October 22, 2007
OTTAWAHer Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced today the names of 45 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 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.
The names and citations of the recipients follow.
Additional information about this award can be found at www.gg.ca/honours/awards/cca/index_e.asp.
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Media informationMarie-Paule ThornRideau Hall Press Office613-993-2569www.gg.cawww.citizenvoices.gg.ca
GOVERNOR GENERAL'S CARING CANADIAN AWARDS
Norman Aird
Verdun, Que.
Marion Ash
Logy Bay, N.L.
Eleanor Beattie
Montreal, Que.
Thérèse Bélanger Gauthier
Montreal, Que.
Marilyn Benoit
Ottawa, Ont.
Ethel Bisgrove (posthumous)
Saint-Lambert, Que.
Suzanne Bolton
Vancouver, B.C.
Edna Bourque
Moncton, N.B.
Dianne Breton
Ottawa, Ont.
Joan Brownrigg Barrow
Manotick, Ont.
John T. Clark
St. Andrews, N.B.
Marty Dales
Smiths Falls, Ont.
Lawrence Donegan
Nepean, Ont.
Bette Donovan
Ear Falls, Ont.
Shauna Marie Doolan
Sydney, N.S.
Maureen Elizabeth Dunne
St. John's, N.L.
Ida Gallant
Wellington, P.E.I.
St. Lawrence Holden
Medicine Hat, Alta.
H. Warren B. Hyland
Massey, Ont.
Tom Jeary
Waterloo, Ont.
Grace Yeun Shan Joe
Burnaby, B.C.
Eve Elizabeth Keates
Alix, Alta.
Reina Labelle Legros
La Pêche, Que.
Alice Langill
Ste-Anne-des-Chênes, Man.
Céline Lemay Massicotte
Cap-Santé, Que.
William Gerald MacLean
Summerside, P.E.I.
Carolyn Margaret Mac Neill
Navan, Ont.
Thomas William Manley
Toronto, Ont.
Raoul Manzerolle
Shippagan, N.B.
Louise Ann McLellan
Cornwall, Ont.
Peter John Melkert
Halifax, N.S.
Ellen J. Morrell
Calgary, Alta.
Sarah Morris
Montreal, Que.
Bo Palmer
North Vancouver, B.C.
Jacqueline Pepin
La Sarre, Que.
Pierrette Polnicky
Hearst, Ont.
William E. Roche
Branch, N.L.
Dory Rossiter
Lethbridge, Alta.
Leslie Shaw
Halifax, N.S.
Ronald John Skreptak
Corunna, Ont.
Denis St. Denis
Orleans, Ont.
Donald A. Stinson
Kemptville, Ont.
Jeanne Tremblay-Thibeault
Baie-Saint-Paul, Que.
Jacqueline Verrette
Montreal, Que.
John L. Wright
North York, Ont.
CITATIONS
Norman Aird, Verdun, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
During the past 20 years, Norman Aird has served on the board of directors of the Quebec Special Olympics. He has been actively involved in coaching mentally disabled athletes and in planning numerous fundraisers, including benefit dinners and the annual golf tournament. He also worked extensively on the fundraising campaign for the Salvation Army and has been a regular volunteer at the LaSalle General Hospital for many years. Dedicated to community service, he continues to assist long-term patients and to bring support and comfort to those in need.
Marion Ash, Logy Bay, Newfoundland and LabradorGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Marion Ash is a war bride who has spent over 60 years assisting both Canadian and British women during difficult times. In 1946, she co-founded the British War Brides Association, which provided leadership and guidance, as well as a connection to the homeland of hundreds of young women settling with their husbands in Newfoundland. She has devoted over 60 years to the St. Andrews Society, a benevolent organization celebrating Scottish heritage. As its president, she established the St. Andrews Ladies Auxiliary, which has benefited many underprivileged families in St. John's through its many charitable works.
