April 17, 2008
OTTAWA-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced today the names of 49 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 occasion, by the Governor General when she travels in communities across Canada, or at Rideau Hall during National Volunteer Week.
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 information
Marie-Paule Thorn
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-2569
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
GOVERNOR GENERAL'S CARING CANADIAN AWARDS
Zeba Ahmad
Claudette Blais
Andrew Paul Block
René Boucher
Lucienne Boucher Buchanan
Clarence Brazier
Balliram Chadee
Julien Chouinard
Rosa Christensen
Michel Cloutier
Margaret E. Cooper
Elisabeth Couture
Pat Davidson
Almas Dhrolia-Jiwani
Bill Docking
Mae Forbes
Lucy French
Paul Greer
Lorne James Gushue
Paul R. Hanson
Allan Hubley
Cheryl Hughes
Father Howard J. Keon
Evelyn Louise King
Bahi Krishnakhanthan
Mary Lapointe Donatelli
John F. Le Guerrier
J. Adrien Maltais
Winnifred Grace McAra
Jack Clifford McFarland
Sister Maura Mary Bridget McGrath
Marilyn Mecke
Jennifer Lyn Moorlag
Jean-Guy Nadeau
Mary Peterson
Joseph Quinn
Ann Gwyn Roberts
Eva Elizabeth Rodgerson
Joan Winnifred Rogers
Margaret A. Rowe
Donald Douglas Shultz
L. Elaine Simpson
Mary Sinclair
Rebecca St. Cyr
Lynne Irene Stacey
Evelyn B. Walsh
John H. Walsh
Josephine Wright
Katie Zeppieri
Saskatoon, Sask.
Laval, Que.
Delta, B.C.
Laval, Que.
Laval, Que.
Sprucedale, Ont.
Ajax, Ont.
Laval, Que.
Pierrefonds, Que.
Laval, Que.
Toronto, Ont.
Lévis, Que.
Toronto, Ont.
Mississauga, Ont.
Teulon, Man.
Bridgewater, N.E.
Lachine, Que.
Ottawa, Ont.
Yellowknife, N.W.T.
Northampton, N.B.
Kanata, Ont.
Surrey, B.C.
Toronto, Ont.
Brossard, Que.
Ajax, Ont.
Laval, Que.
Laval, Que.
Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, Que.
Edmonton, Alta.
Hamilton, Ont.
Halifax, N.S.
Brantford, Ont.
Whitehorse, Y.T.
Montréal, Que.
Grande Prairie, Alta.
Verdun, Que.
North Vancouver, B.C.
O'Leary , P.E.I.
Toronto, Ont.
Conception Bay South, N.L.
Ottawa, Ont.
Toronto, Ont.
Ottawa, Ont.
Navan, Ont.
Orleans, Ont.
Bridgewater, N.S.
Bridgewater, N.S.
Toronto, Ont.
Whitby, Ont.
CITATIONS
Zeba Ahmad, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For more than 10 years, Zeba Ahmad has provided exceptional service to a variety of Saskatoon charities, particularly those with a focus on youth and health. Through her tireless efforts as a natural-born fundraiser, Ms. Ahmad has helped the Royal University Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital. With the creation of several successful and popular charitable events, she has helped to raise millions of dollars towards the purchase of new hospital equipment and the advancement of medical research. In addition to her extensive committee work, she has managed local soccer teams and participated in children's festivals.
Claudette Blais, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Claudette Blais' inspiring influence has made a difference in the lives of youth. For 35 years, she has volunteered for the Club de patinage artistique de Laval, sitting as a board member and eventually serving as the club's first female president. In 1979, she co-founded the Pirouettes de Laval with René Boucher in an effort to introduce synchronized skating to young people. Thanks to her leadership and diligent efforts, many young people in Laval, some at risk, have taken up skating and won numerous championship titles at the provincial and national levels.
