April 3, 2007
OTTAWAHer Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced today the names of 42 recipients of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award.
Created in 1996 by the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc, the 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 and citations of the recipients follow.
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 a dignitary designated by the Governor General or, on occasions, by the Governor General when she travels in communities across Canada.
Additional information about this award can be found at www.gg.ca/honours/awards/cca/index_e.asp.
Media informationRideau Hall Press OfficeMarie-Paule Thorn 613-993-2569www.gg.ca
GOVERNOR GENERAL'S CARING CANADIAN AWARDS
Martin Arsenault
Pabos Mills, Que.
George Gabriel Aucoin
Cheticamp, N. S.
Enid E. Barrett
Bishop's Cove, , N.L.
Marcellin Bernatchez
Montmagny, Que.
Melvina Briggs
Black Diamond, Alta.
Guy Côté
Beauport, Que.
Thaddeus Dreher
St. John's, N.L.
Christine Easton
Kanata, Ont.
Arthur "Sonny" Foster
Amherst, N. S.
Susann Louise Franklin
Peterborough, Ont.
Elaine Garfinkel
Gloucester, Ont.
Charles-Edouard Généreux
Saint-Pie-de-Guire, Que.
Maria Giacomodonato
Town of Mount Royal, Que.
Sheilagh Guy Murphy
St. John's, N.L
Richard C. Haycroft
Westbank, B.C.
Ross G. Hayter
Grand Bend, Ont.
Jean-Pierre Lapointe
Montreal, Que.
Charles Leggatt
Toronto, Ont.
Jeannette Lejeune
Washago, Ont.
Richard Lemire
Île-Bizard, Que.
Gerald David McMillan
Orillia, Ont.
Laura Middleton
Mount Uniacke, N. S.
Carol Ann Namur
Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Que.
Brittany Palmer
North Vancouver, B.C.
Douglas Philp
Calgary, Alta.
Jules Pinard
Trois-Rivières, Que.
Lavina Jean Poole
Newton Robinson, Ont.
Kolby Pugh
Sarnia, Ont.
Edith Rabillard
Latchford, Ont.
Sister Rolande Robidoux
Maniwaki, Que.
Bill Robinson
Kanata, Ont.
Norma Evelyn Selbie
Kelowna, B.C.
Cecil R. Small
Amherst, N. S.
Mary Hilda Stapleton
St. John's, N.L
Janet Stevens
Waterloo, Ont.
Dale F. Stewart
Winnipeg, Man.
Susan M. Thorburn
Orillia, Ont.
Judith M. Upward
Saint John, N.B.
Michael R. Upward
Saint John, N.B.
René Villemure
Trois-Rivières, Que.
Hélène Wallingford Panalaks
Gatineau, Que.
Kathryn Windle
Renfrew, Ont.
CITATIONS:
Martin Arsenault, Pabos Mills, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A man of great vision dedicated to improving and enhancing the lives of young people in the Gaspé region, Martin Arsenault has managed the Base de plein air de Bellefeuille since its establishment in 1974. This youth camp, originally for children aged 7 to 12, has grown from a single cabin built by Father Arsenault himself into a successful year-round family village that welcomes children and their families from all over Quebec and beyond. A wearer of many hats, he remains the heart and soul of a camp resort that he helped build with his own hands.
George Gabriel Aucoin, Cheticamp, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A veteran of the Korean War and long-time member of the Canadian Forces, George Gabriel Aucoin, now retired, continues to dedicate himself to supporting his fellow war veterans. He has also helped to shape future leaders in his home province by offering guidance to many young Canadians from 1982 to 1996, engaging cadets in community service and introducing them to a life of active citizenship. Since 1995, he has been involved with the Royal Canadian Legion, developing programs to aid the less fortunate members of his community. In addition, he is a volunteer with the Cheticamp Hospital Foundation.
Enid E. Barrett, Bishop's Cove, Newfoundland and LabradorGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Enid Barrett is a woman of many gifts who shares her talents for the benefit of the community. A three-time cancer survivor, this dedicated grandmother brings comfort and hope to others afflicted by cancer. She fashions what she calls little Angels of Hope, which she presents to hospitalized patients during visits. In addition, she has sold thousands of cookbooks, raising almost $40,000 for cancer research. She has volunteered her services as a church organist for two different parishes and also makes crafts for children at Christmas and Easter.