Eleanor Beattie, Montreal, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since 1991, Eleanor Beattie has worked tirelessly on behalf of people afflicted by mental illness. She is the co-founder and first president of L'Abri en Ville and continues to serve as a regular volunteer for this organization, which provides permanent housing and social support to adults suffering from mental disabilities. She has helped create similar programs in other Montreal communities and has also assisted in the publication of a bilingual guide to establishing similar residences across Canada. Since 2000, she has been a board member of AMI-Québec (Action on Mental Illness), helping families to manage the effects of mental illness through education and advocacy.
Thérèse Bélanger Gauthier, Montreal, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Thérèse Bélanger Gauthier has dedicated 26 compassionate years to patients in the palliative care unit at Montreal's Notre-Dame hospital. Through the years, she has helped, comforted and supported terminally ill patients and their families with her soothing presence and with infinite respect. Many families have benefited from Ms. Gauthier's devotion, and she has been a source of inspiration and a model of excellence for every volunteer in the hospital.
Marilyn Benoit, Ottawa, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For almost 25 years, Marilyn Benoit has helped women at risk and the elderly through her volunteer work with the Amethyst Women's Addiction Centre of Ottawa, and as director of the South East Ottawa Centre for a Healthy Community. However, her true passion lies in animal therapy, which involves regular visits with her dog to acute- and chronic- care hospitals in order to assist patients with pain management, injuries, anxiety or depression. She created Ottawa Therapy Dogs in 1999. Since then, she and her team of dog handlers have promoted healing and brought comfort to hundreds of people, simply by offering the companionship of a furry friend.
Ethel Bisgrove, Saint-Lambert, Quebec (posthumous)Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A pillar of the community of Saint-Lambert, Ethel Bisgrove made significant contributions to the well-being of her fellow citizens and parishioners. Actively involved with her church as an elder, she was instrumental in organizing and directing the Ecumenical Community Services. For 25 years, she directed this interfaith group, which assists distressed individuals and families in Longueuil. Recognizing a need to address seniors' concerns, Mrs. Bisgrove also co-founded the Saint-Lambert Council for Seniors and the Maison Desaulnier, where she volunteered as managing director for 33 years, making a difference in the lives of many.
Suzanne Bolton, Vancouver, British ColumbiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since she was a teenager working at a Kiwanis Camp for inner city children, Suzanne Bolton has endeavoured to assist people in crisis. For 30 years, she has been a board member and active volunteer for the YWCA of Vancouver. She has also devoted 15 years to helping women who are at risk or in conflict with the law through her involvement with the Elizabeth Fry Society, where she has served as a board member and mentor. In 2001, she helped to open the Maida Duncan Women's & Family Resource and Drop-In Centre, and has provided support to children and families suffering from loss and trauma through the PACE Child and Family Society. Her more recent work with Covenant House has brought hope and inspiration to youth seeking to overcome abuse, addiction and poverty.
Edna Bourque, Moncton, New BrunswickGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Blessed with a wonderful sense of humour and a vibrant spirit, Edna Bourque has been a true leader and experienced spokesperson for Francophone seniors throughout the world. In her youth, she was already involved in the preservation and promotion of French and Acadian culture, and sought to improve the quality of life of her fellow citizens. Over time, she recognized the lack of resources available to seniors and was involved in the founding of the Université du 3e âge du Sud-Est, where she directed a number of programs. Ms. Bourque was president of the Association internationale francophone des aînés and of the seniors' club at her parish. Ms. Bourque has listened to and served seniors in Canada and Francophones around the world, bringing greater happiness to everyone.
Dianne Breton, Ottawa, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For almost 25 years, Dianne Breton has contributed her skills and knowledge to promote the advancement of causes related to seniors and persons with disabilities. She designed and implemented special computer programs for deaf and physically disabled students at the Mackay Centre in Montreal. Since 1992, she has helped to develop numerous outreach programs for seniors in Ottawa through her affiliation with both the Abbotsford Senior Centre Committee and the Glebe Centre. She also joined the Causeway Work Centre, an agency assisting persons with chronic mental illness, where she became the head of the fundraising committee and provided leadership in a number of roles on the board or directors. An upstanding volunteer, she is currently president of the Causeway Foundation and a board member of the Council on Aging of Ottawa.