Andrew Paul Block, Delta, British Columbia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A man known for his compassion and generosity, Andrew Block has worked diligently for over 30 years to assist people in need, and to promote harmony and inter-cultural understanding in his community. As a young man, he volunteered many nights with the Salvation Army, helping to improve the lives of men struggling with addiction. He has assisted in creating numerous employment services within multicultural communities, and has also supported many programs for young children, including recreational activities and intervention services for youth at risk. A devoted Rotarian and long time member of the local Boys and Girls Club, his extraordinary work has made a difference in the lives of many young people.
René Boucher, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Demonstrating true leadership, René Boucher has worked tirelessly for over 35 years as a volunteer for the Club de patinage artistique de Laval. He has served in many key roles within the organization, in addition to sitting on various committees and managing the club's finances. For 30 years, he has coordinated the Revue sur glace ice show and also co-founded the Pirouettes de Laval in 1979, a club for young synchronized skaters. During the last 15 years, he presided over the Laval International skating competition and has helped to raise money for Leucan, a charitable organization assisting children with cancer. His extraordinary efforts also include serving on the finance committee for Maison des soins palliatifs de Laval, a palliative care residence in Laval.
Lucienne Boucher Buchanan, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For 34 years, Lucienne Boucher Buchanan has generously shared her talents and skills as a seamstress and costumer in support of the Club de patinage artistique de Laval. She has crafted thousands of skating outfits by hand for young skaters, designing outfits for competitions and skating shows. She has also devoted considerable time each week to committee work, particularly in relation to synchronized skating. Outside the arena, she has sat on the fundraising committee for Maison des soins palliatifs de Laval, a care residence for terminally ill patients, and has given much of her time to Leucan, an organization that provides financial and emotional support to children with cancer and to their families.
Clarence Brazier, Sprucedale, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
An inspirational role model for many young people, Clarence Brazier was illiterate for most of his life, but overcame his impediment at the age of 93, after his wife, who read everything to him, passed away. His story, an example of dedication and determination, caught the attention of hundreds of school children, inspiring them to stay in school and to get an education. At 102 years of age, Mr. Brazier continues to display courage and conviction as he shares his struggles to overcome illiteracy and to raise awareness of the importance of education among students and adults throughout the province.
Balliram Chadee, Ajax, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Known as "the Sadhu from Ajax", Balliram Chadee is a Hindu spiritual leader and volunteer chaplain whose many trailblazing efforts have supported newcomers to Canada and have fostered greater inter-cultural understanding. For over 20 years, he has created many outreach programs for Durham residents, and has actively served on a variety of municipal committees, ranging from the Community Development Council to the Durham Regional Police. With his founding of two charitable missions, many immigrants and refugees have benefited from counselling services, disaster relief and language training. Always ready and willing to serve, Mr. Chadee is an example of vision, dedication and leadership.
Julien Chouinard, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A Canada Post carrier by profession, Julien Chouinard stands out through his support and commitment to Laval's Emergency Measures Brigade, helping others in distress, no matter the time, temperature or circumstances. Since 1969, he has assisted hundreds of victims of fire and natural disasters, offering much-needed aid during spring floods and taking part in searches for missing persons. He provided essential emergency service during the 1998 ice storm crisis and the 2001 and 2006 viaduct accidents. In addition, he has served as chair of Loisirs Sainte-Julienne-en-Haut since 2000, and has been actively involved in organizing fundraising events, bingo tournaments and Olympic Days for youth.
Rosa Christensen, Pierrefonds, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Rosa Christensen has supported the Danish community in Montreal for over 27 years, in addition to helping many others in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce region of Montreal through various fundraisers, house visits and charitable actions. She has organized numerous successful fundraising events for the Danish Canadian Society and the Danish Club, as well as for her local church. She has also given much support to her local food bank and to many ailing and elderly members of her community, preparing numerous care boxes for shut-ins during the holidays, offering free transportation and lending a helping hand with housecleaning chores and personal needs. Mrs. Christensen's exceptional efforts and commitment continue to enrich the lives of many Canadians, young and old.