Marcellin Bernatchez, Montmagny, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For 45 years, Marcellin Bernatchez has answered the call to help people in need. For over 27 years, he has worked with many youth organizations in his community, including the Scouts and Girl Guides. His contribution to the Air Cadet movement has made a difference for many young people in Montmagny and beyond. In particular, his fundraising activities have allowed cadets to participate in sports, field exercises and camps. He also served as a warden with the Saint-Thomas de Montmagny parish council and is well known for his commitment to his local church, community and the agricultural cooperative. His handyman skills combined with his generosity and enthusiasm continue to benefit his fellow citizens.
Melvina Briggs, Black Diamond, AlbertaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
With over 56 years of community service to her name, Melvina Briggs has generously given of her time to others. A life-long volunteer in her parish, this former school teacher has held various executive positions within the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies' Auxiliary. She has helped organize numerous benefits for parishioners, veterans and veterans' widows, ranging from bake sales to bingo games. Blessed with creativity, she has applied her needlework and crocheting skills to the crafting of gifts for Christmas bazaars and rummage sales. In addition, she has donated food baskets to the local food bank and has often given shelter to transient individuals in need of a place to stay.
Guy Côté, Beauport, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 40 years, Guy Côté has given much of his time and energy for the betterment of his community. In addition to planning, organizing and hosting activities for the families of Courville for 20 years, he has supported the local Society of Saint Vincent de Paul as well as the Centre social de la Croix-Blanche and the Kinsmen Club, assisting distressed families and seniors. He served as president of the Centre d'action bénévole Aide 23 and remains an active and dependable member, transporting seniors and ailing residents to their medical appointments, delivering meals and raising funds for the Centre.
Thaddeus Dreher, St. John's, Newfoundland and LabradorGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since coming to Canada in 1956, Thaddeus Dreher has worked tirelessly to promote multiculturalism in St. John's. He is a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural and Folk Arts Council, established in 1979, and has served as its president since 1987. Under his guidance, the Council has organized many educational and entertaining communal events, fostering diversity, social harmony and cross-cultural understanding. He has facilitated the settlement of many immigrant families and has raised funds to assist minority students. Through his exceptional leadership and commitment, he has enriched the lives of many Canadiansyoung and old.
Christine Easton, Kanata, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Known as the "Banana Bread Lady" in the community of Kanata, Christine Easton has worked with charities since she was a young girl, selling poppies in 1932 to raise money for veterans of the First World War. She still sells poppies today on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion and continues to give of her time and initiative to numerous humanitarian causes. Over the years, her famous banana breads have enabled her to raise $20,000 for the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club. A strong advocate of youth programs in Kanata, Ms. Easton has effectively solicited donations from local businesses and lobbied for support for the Glen Cairn Community Association and the Kanata Youth Club.
Arthur "Sonny" Foster, Amherst, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Arthur "Sonny" Foster has touched the lives of thousands of boys and girls through his work with the Amherst Little League Baseball Association. Since 1957, he has worked tirelessly as a coach, manager, umpire and executive member. He has played an integral role in turning the Association into one of the most successful youth sports organizations in the province, accessible to all at no cost. Off the baseball field, he has been a member of the Lions Club since 1961 and has devoted hundreds of hours each year raising awareness about substance abuse in schools. He has also dedicated himself to the service and care of the less fortunate, the elderly and, especially, children.
Susann Louise Franklin, Peterborough, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Susann Franklin is a prime example of the Scouting spirit in action and of how much good one person can accomplish despite arthritis and cancer. Under her effective leadership, and throughout her 33 years of commitment to the Peterborough Scouts District, she has helped launch numerous Scouting events and has relentlessly promoted Scouting activities. She has also volunteered for 10 years with the Arthritis Society as a trainer and instructor for the Arthritis Self-Management Program and has spent considerable time visiting Alzheimer patients and assisting them with meals and exercise. A one-woman support system for many, Ms. Franklin continues to devote herself to the well-being of her community and to people living with arthritis.
Elaine Garfinkel, Gloucester, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For almost 40 years, Elaine Garfinkel has used her wisdom and experience to improve the quality of life of those around her. The school breakfast program, which she launched in 1990 as a pilot project in one school, has since expanded to 91 schools in four districts, with over $2.5 million raised to feed as many as 5,700 children. She is also a founding member of the Teddy Bears' Picnic Committee of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. In addition, she has helped to raise money for the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation through her volunteer work on the Kanata Kountry music festival. A born leader and role model, Ms. Garfinkel has dedicated herself to initiatives benefiting children, their families and the Ottawa community as a whole.