Joan Brownrigg Barrow, Manotick, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
An active volunteer for over 50 years, Joan Brownrigg Barrow has served on behalf of three parishes in the township of Osgoode, and has engaged in a wide variety of activities and causes. She has been a member of the Manotick Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, performing in numerous roles, including youth education officer. As a former heart patient, she has counselled other heart patients and has raised money for the Ottawa Heart Institute and the Canadian Cancer Society. She has also donated the proceeds from one of her children's books to a number of local children's charities, including the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club and school breakfast programs.
John T. Clark, St. Andrews, New BrunswickGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Through his active involvement, John Clark has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to his fellow Canadians. During his long association with the YMCA, he worked on many fundraising efforts, such as the "Thanks a Million" campaign, which contributed towards the renovation of the local facilities. He has also dedicated considerable time to the Fredericton Community Foundation, which funds various charitable activities and community projects. His deep commitment as a volunteer and fundraiser in numerous endeavours has facilitated the purchase of much-needed medical equipment for the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, and improved health care accessibility for the people of New Brunswick.
Marty Dales, Smiths Falls, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A keen volunteer and a mother of eight, Marty Dales has been an active citizen of the town of Smiths Falls. She has been a member of the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary since 1973, where she held several key positions on its executive board. In addition, she has served on a variety of town committees celebrating the heritage of the community, and has also devoted 22 years to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 95, as a volunteer driver, cook and dedicated fundraiser. Always putting others' needs before her own, she has provided invaluable assistance to many of her fellow townspeople during difficult times.
Lawrence Donegan, Nepean, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A man of action motivated by his faith and his compassion for others, Lawrence Donegan has initiated and directed many community programs that focus on improving health and living conditions in low-income communities. In 1992, he helped to launch the Morrison Garden Emergency Food Centre, and has also contributed to the opening of additional food banks in Ottawa. He is a long-time member of the Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy (OWECC), a street ministry that offers support to distressed families. His affiliation with the OWECC has led to the creation of various services benefiting families in need, including the Ottawa Good Food Box and the "Sharing our Christmas" project.
Bette Donovan, Ear Falls, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 25 years, Bette Donovan has proudly supported the small community of Ear Falls through her involvement in numerous town committees and as a long-standing member of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. She has devoted 18 years to the organization of Canada Day celebrations and has also volunteered her time in support of the Firefighters' Ball. Moreover, she has helped to coordinate the annual Terry Fox Run since its inception in 1981, raising large amounts of money for cancer research with the support of her fellow citizens. Her strength of conviction and her compassion make her an invaluable member of her community.
Shauna Marie Doolan, Sydney, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Shauna Doolan has devoted more than 40 years of community service to the Cape Breton region. Gifted with musical talent, and a piano teacher by trade, she has provided 20 years of musical programming and accompaniment at convocations for Holy Angels High School and at St. Patrick's Day celebrations. She is the choir director of several community groups, ranging from the Knights of Columbus to the Sacred Heart Church Choir. The charity concerts performed by these groups benefit the Canadian Cancer Society, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, among others. She has also organized the annual Rotary Club Christmas fundraiser for the past 12 years, in support of many essential community projects.
Maureen Elizabeth Dunne, St. John's, Newfoundland and LabradorGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Maureen Dunne's career in teaching and school administration is matched by 15 years of community service driven by a desire to advance children's causes. She has endeavoured to address the needs of disadvantaged children in St. John's through the Children in Poverty Initiative, and has also aided in providing education to children with the creation of the Alliance for Choice in Education. In 1999, she assisted in the reopening of St. Bonaventure's College and continues to provide her help to the school. Dr. Dunne has also devoted considerable time to helping those affected by tragedy and loss.
Ida Gallant, Wellington, Prince Edward IslandGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Ida Gallant has always found the time to devote herself to community service, even with a full schedule and seven children under her care. For over 40 years, she has organized and directed recreational activities for youth and seniors. To meet the needs of Wellington's Francophone residents, she fought for access to French-language medical services. During the 1990s, she helped found the Evangeline Community Health Centre and Le Chez-nous Ltée, a long-term care facility. In addition, she helped raise the necessary funds for building the Coopérative d'hébergement Le Bel Âge, a rental housing project. This proud Acadian's hard work has greatly contributed to the success of major projects and to her community's development.