Michel Cloutier, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Michel Cloutier has provided 28 years of dedicated service to Laval's Emergency Measures Brigade, assisting others during times of disaster and crisis, such as the 1998 ice storm. He has also provided logistical support to the team, transporting volunteer workers and equipment, and taking part in numerous fundraising efforts. Since 1985, he has supported Laval's Volunteer Centre Christmas basket campaign, and has coordinated basket deliveries for over 13 years. Blessed with extraordinary energy and commitment, he has assisted in the planning of local youth dances for 10 years and also lends a hand at many community events, including Canada Day and Jeux du Québec.
Margaret E. Cooper and L. Elaine Simpson, Toronto, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since 1944, Margaret Cooper and Elaine Simpson have volunteered with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. They have assisted hospital staff with long-term, chronically ill patients, and have participated in many hospital events, including the monthly Sherry luncheons, the annual garden party and the holiday patient gift wrap. Ms. Cooper has helped staff to feed patients and has participated for many years in programs to develop public speaking skills, while Ms. Simpson has served on many fundraising and social committees, and has delivered Meals on Wheels for over 20 years. To this day, they both continue to give generously of their time and energy towards the comfort and care of those in need.
Elisabeth Couture, Lévis, Québec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A dynamic volunteer devoted to those in need and to her parish, Elisabeth Couture serves as an inspiration to many people in the Lévis area. Her efforts include 20 years as a member of the Lévis Daughters of Isabella, where she has been instrumental in organizing fundraising dinners for Jonction pour elle, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. She also volunteers at Le Grenier food bank, serving hot meals to the needy, and assists in planning entertainment for a number of seniors' residences. She has spent 10 years providing pastoral care to patients at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital and also volunteers with the Ste-Foy Antonine Sisters as a lay associate.
Pat Davidson, Toronto, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A passionate and dedicated volunteer, Pat Davidson's exceptional commitment and efforts over 20 years have benefited many women and children facing stress and hardship. Since 1984, she has served as a counsellor with Camp Oochigeas, sharing her skills as a former nurse to care for children with cancer. She later served as a member of the camp's governance committee, assisting in the opening of a second camp for young people who have lost their siblings to cancer. In addition to her work with children, Ms. Davidson volunteered with New Directions, where she provided much-needed peer support and referrals to women undergoing separation, divorce or bereavement.
Almas Dhrolia-Jiwani, Mississauga, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Following her arrival in Canada in 1979, Almas Dhrolia-Jiwani's continuous support of and dedication to a variety of humanitarian causes has touched the lives of many. She has been active within the Ismaili community for over 18 years, serving on several volunteer committees and boards for the Aga Khan Council for Canada. She was the national vice-chair for the Council's Settlement Committee, which oversaw and coordinated the arrival of Afghan immigrants. For the past six years, she has volunteered with the United Nations Development Fund for Women as its national director, and has helped to raise thousands of dollars for the relief of poverty among women in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Bill Docking, Teulon, Manitoba
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For the past 50 years, Bill Docking has worked ardently for the betterment of his community, particularly as a member of various hospital boards and health committees in Manitoba's Interlake Region. He also co-founded a volunteer transportation service for seniors and persons with disabilities, and helped to establish the Teulon and District Seniors' Resource Council, which provides social support to seniors. A dedicated volunteer driver, he has delivered Meals on Wheels as well as Christmas hampers for the Teulon and District Cheer Board. His work with Cancer Care Manitoba has also benefited many local cancer patients who rely on him for free transportation to their medical appointments in Winnipeg.
Mae Forbes, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Mae Forbes has spent a lifetime serving her fellow citizens in the town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. She began her lifelong association with the South Shore Regional Hospital in 1938, volunteering in the vintage clothing store as a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary. Her efforts have helped to raise millions of dollars over the years, and have facilitated the purchase of new hospital equipment. A former Sunday school teacher, she is a highly regarded member of the United Church Women's group, and continues to work hard for the success of a variety of parish activities.