Charles-Edouard Généreux, Saint-Pie-de-Guire, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A truly generous man, Charles-Edouard Généreux is always ready to serve and help others. A farmer by trade, with a passion for music, he has volunteered as church organist for the parish of Saint-Pie-de-Guire since 1944. Over the past 30 years, he has carried out numerous duties for the church, including maintenance, gardening and snow removal. He was president of the local club de l'âge d'or from 1985 to 1997, and he also chaired the board of directors of the regional caisse populaire for 15 years. Rather than enjoying a well-deserved rest in his retirement years, Mr. Généreux continues to give of his time for the benefit of his community.
Maria Giacomodonato, Town of Mount Royal, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Maria Giacomodonato has significantly influenced many inner-city students and helped to bring hope and encouragement to children with learning disabilities. She has initiated several tutoring and mentoring programs for youth. In collaboration with Table Jeunesse Côte-des-Neiges, she launched the Montreal Hooked on School project, which provides support to students at risk. In addition, Mrs. Giacomodonato has helped to organize many educational workshops for students at La Voie High School. She has also introduced a program to assist young people in finding jobs with over 150 potential employers in the Montreal area. Her efforts have contributed to reducing the dropout rate among her students and have inspired many of them to become involved in community service.
Sheilagh Guy Murphy, St. John's, NewfoundlandGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A writer, actor and activist, Sheilagh Guy Murphy is best known for her tireless support of community organizations. For over 28 years, she has hosted and planned numerous charity events, including the Arthritis Society's Blue Bird Brunch, the Autism Society of Newfoundland's Our Divas Do Broadway show and the Canadian Cancer Society's Festival of Trees. She has also supported and promoted the fundraising campaigns of the Canadian Transplant Association and the St. John's Fire Fighters Association. A generous and energetic woman, Mrs. Guy Murphy's many efforts demonstrate her boundless passion for social action as well as her eagerness to lend a helping hand.
Richard C. Haycroft, Westbank, British ColumbiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Richard Haycroft's benevolence extends to both young people and seniors in the Okanagan area. He has devoted many years towards the construction and operation of non-profit housing for senior citizens and helped establish two Abbeyfield Houses in Kelowna. He was also a Big Brother for 13 years. As resident manager of the Owaissi Anglican Camp, he taught sailing to youth and led canoe expeditions and overnight hiking trips in addition to his regular caretaking duties. A recent stroke survivor, he continues to work vigorously to improve the welfare of others.
Ross G. Hayter, Grand Bend, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Ross Hayter has demonstrated his commitment to community service and to fostering greater care for the environment. For over 16 years, through the many school outreach programs that he has launched, he has engaged youth in projects such as reforestation and the construction of safe habitats for birds and bats to curb the progression of the West Nile virus and to increase the population of wild birds. As founder and president of the Lake Smith Conservationists, he and a group of retirees have sponsored many environmental activities and community programs, including fundraisers, bursaries, and food hampers to support, among others, the Scouts and families in need of assistance. Mr. Hayter has also given of his time to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Sebringville, Ontario.
Jean-Pierre Lapointe, Montreal, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Jean-Pierre Lapointe is dedicated to helping people who have had ostomy surgery in Canada and in less developed countries. President of the Ileostomy and Colostomy Association of Montreal and other related organizations, he has spent 26 years improving the assistance and services provided to patients. He has organized and directed a number of national conventions and symposiums, educated future nurses and doctors about the needs of ostomy patients and shown patients how to live normally after the operation. A boundless humanitarian, he also collects specialized products and sends them to developing countries through the SHARE project.
Charles Leggatt, Toronto, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A dynamic person of diverse interests and undisputed resourcefulness, Charles Leggatt, a war veteran, has had a profound effect on maritime safety around the world. For several decades, he has shared his invaluable skills as a wireless radio operator before founding the Toronto Marine Amateur Radio Club in 1990, which trains and certifies operators in wireless communications. For the past 14 years, he has participated in the Safety at Sea program, helping sailors and boaters in distress, and has instructed hundreds of ham operators. An accomplished yachtsman, he has been involved with the Independence Afloat Sailing School for 14 years, helping to enhance the quality of life for many disabled children through therapeutic activities like sailing.