St. Lawrence Holden, Medicine Hat, AlbertaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 50 years, St. Lawrence Holden's volunteer contributions have fostered good health and sportsmanship among the citizens of Medicine Hat. Beginning in the 1950s, he launched the first little league baseball and youth hockey programs in southeastern Alberta. A strong advocate for seniors, he has participated in many senior assistance programs such as Meals on Wheels, and has also founded many recreational clubs for the elderly through his extensive work as chairman of the Medicine Hat Senior Games Society. An amply generous and caring individual, he remains a devoted member of the local Kiwanis Club, where he spearheaded the annual Christmas dinner as well as a reading project for young children.
H. Warren B. Hyland, Massey, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Going above and beyond his regular duties as a clergyman, Warren Hyland has devoted 20 years to helping veterans and youth. As a member of the War Pensioners of Canada, he has regularly ministered to sick and elderly patients, and has travelled many miles outside his community to visit veterans in Toronto and Sudbury. A long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he has officiated at many dedication services and funerals for veterans. He has also established a pastoral care community in his parish as a means of responding to the needs of his community and served as chair of the Massey Inter-Church Council, inspiring many young people of different faiths to take up social action.
Tom Jeary, Waterloo, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 30 years, Tom Jeary has endeavoured to improve the quality of life of others. In his basement workshop, he has designed and created hundreds of custom-built gadgets and equipment that help adults and children with disabilities to achieve greater independence. Since the early 1970s, he has created adaptive inventions for numerous organizations such as KidsAbility, the Track III Ski Program and the Independent Living Centre. Through his Web site, Workshop Solutions, he has provided free online plans and a forum where inventors from around the world can share knowledge about building adaptive devices for persons with physical disabilities. A devoted Rotarian, he lives by his personal motto: "Nothing is impossible."
Grace Yeun Shan Joe, Burnaby, British ColumbiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
An exceptionally dedicated volunteer and a former nurse, Grace Yeun Shan Joe has spent over 45 years assisting the more vulnerable members of her community. A strong advocate for seniors, she has served as a member of the Burnaby Citizens Support Services and has also voluntarily provided 15 years of medical assistance to the elderly clients of the Bonsor Seniors Society's Health Alert Program. She has aided many seniors with their personal shopping and tax returns, and has helped to raise awareness about consumer fraud targeting the elderly. She has also provided additional support to the Burnaby RCMP Victim Services Program, bringing comfort and hope to victims of crime and abuse.
Eve Elizabeth Keates, Alix, AlbertaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Eve Keates has actively supported many community events and organizations in the small community of Alix, including the Alix Museum Society and the Agricultural Society. For over 20 years, she has served as secretary of her church, organizing numerous charitable events each year in support of her parish. In addition, she helped to establish the Alix Food Bank in 2002, and is always present to provide provisions or quiet help to people in need. A passionate volunteer, she continues to dedicate many hours towards the vitality and enrichment of her community.
Reina Labelle Legros, La Pêche, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Mother of 10 children, Reina Labelle Legros is a caring neighbour, always ready to lend a hand to the residents of La Pêche and of Masham. For over 60 years, she has visited the sick, and has prepared meals for funerals and Christmas baskets for families in need. She also organizes dinners and gatherings for rural women, and leads pastoral care in her parish. Because her community's well-being is so dear to her heart, Ms. Labelle Legros sits on a number of boards of directors, including that of the Maison des cultures des Collines. She also assists people in wheelchairs at the Masham care facility get to their activities and volunteers at the city library.
Alice Langill, Ste-Anne-des-Chênes, ManitobaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Alice Langill has made her parish her family. She has been an organist in the Ste-Anne-des-Chênes church for over 60 years and accompanies the choir at every mass. Through her musical talent, she brings comfort to those in pain, and joy to those celebrating a baptism, a wedding or an anniversary. With boundless energy and to the delight of all, she joyously enlivens graduation ceremonies, Club Jovial meetings, parish dinners and community celebrations.