Lucy French, Lachine, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For 30 years, Lucy French has donated countless hours to her community. She has delivered Meals on Wheels for the West Island Volunteer Bureau and has organized numerous fundraisers for local women's shelters. A dedicated parishioner, she has been involved in senior outreach programs and has assisted many friends and family members during times of crisis. She has demonstrated her concern for the welfare of women through her extensive efforts with the Women's Institute, serving in many key positions at the provincial and national levels of the organization. In particular, she has helped to provide programs and services for rural women and their families, and to advance AIDS education among women.
Paul Greer, Ottawa, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 20 years, Paul Greer has actively supported the community of Carleton Heights and has participated in numerous community events, including the Winter Carnival and the annual neighbourhood barbeque. He has assisted with a community project to renovate a recreation centre, and continues to prepare and maintain the outdoor skating rink during winter months. A dedicated member of his parish and a Cub and Scout leader for over 20 years, he has participated in many Scouting fundraisers and events, such as Apple Days and tree plantings, while being a positive and influential mentor to many young people.
Lorne James Gushue, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Lorne Gushue has generously given considerable time and energy to a diverse number of causes. He is a founding member and former vice-chair of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission, where he assisted in producing public service announcements on the topics of youth and homophobia. A board member and spokesman for OutNorth and a former member of AIDS Yellowknife, he has advocated for equality and has helped to raise awareness about the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS. He is also a long-time member of the Yellowknife Choral Society, and for the past eight years, he has volunteered with the Yellowknife Coast Guard Auxiliary, providing essential marine search and rescue in and around Great Slave Lake.
Paul R. Hanson, Northampton, New Brunswick
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Paul Hanson has devoted many years to supporting the Salvation Army and veterans' causes, as well as to volunteering within his parish community. In particular, he has been actively involved in the Salvation Army's Transient Care Service and spent many hours over the holiday season helping with the Christmas Kettle Campaign. He serves as an important link between the Salvation Army and his church, and contributes equally to the parish pastoral council and to the cemetery committee. He is also an active member of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada, where he has held a number of executive positions and assisted in the planning of annual fundraisers and Remembrance Day events.
Allan Hubley, Kanata, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A celebrated community builder, Allan Hubley has endeavoured to make Kanata a safe, unified neighbourhood and to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. As the president of the Glen Cairn Community Association, he has helped to organize many local events, including parades, fairs and summer barbecues. He is a co-founding member of the Kanata Community Police Partnership where he has assisted in creating action plans to reduce crime. He also hosted youth discussions and established a number of volunteer awards to recognize the contributions of his fellow citizens. A strong advocate for persons with disabilities, he has endeavoured to give voice to their concerns through his work with advisory committees at both the municipal and national levels.
Cheryl Hughes, Surrey, British Columbia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Cheryl Hughes is a social worker who has repeatedly gone beyond her regular duties to aid others in the community of Nelson, particularly Aboriginal people and persons with disabilities. She has dedicated more than 30 years to helping families and individuals to deal with the complications of severe disabilities, often welcoming children and adults into her home to better serve their special needs. For the past three years, she has shared her home with a doctor affected by a complex neurological condition, and led a successful campaign to enable him to receive corrective surgery. She has also volunteered within the Aboriginal community, and helped to establish the first provincially funded community living services for First Nations people with multiple disabilities.
Father Howard J. Keon, Toronto, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since 1980, Father Howard Keon has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, devoting his retirement years to visiting school children and seniors. While living in Alberta, he served as liaison for a number of schools in the Lethbridge area. He has also served as a volunteer marriage counsellor to thousands of couples with the Marriage Encounter programs of Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer and Toronto. He has provided comfort to many people in distress and continues to spend time with seniors in nursing homes, offering companionship and assistance to many ailing residents.