Jeannette Lejeune and Susan M. Thorburn, Washago and Orillia, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
If not for the combined efforts and tremendous dedication of Jeannette Lejeune and Susan Thorburn, the Ontario Provincial Police Youth Summer Camp would not be the success that it is today. Together, they steadfastly supported the camp in its infancy and helped turn it into an annual event, which has welcomed 462 children since 1998. As camp coordinators, they work year-round to prepare for the program, consisting of two one‑week camps during the summer. In addition to raising $42,000 annually through donations, Ms. Lejeune and Ms. Thorburn also supervise the regional coordination of campers and counsellors, process applications and match children with OPP officers. Their resourcefulness and exceptional management skills have enabled many children to enjoy a safe and enriching camp experience.
Richard Lemire, Île-Bizard, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis almost 20 years ago, Richard Lemire passionately and actively supports the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. An outstanding fundraiser, he organized the first Air Canada Classic in 1994, an annual golf tournament that benefits the society. Since then, he has raised almost $2 million to help fund research on multiple sclerosis and support services for affected people. He also participates in various fundraising activities such as the RONA MS Bike Tour and organizes read-a-thons in schools, making children aware of the challenges faced by people living with a degenerative disease. Mr. Lemire's extraordinary determination and perseverance is a real inspiration.
Gerald David McMillan, Orillia, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Gerald David McMillan's extraordinary commitment to service has no boundary. Over 25 years, he has logged many hours and travelled many milesout of his way and at his own expenseto reach people in need. He has brought comfort and courage to volunteer rescuers and emergency personnel as well as to victims of crime and disaster. Reverend McMillan worked many years as a volunteer chaplain for both the Ontario Provincial Police and the Georgian Critical Incident Stress Management Team. In the communities of North Simcoe, Central Huron and Niagara Region, he has helped survivors of sexual abuse as well as countless individuals facing challenging times.
Laura Middleton, Mount Uniacke, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A community-minded individual, a talented artisan and a gentle woman, Laura Middleton is actively involved with most local groups and ventures in Mount Uniacke. As secretary of the Uniacke Heritage Society for 10 years, she has participated in nearly all community events and projects. She was the class mother and librarian for the Uniacke District School, supported the Breakfast Program to feed students, and has travelled many kilometres to collect donations for the Nova Scotia Cancer Society. Since 1994, she has been active with the Uniacke Wishgivers, which helps disadvantaged families. As a 4-H leader for almost 20 years, she has been responsible for organizing countless charitable fundraisers, including Cuddle Quilts for hospitalized children.
Carol Ann Namur, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
To address the lack of emergency programs in Quebec municipalities, Carol Ann Namur founded, in 1975, the Sauvetage Canada Rescue volunteer group, whose goal is to save lives through education, prevention and rescue. She manages and oversees the training of 450 people who assist responsible authorities in emergency situations. Thanks to her determination and leadership, the groupwhich is self-financed by its volunteershas teams today in several provinces ready to act day and night to help find people who are lost or missing, to lend a hand during a disaster or to provide first aid services at community events.
Brittany Palmer, North Vancouver, British ColumbiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Brittany Palmer's volunteer work began in 1998 with Anton's Feed the Less Fortunate Program, serving about 500 hot meals to the homeless on Christmas Eve. She has since organized the annual event and recruited new volunteers. An honour student and dedicated Girl Guide, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to community service. She has participated in fundraising events such as the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay, helping her team raise almost $10,000 in pledges, and has assisted with charity drives for the West Vancouver Police Department. A model citizen, Ms. Palmer matches her outstanding social action with impressive academic achievements.
Douglas Philp, Calgary, AlbertaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1987, Doug Philp has volunteered with the Canadian Diabetes Association for almost 20 years. He has actively served at all levels of the organization, including as President of the National board, and has helped to restructure it into one of Canada's leading health charities. His efforts have advanced diabetes education, research, and advocacy across the country. For more than 10 years, he has also volunteered as a youth camp counsellor for teens with diabetes. Mr. Philp's commitment has contributed to the well-being of thousands of people affected by diabetes nationwide.
Jules Pinard, Trois-Rivières, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Through his civic and community involvement and through the foundation of COPERS, an economic development corporation, Jules Pinard has contributed to the expansion of the Bécancour-Nicolet-Yamaska region, to the success of several local organizations and to job creation. Moreover, as chair of several fundraising campaigns during the 1980s and 1990s, he raised millions of dollars for the Nicolet diocese pastoral services, the Albatros hospice, the United Way, and Camp Notre‑Dame‑de‑la‑Joie, then a camp for young people with mental disabilities. A dynamic member of the Canadian Legion, a loyal supporter of Héma-Québec, and a born leader, Mr. Pinard has dedicated himself to the development of his community and to the well-being of his fellow Canadians.