Céline Lemay Massicotte, Cap-Santé, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 40 years, Céline Lemay Massicotte has assumed all responsibility in organizing blood donor clinics for Héma-Québec. She is quite engaging and possesses a remarkable ability to rally people together, which may explain why she has always been able to recruit the necessary volunteers and encourage people to donate blood. Ms. Lemay Massicotte's generositywhich also extends to visiting the sick and taking part in activities in her parishled her to found the Cap-Santé Guides and Jeannettes troop. She also works with the Daughters of Isabella, the Cercle de Fermières and the Canadian Cancer Society, and is always concerned with the happiness and wellness of others.
William Gerald MacLean, Summerside, Prince Edward IslandGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since the tragic death of his son in 1995, William MacLean has worked for the benefit of his fellow Islanders. He helped to implement an air ambulance service and to acquire a helicopter pad at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, enabling timely medical evacuation and care. He later became the driving force behind the establishment of a trauma centre in the Maritimes. Mr. MacLean also played an integral part in the creation of a memorial park, the International Children's Memorial Place, which opened in 2001. He continues to participate fully in all aspects of the park project, which now includes a counselling, grieving and healing resource centre.
Carolyn Margaret Mac Neill, Navan, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since her arrival in Canada in 1957, Margaret Mac Neill has generously dedicated her time and talents to the rural village of Navan, Ontario. She has been involved with the Navan Fair for over 20 years and has served with the local Lions Club since 1995, eventually becoming its first female president in 2000. Ms. Mac Neill played a key role in the creation of the Navan Community Association where she continues to organize and participate in annual events. She has helped to raise funds for the restoration of St. Mary Anglican Church, and as an avid gardener, she dutifully cares for the community gardens that greet visitors to Navan each summer.
Thomas William Manley, Toronto, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For almost 25 years, Thomas Manley has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication through his work with children and with the Toronto Police Service. He has also served as a Big Brother in Scarborough and did extensive committee work in support of this organization. In 1992, he joined the Toronto Auxiliary Police as a volunteer police constable and has assisted with many community events, including parades and street festivals. With his team, he has undertaken many essential tasks, including evidence collection and searches for missing persons. For three years, Mr. Manley also chaired the Toy Drive, which has helped to raise thousands of dollars in food vouchers and toys for women and children at risk.
Raoul Manzerolle, Shippagan, New BrunswickGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Ever since his youth, Raoul Manzerolle has exhibited an enterprising spirit. Increasingly asserting his leadership abilities and his dedication, he has promoted and directed activities connected with the fishing and aquaculture festival in New Brunswick and the Winter Carnival since 1962. As a member of the Club Richelieu, the Knights of Columbus and the Lions' Club, he participates in projects and programs that help youth and disadvantaged people in the region. He is also president of 27 seniors' clubs on the peninsula and organizes activities for seniors in the community. In a thousand different ways, Mr. Manzerolle has contributed to development of the city of Shippagan and has made life more pleasant for his fellow citizens.
Louise Ann McLellan, Cornwall, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Louise Ann McLellan has provided 26 years of invaluable support and expertise to a number of community associations. She has devoted over 20 years to the organization and operation of the annual United Counties Science Fair, which attracts participants from schools throughout the Cornwall region. She was also an active parent volunteer for several public schools, and helped to facilitate student forums on issues ranging from racism to HIV/AIDS prevention. Further to her work on behalf of students, she has volunteered for over 15 years with the local branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, assisting with fundraising efforts and providing administrative support.
Peter John Melkert, Halifax, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Grateful to the country that liberated his native Holland, Peter Melkert has dedicated over 30 years to supporting his fellow Haligonians through his many volunteer efforts. After serving as an auxiliary constable with the RCMP for almost 20 years, he is now a member of the RCMP Veterans' Association. He devotes considerable time to visiting RCMP retirees at Camp Hill Veterans' Hospital and gives pastoral care to elderly hospital residents in Halifax. In addition to visiting ailing members of his parish, he is an active member of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, often speaking to students about veterans' causes and of Canada's role in past conflicts.
