raising goal of $6000. In 2003, the goal was raised to $10 000 and, again, Nigel and his fellow high school students made the difference, surpassing the new goal. Through it all, Nigel helped organize and deliver gift baskets for cancer patients undergoing treatment, demonstrating his deep commitment to working for his community and, particularly, for individuals in need. Pauline Monnette, Grande Prairie, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Most people would be happy to relax after raising 13 children and dedicating a lifetime to helping manage the family farm. Instead, Pauline Monnette decided to look for new challenges. For the past 16 years, she has volunteered with the Salvation Army Food Bank in Grande Prairie. She devotes three hours a day, five days a week to sorting, packing and stocking food, and preparing hampers. She has never missed a day at the Food Bank and has made herself indispensable. In her quiet but efficient way, Mrs. Monnette is a model of dedication and commitment to her community. David Randolph Owen, Riverview, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Since the 1960s, David Owen has used his leadership skills for the benefit of countless charitable organizations. Among others, he chaired the screening committee of the Moncton Lions Club Sick Children's Fund, opened a community kitchen in his church and prepared hundreds of Christmas boxes for underprivileged residents. In the early 1990s, he was instrumental in setting up a Victim Services Unit within the Riverview RCMP Detachment, and dedicated 10 years to this program. In 2001, he assumed the presidency of the Albert County Food Bank making it a financially secure organization. A man of action, Mr. Owen never shies away from front-line work to help those in need. Marie Louise Poland, Ottawa, Ontario Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Marie Louise Poland has volunteered her time with several organizations in Ottawa, and 2004 marked Mrs. Poland's 20th anniversary of service with Volunteer Ottawa as an interviewer. With genuine empathy, she carefully matched the skills and interests of prospective volunteers with the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that each request was filled with the right volunteer. With her warm and kind manner, Mrs. Poland welcomed many new Canadians, made the volunteering process understandable to them, gave them a chance to gain work experience, and, ultimately, helped them to settle in and learn the ways of their adopted country. Leah Gladys Daphne Richards, Change Islands, Newfoundland Governor General's Caring Canadian Award For Leah Richards, raising seven children on her own was only a point of departure for a lifetime of service and care for others. In 1962, she started volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross Society and, since then, has held virtually every position in the Change Islands branch of the Society, including that of president for two decades. In addition to more than 40 years with the Red Cross, she has also contributed to other organizations such as the Salvation Army, the local library board, the Disaster Committee for Change Islands and her church. To people in her community who face illness or personal difficulties, Mrs. Richards brings laughter and the comfort of her presence. Elizabeth Helen Rowley, Coquitlam, British Columbia Governor General's Caring Canadian Award All her life, Liz Rowley has sought to help less fortunate people in our society. She has volunteered at the Youville Residence, a seniors' home, for over 40 years, entertaining residents and visiting those without family, as well as designing and providing suitable and attractive clothing for people confined to their bed or wheelchair. For two decades, she has lent her accounting skills to the Volunteer Income Tax Program, helping seniors and low-income families to complete their income tax returns and obtain government benefits. Mrs. Rowley has always tended to the physical and emotional needs of those around her, helping them to maintain their dignity and self-respect in their most vulnerable moments. Glenda Standeven, Chilliwack, British Columbia Governor General's Caring Canadian Award After losing a leg to cancer, Glenda Standeven decided to help others facing the disease. Since 1991, she has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society, raising funds and serving for 11 years as leader of the Living With Cancer Support Group in Chilliwack. She is a member of the Quick Response Team that provides hope and encouragement to people newly diagnosed with cancer, and she gives public talks that educate children and adults alike about the disease. Mrs. Standeven also volunteers her time with the Optimist Club and the Terry Fox Foundation. Her own example inspires others to face the challenges of life with courage and confidence. Peter Verhesen, Trochu, Alberta Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Peter Verhesen settled in Trochu in 1979 and, with great ideas, leadership skills, tact and compassion, he has since helped countless people in the region. He initiated a Meals on Wheels program and was instrumental in establishing a nursing home and providing transportation for seniors and disabled persons. In 1989, he started a Christmas hamper program for disadvantaged people, which developed into the interchurch Food Bank that now serves some 350 residents of Trochu and neighbouring communities. Very active in his church, Mr. Verhesen is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and works for many charitable events, always turning his visions into realities. Catherine White, Victoria, British Columbia Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Katie White has served for more than a decade as a volunteer in the pastoral care unit at the Victoria General Hospital, often working six days a week. With endless compassion, respect and integrity, she spends long hours giving counsel and comfort to the sick and dying, as well as to their loved ones. A lifelong volunteer in her church, she also serves as a leader in the pastoral care group and in the community service programs. Known as "Granny Simple", Mrs. White also volunteers with Clowns Are Us, a group that visits hospitals and nursing homes to cheer up patients. Every day, Mrs. White's kindness and cheerful energy bring relief and joy to those around her.