Lavina Jean Poole, Newton Robinson, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
No stranger to hardship and hard work, Lavina Jean Poole's genuine compassion for others evolved from a tragic farming accident involving her husband. Despite taking on greater family responsibilities, she has dedicated much of her life to community service, volunteering over 40 years for emergency services and for the Town of Alliston. She has often spent weekends assisting emergency personnel at local events and has worked as a dispatcher for the town police. Since 1996, she has logged many hours with the Children's Aid Society of the County of Simcoe, transporting children to medical appointments and family visits. More recently, Mrs. Poole has devoted considerable time to maintaining her local church and preparing fundraising dinners.
Kolby Pugh, Sarnia, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Kolby Pugh has demonstrated a sincere commitment to helping her fellow high-school students and citizens. Since 2004, this young lady has tutored children with learning disabilities through the Learning to Learn Differently Project. She has served on the Lambton County Student Wellness Committee, raising awareness about issues such as violence, racism and substance abuse among her peers. She has also assisted in the organization of a senior assistance project called the Christmas Hopes campaign. A natural leader possessing boundless energy and initiative, Ms. Pugh has actively recruited many young people as volunteers for the Lung Association and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Edith Rabillard, Latchford, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
In a community that is home to slightly more than 300 residents, Edith Rabillard's contributions are well known. She has been a valued treasurer and Sunday school teacher for her church and continues to volunteer as a lay preacher in four other parishes. She is also a founding member of the Latchford Public Library and has played an integral part in its progress since 1991. She has dedicated 10 years to literacy tutoring and is a loyal member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies' Auxiliary. Additionally, she serves as treasurer and secretary for the Latchford Senior Citizens Action Group and continues to devote herself to the growth and well-being of her community.
Sister Rolande Robidoux, Maniwaki, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Celebrated for her kindness, Sister Rolande Robidoux has been volunteering for half a century in the Outaouais region and, more recently, in and around Maniwaki. From 1976 to 2000, she managed a used clothing centre and food bank for the less fortunate members of her community. In addition, she has come to the aid of abused or distressed immigrants, facilitating their sponsorship and helping them settle in their new homeland. Sister Robidoux also prepared hundreds of Christmas hampers for underprivileged families and currently works at the Centre de dépannage Christ-Roi in Maniwaki, which provides food to people in need.
Bill Robinson, Kanata, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Bill Robinson has shown a deep commitment to youth through his leadership and work with Volunteer Ottawa. After joining the organization's board in 1997, he served in various positions and on numerous committees for youth outreach programs. Through the Rotary Bel Air project, he assisted in the renovation of a declining apartment complex, helping to turn it into a thriving and secure residence with a new playground, homework club and a classroom. For 10 years now, he has been involved with the Bell High School Interact Club, mentoring many high school students while teaching them valuable computer skills. A dedicated leader and devoted Rotarian, Mr. Robinson continues to engage youth in the community and to help them achieve their potential.
Norma Evelyn Selbie, Kelowna, British ColumbiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 10 years, Norma Selbie has provided invaluable service to students and health‑care professionals, and, more particularly, to those afflicted by Alzheimer's disease or related dementia and their families. Following her diagnosis in 1997, she has become a prolific and active contributor to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia as well as a motivational speaker and mentor to others suffering from the disease. She has helped to launch the first early stage support groups in Kelowna and Victoria and brought about the creation of many more groups across Canada. She has become a nationally recognized advocate, inspiring others to fight the onset of the disease. She continues to travel across the country and abroad to speak at medical conferences, sharing her challenges and triumphs.
Cecil R. Small, Amherst, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For more than 50 years, Cecil Small has participated in recreational sports and social action within the community of Amherst. A veteran of the Second World War, he broadened his calling to serve through his involvement in the Amherst Little League Baseball Association as coach, umpire and president. He used his many skills to renovate the field and to build a new canteen. In 1960, he joined the Lion Clubs, presiding over many interest groups such as the Sight and the Drug Awareness committees. In 1990, he launched the Lions Drug Awareness Poster Contest and has been organizing the annual competition ever since. Over the years, he has enabled the Lions Club to invest up to $120,000 a year into community programs and events.