Ellen J. Morrell, Calgary, AlbertaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Beginning in 1996, Ellen Morrell set out to improve the quality of life for many veterans and seniors in Calgary. She served on the Veterans Health Task Force and dedicated considerable time and energy towards the construction of a new care facility for veterans. Her efforts also helped to raise over two million dollars in just three years. Following the 2003 opening of the Carewest Colonel Belcher facility, Mrs. Morrell facilitated the settling of 170 residents into their new home, and served as a director of the Friends of Colonel Belcher, attentively addressing the needs and concerns of the residents. She continues to be a full-time volunteer and can be seen throughout the centre, brightening the days of the residents.
Sarah Morris, Montreal, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Every day, Sarah Morris volunteers at a different location, offering her support to the most vulnerable members of her community. Since 1987, she has tended to children with special needs at the Montreal Children's Hospital, given much-needed assistance to seniors at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, and visited patients at Mount Sinai Hospital. For over 16 years, she has offered guidance and comfort to cancer patients and their families through her participation in the Hope and Cope program. A remarkable woman, Mrs. Morris has also dedicated 15 years of service to the Montreal Association for the Blind as a Braille proofreader and transcriptionist.
Bo Palmer, North Vancouver, British ColumbiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A remarkable example of youth engaged in social action, Bo Palmer has shown leadership and initiative through his many volunteer efforts, including his lengthy involvement with the annual Anton's Feed the Less Fortunate program in Burnaby. He has also participated in numerous charity events benefiting Covenant House, the Special Olympics and the B.C. Children's Hospital, among others. A dedicated athlete, he has organized numerous bottle drives in order to raise money for his high school football program. Recently, he founded Supporting Students in Sports, which supplies donated equipment to underprivileged children, enabling them to compete in sports.
Jacqueline Pepin, La Sarre, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Struck by polio at the age of 22, Jacqueline Pepin has devoted many years to improving the quality of life for and social integration of people with disabilities. In 1978, she helped found the Club de l'amitié des handicapés, and fought to obtain the necessary funds and facilities. Nowadays, members benefit from meals served at the club, have access to services such as adapted transportation and can join in recreational activities. Always ready to advance the cause of persons with a disability, Ms. Pepin continues to advocate passionately to make public places accessible to everyone.
Pierrette Polnicky, Hearst, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
In her determination to enable people with a disability to develop and live life to the fullest, Pierrette Polnicky has devoted 25 years of volunteer work to the Association de Hearst et de la Région pour l'intégration communautaire. She has organized various workshops, recreational and sports activities, and has set up adapted services In addition, she was instrumental in the opening of three residences for those with intellectual disabilities. Thanks to her vision and tenacity, Ms. Polnicky has eliminated barriers faced by people with disabilities in the Hearst region and has offered them a better quality of life.
William E. Roche, Branch, Newfoundland and LabradorGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 30 years, William Roche has contributed to the growth of the remote community of Branch. He oversaw the planning and construction of the first library in the Placentia Bay area, which opened in 1971, and also assisted in procuring playground facilities and a recreational centre for youth. To honour the many young men from the region who fought in past wars, he initiated a plan and formed a fundraising committee to erect a war memorial, which was inaugurated in 1980. Answering a call to duty, he volunteered as an auxiliary constable with the RCMP and also assisted in the formation of the first volunteer fire brigade in Branch, eventually serving as its chief for 15 years.
Dory Rossiter, Lethbridge, AlbertaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A weather anchor for CTV Lethbridge, Dory Rossiter has balanced her busy career with over 30 years of community service, giving much of her time and energy to a number of benevolent causes. She has hosted numerous fundraising galas and has acted as master of ceremonies for many charity events, including the Harvest Moon for senior health research, and the Iris Gala for schizophrenia research. For 16 years, she has worked steadily to promote the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She is also actively involved with Volunteer Lethbridge, often visiting with seniors and cancer patients, as well as speaking with students about the harmful effects of bullying.