Evelyn Louise King, Brossard, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 40 years, Evelyn King has provided extraordinary help to her church, to youth and to seniors. She has served as a leader and commissioner with the Girl Guides for over 25 years and is currently a Spark leader in Greenfield Park, working with young girls, their parents and other Scout leaders. She has volunteered for a local food bank, aiding families in need, and is a former Sunday school teacher and active member of St. Paul's Anglican Church Women. She has also shared her exceptional talents in cooking and crafts at many parish events and fundraisers, and continues to support the elderly members of her community with selfless dedication.
Bahi Krishnakhanthan, Ajax, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A passionate advocate for women and immigrants, Bahi Krishnakhanthan has supported a diverse number of causes over many years, ranging from the Community Development Council of Durham to the YWCA. A dedicated spokesperson, she has delivered educational and inspirational messages about racism, domestic abuse and South Asian culture to a wide variety of organizations. She has been a volunteer associate for the Ajax-Pickering COPE Mental Health Program since 1995, and was also actively involved in the Canadian Tamil Women's Community Services. Her extensive board work with a number of not-for-profit agencies has given hope to many residents of the Durham region, and has helped to improve the quality of life for many newcomers to Canada.
Mary Lapointe Donatelli, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 30 years, Mary Lapointe Donatelli has quietly played an integral part in making the Club de patinage artistique de Laval one of the most successful youth sports clubs in the province. Her creative talents as a costume designer have greatly benefited many young skaters, particularly the members of the championship synchronized skating club, Les Pirouettes de Laval. In particular, she has made significant contributions to the organization as a member of the ice show committee, and has also devoted 20 years to the synchronized skating committee. Her enthusiasm and team spirit have inspired and encouraged local youth to enjoy skating and to develop good sportsmanship.
John F. Le Guerrier, Laval, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
John Le Guerrier's unwavering commitment to the community of Laval began in 1972 as a volunteer member with Laval's Emergency Measures Brigade. For 35 years, he has shown tremendous skill and compassion, responding to natural disasters and major accidents with professionalism and efficiency. He currently heads the Emergency Measures and Logistic Support unit in addition to coordinating the work of and maintaining the duty roster for 30 or so volunteers. He has contributed effectively to countless operations, particularly during the 1998 ice storm and the viaduct accidents of 2001 and 2006, and continues to improve on his invaluable skills through course training, to better ensure the safety and protection of his fellow citizens.
J. Adrien Maltais, Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Adrien Maltais is a pillar of the community of Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, and is a model of generosity for whom helping his neighbour is a way of life. He has been secretary and sexton with the Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs parish council since 1981, where he maintains and renovates the parish church and updates its operations. He is a long-serving member of the Knights of Columbus, and has also helped to establish a number of social events and charitable organizations, including the Club de l'âge d'or des Lacs, the Société d'initiatives et de développement de Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, and the Festival des Lacs, where he served as president for five years. A proud member of the Maltais family, he continues to contribute to the vitality and enrichment of his community.
Winnifred Grace McAra, Edmonton, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 30 years, Winnifred McAra has endeavoured to make a difference in the lives of seniors, youth and persons with disabilities in Edmonton. She has volunteered with the Strathcona Place Society for more than 30 years, keeping seniors and retirees active with a variety of services and programs. She is a dedicated member of the Edmonton Optimist Dinner Club, assisting young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to achieve excellence in schooling and community service. She served as chair and key organizer of several youth essay and communications contests for 12 years, and has also participated in a communication program and in the establishment of a choir for blind children.
Jack Clifford McFarland, Hamilton, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Following his retirement from military service in 1976, Jack McFarland began working on behalf of veterans for a variety of causes. He has been involved with the United Council of Veterans for over 30 years, helping to provide assistance to aging veterans, and has also advocated on their behalf through his extensive work with the Hamilton Veterans' Committee. He is an executive member of the local Prisoner of War Association and played a key role in the construction of the Dieppe Memorial Monument, honouring the memory of soldiers who died during the Second World War. He continues to serve his community, participating in Remembrance Day events and speaking with students about veterans and Canada's role in past conflicts.