Mary Hilda Stapleton, St. John's, NewfoundlandGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
An ordinary citizen who has accomplished extraordinary things, Hilda Stapleton has, for over 25 years, served as a volunteer with the parish of The Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. She has helped to launch the parish care centre, supplying food and clothing to distressed families in St. John's, and has prepared over 200 hampers a year for less fortunate members of the congregation. In 1992, she began to work as a purchaser for Emmaus House, the largest food bank in Newfoundland, and has also devoted considerable time to sorting and storing food donations, helping to feed over 12,000 people each year. As current president of the Blessed Virgin Mary Society, she continues to provide much-needed support to seniors in the community.
Janet Stevens, Waterloo, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Born and raised in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, Janet Stevens has actively supported her community for many years. In addition to helping children with special needs for the past 16 years at Sir Edgar Bauer Catholic School, she has assisted with gala events and fundraising activities. Mrs. Stevens is also a dedicated member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada and of the local Ostomy Club. For 40 years, she has, herself, overcome numerous health challenges and lent support to many of her peers, particularly those newly diagnosed with disorders of the digestive system. She also volunteers with the Out of the Cold program through her local church, preparing and serving meals for 80 to 100 people every Sunday evening during the winter months.
Dale F. Stewart, Winnipeg, ManitobaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 40 years, Dale F. Stewart has demonstrated exceptional leadership and shared invaluable expertise with people from all walks of life. His volunteer work extends from assisting in the relocation of his local church to helping organize and accommodate approximately 5,000 athletes from 42 nations for the 1999 Pan American Games. Beginning as a swim coach, Mr. Stewart has since generously given of his time and skills to a diverse number of causes, including the Thompson Diving Club, the Scouts, the Winnipeg Special Olympics, the United Way Campaign, and the 2002 North American Indigenous Games. He also remains an active member of the volunteer board of directors of the Manitoba Forestry Association and has served as a special advisor on the steering committee for the Canon International Envirothon.
Judith M. Upward and Michael R. Upward, Saint John, New BrunswickGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For 40 years, Judith and Michael Upward have welcomed more than 8,000 boys and girls from different backgrounds into their football programs, teaching them to become better citizens through sports. As coaches and community leaders in Saint John, they have supported their players, often providing financial aid and equipment, cleaning uniforms, bringing water and cookies to meets, as well as driving children home after games and practices. Their tireless work and dedication to the advancement of football for youth have greatly contributed to developing sportsmanship and have enhanced the quality of life of young people throughout New Brunswick.
René Villemure, Trois-Rivières, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
René Villemure's life was changed forever following a mountain-bike accident, which left him a quadriplegic at the age of 17. Through his optimism and determination, he has transformed his ordeal into a humanitarian challenge: helping others and becoming a role model for children. A dedicated athlete, he has organized rallies for Opération Enfant Soleil and travelled 120 kilometres by wheelchair between Repentigny and Trois-Rivières to raise funds on behalf of sick children. With Association Emmanuel, he has counselled adoptive parents of children with physical or mental disabilities. Now a doctoral student, he regularly visits local schools to encourage perseverance and to promote community service and athletics through charity bike races and walkathons.
Hélène Wallingford Panalaks, Gatineau, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A woman of courage and kindness, Hélène Wallingford Panalaks has devoted herself to aiding people in distress. In addition to organizing fundraising events for battered women and young single mothers facing hard times, she has helped new immigrants and refugees settle in Canada and has launched several community healthcare projects. In 1983, this former nurse founded the Association des femmes bahá'íes de Gatineau to support women's social equality and empowerment. She has spent over 30 years promoting Thai culture in Canada and has volunteered abroad with her husband to work with impoverished communities in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Through her community endeavours at home and abroad, Mrs. Wallingford Panalaks continues to translate into action her personal motto: "La terre n'est qu'un seul pays".
Kathryn Windle, Renfrew, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A multi-talented individual, Kathryn Windle demonstrates a sense of responsibility and duty to helping others in her community and abroad. She is a dedicated canvasser for a diverse number of organizations, including the Renfrew Lions Club, the Cancer Foundation, the Kidney Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A gifted singer, she has performed in seniors' residences for over 30 years and at Friends of the Disabled telethons. She has also recorded CDs to raise money and to increase awareness of child poverty in the Renfrew area and the impact of HIV/AIDS on African children.