Leslie Shaw, Halifax, Nova ScotiaGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Dedicated to the well-being of women and youth, Leslie Shaw has volunteered for over 35 years in the Halifax region and continues to make a difference in the lives of others. She was one of the founding members of the Halifax Sexual Health Centre (HSHC) in 1971, and regularly volunteers at the health clinic, providing administrative support to the staff and assisting clients who are often facing stress and hardship. An exceptional fundraiser, she hosts an annual charity event for the HSHC in her home each spring. In addition, she has been active with the local YWCA, supporting many programs for women's health and education. She has helped new arrivals to Canada to perfect their English and has welcomed numerous international exchange students into her home.
Ronald John Skreptak, Corunna, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since 1995, Ronald John Skreptak has devoted considerable time to a variety of social aid projects. He spearheaded the launch of numerous safety programs, including the local Neighbourhood Watch, and has helped to establish essential services for victims of crime and addiction. He has been a valued member of the Optimist Club of Moore, Ontario, and has served as chairman of Operation Christmas Tree, an annual community charity drive that provides food and toys to families afflicted by poverty and personal crisis. Mr. Skreptak is highly involved in all aspects of the operation, effectively organizing the work of volunteers and partners, as well as the collection and delivery of donations, to bring Christmas cheer to hundreds of people in need.
Denis St. Denis, Orleans, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A firefighter by profession, Denis St. Denis continually goes beyond his regular duties in order to help others in need. For several years, he has led major fundraising campaigns on behalf of the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, which provides services to seniors and counselling to victims of violence. Since 1989, he has actively supported the Snowsuit Fund, chairing and promoting the organization, while also raising money and distributing suits. He is a key organizer behind numerous charity events, including the Santa's Parade of Lights, a toy drive for underprivileged children, held annually by the Firefighter's Association. His tireless efforts have contributed to the success of numerous organizations in Ottawa and to the happiness of many of his fellow citizens.
Donald A. Stinson, Kemptville, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A paraplegic athlete, Donald Stinson has led a life of exceptional service and dedication. In the last 15 years, he has energetically participated in snowmobile runs and wheelchair relay races to raise money for the Canadian Paraplegic Association. He was a founding member of the Capital Wheelchair Curling Club and is a member of the Nepean Sailing Club and the National Capital Able Sail Association, supporting programs and fundraising initiatives for sailors with disabilities. In addition to this, he also provides peer support to persons with disabilities undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the Ottawa Hospital.
Jeanne Tremblay-Thibeault, Baie-Saint-Paul, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
The entire Baie-Saint-Paul community has so benefited from Jeanne Tremblay-Thibeault's leadership abilities and inexhaustible devotion that she has been lovingly nicknamed "Auntie Jeanne". Even back in the 1960s, she helped organize the community's folk festival and today chairs the Théâtre en Fête cultural festival. She was a founding member of the Groupe d'Action des 50 ans et plus de Charlevoix and one of the co-founders of the local Daughters of Isabella circle, with whom she has shared her recipes and her advice. With consistent commitment and dedication, she has broken down the solitude of the elderly and recluse, has discreetly helped the less fortunate, has comforted the sick and has acted as a source of inspiration for people of all ages in Baie-Saint-Paul.
Jacqueline Verrette, Montreal, QuebecGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
With unparalleled dedication, Jacqueline Verrette has helped inmates reintegrate into society for the past 26 years. She helps young offenders rebuild their lives and contribute to the community, and serves as an example to them. A volunteer at the Maison du Père and the Accueil Bonneau, institutions that provide services to people who are homeless or who have addictions, she has organized a number of volunteer escort committees, and over the years has created partnerships between the Correctional Service of Canada and a number of humanitarian organizations. Ms. Verrette has escorted and guided inmates who, in turn, help hospital patients, as well as HIV/AIDS patients of all ages at the terminal stage of their illness.
John L. Wright, North York, OntarioGovernor General's Caring Canadian Award
A retired police officer and a veteran of the Second World War, John Wright has volunteered with many charitable organizations in the Toronto area, such as the United Way. He has also held numerous positions with the Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association, where he has acted on behalf of members who are ill or in need of assistance. In addition, Mr. Wright is an active member of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he is highly regarded for his exemplary work with seniors, with whom he visits regularly and escorts to medical appointments.