Sister Maura Mary Bridget McGrath, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Motivated by a strong commitment to social justice, Sister Maura McGrath founded Refuge Juan Moreno in 1993, welcoming into her own home many refugee women and children seeking asylum in Canada. As volunteer director of the organization, she often escorted single mothers to hearings, and cared for their children while they attended court or medical appointments. In addition, she collected donations, organized picnics and fundraisers, and recruited a team of volunteers. With the support of the Montreal City Mission, Sister McGrath's remarkable efforts enabled Refuge Juan Moreno to become an independent registered charity with a permanent address, where it continues to offer shelter and protection to hundreds of newcomers to Canada.
Marilyn Mecke, Brantford, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Marilyn Mecke's community service has benefited not only the residents of Brantford and Brant County, but also many children both here and abroad. She is the driving force behind "Marilyn's Clothing Giveaway", a massive yearly charitable campaign, which has provided used winter clothing, linens, boots and toys to many distressed families and individuals during the harsh winter months, as well as hundreds of hygiene kits for homeless persons. She has also taught literacy to children and initiated the Children's Benefit project, which provides backpacks filled with school supplies to underprivileged students. A truly caring citizen, she is a regular St. Vincent de Paul volunteer and has spearheaded a Shoe Box program to send aid to African children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Jennifer Lyn Moorlag, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For more than 15 years, Jennifer Moorlag has provided exceptional leadership to many young women and has inspired them with her active community service. She is a dedicated Girl Guides and Spark leader in Whitehorse, and has served in many key positions within the organization, from program director to territorial commissioner for Yukon. She also volunteers within her parish community as a choir member, scripture reader, lay worship leader and Web site administrator. Combining her love of children and the great outdoors, she has been a camp leader with Braeburn Lake Summer Camp for the past seven years. Her generosity and dedication have helped to enhance the lives of young people in Yukon.
Jean-Guy Nadeau, Montreal, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Jean-Guy Nadeau's compassion and dedication to service have benefited the citizens of Montreal East for over 35 years. Since 1973, he has coached minor hockey for youth and has organized numerous Bantam tournaments across the province. He is also an adept fundraiser and leader whose various efforts have supported many young athletes as well as the hugely popular annual community golf tournament, now in its 15th year. In addition to the devoted care he provides to his wife, who is living with Alzheimer's disease, Mr. Nadeau is a member of a committee of a local metal refinery that reviews its activities and effects on the community.
Mary Peterson, Grande Prairie, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Since retiring from her 53-year career in teaching, Mary Peterson has continued to help and support others in the northwestern region of Alberta. From 1988 to 1992, she volunteered at the Seniors' Centre in Eaglesham, Alberta, where she formerly held the position of president. She organized many local fairs and ball tournaments, and assisted ailing senior residents on excursions. Since 1992, she has volunteered at MacKenzie Place, a long-term care facility in Grande Prairie, where she devotes countless hours attending to patients living with Alzheimer's. Always ready for a game of cards or a quiet chat, her vibrant personality and zest for life have given comfort to many sick and elderly residents.
Joseph Quinn, Verdun, Quebec
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Joseph Quinn has helped seniors and youth within his community for over 30 years. He is a founding board member and executive of the Dawson Community Centre, which offers recreational activities for seniors and disadvantaged children. As co-founder and long-time member of the St. Lawrence Optimist Club, Mr. Quinn has helped to provide essential school supplies to many children in need at a number of Montreal schools. He is also secretary and buyer for the Manna Food Bank of Verdun, and past president and current director of the United Irish Societies of Montreal, where he manages the Christmas basket program, helping many disadvantaged members of his neighbourhood.
Ann Gwyn Roberts, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A woman of many diverse interests, Ann Roberts has devoted more than 25 years to assisting seniors and at-risk youth in the North Shore region of Vancouver. She has addressed community concerns about women and youth in crisis as a member of the regional youth justice committee and is committed to finding solutions to homelessness. She is a strong advocate for affordable housing for low-income families and has represented seniors on matters of housing and safety. Mrs. Roberts has also dedicated 25 years to the Vancouver Welsh Society, serving in various key executive positions and helping to organize Welsh language events and religious services.
Eva Elizabeth Rodgerson, O'Leary, Prince Edward Island
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Eva Rodgerson has provided over 35 years of service to the small town of O'Leary. Within her parish community, she is a dedicated Sunday school teacher, and a member of both the board of directors and the finance committee. She has also been an active organizer and participant of a weekly children's recreational program. She has served as chairperson of the O'Leary Red Cross Water Safety Program for 37 years and has devoted more than 20 years to the Community Health Board. She has demonstrated concern for the elderly, assisting them with their income tax returns and social assistance applications, as well as driving many ailing or incapacitated seniors to medical appointments in Charlottetown.
Joan Winnifred Rogers, Toronto, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Over the past 50 years, Joan Rogers has worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of her fellow citizens. She assisted working mothers and mothers of children with special needs with the establishment of various low-cost daycare services in Toronto. She has actively supported her church, particularly with the creation of a Meals on Wheels program, and has volunteered regularly with the Canadian Cancer Society, serving in many key roles to help improve living conditions for cancer patients. Her extraordinary efforts also include the co-founding of Hope Air, which provides free air travel to Canadians in need of medical treatment or diagnosis. In over 22 years, Hope Air has helped more than 3 000 Canadians from remote areas of Ontario to receive essential care and treatment.
Margaret A. Rowe, Conception Bay South, Newfoundland & Labrador
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A British expatriate and devoted Red Cross volunteer, Margaret Rowe has offered outstanding service to citizens of her community and province. For 20 years, she has helped organize a reunion of war brides hailing from all over the province, to foster support and lasting friendships among women. She further assisted in the writing and publication of a semi-annual newsletter as well as a book of stories about war brides, the profits of which have provided scholarship funds for their families. In the Conception Bay South area, she has assisted numerous victims left homeless by fire and directed many community food and clothing drives. She has also tended to seniors and shut-ins, and given freely of her time and energy to help members of her parish.
Donald Douglas Shultz, Ottawa, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A self-assured public speaker and tireless volunteer, Donald Shultz has taken on a variety of causes for the benefit of his fellow citizens. For the past 11 years, he has volunteered with the Canadian Mental Health Association, where he has actively taken part in mental health awareness programs for youth, acted in stand-up comedy shows for charity, and provided peer support to persons with mental illness. He is a strong advocate for affordable housing and financial aid for persons with disabilities, and has participated in many information sessions on issues of accessibility.
Mary Sinclair, Ottawa, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 30 years, Mary Sinclair has contributed her expertise as a former social worker towards the care and welfare of children and their families. She has provided leadership and guidance to the Andrew Fleck Child Care Services since 1986 and, in particular, headed the development of educational and support groups for foster parents. She also assisted in the creation of many initiatives benefiting working families and caregivers, and has raised considerable money for the construction of a new child care building. In addition, she has devoted 10 years to International Social Service Canada, organizing benefits for various humanitarian causes. Within her parish, she is a dedicated fundraiser and scripture reader, and has actively participated in a seniors' outreach program.
Rebecca St. Cyr, Navan, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A dedicated student and aspiring nurse, Rebecca St. Cyr is a devoted young volunteer who has made community service a part of her daily life. She has participated in flower sales for the Community Association in Navan and is a member of the town's Beautification Committee. She has also helped to organize many local youth events. In particular, she has recruited and organized volunteer supervisors for Friday night dances, at which she has also managed the evening snack bar. Since the age of 10, she has volunteered with her parish, serving as a teacher's aide in Sunday school, in addition to assisting in the church nursery and looking after younger children during services.
Lynne Irene Stacey, Orleans, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For more than 20 years, Lynne Stacey has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to community service through her extensive work with youth and seniors. She is the co-founder of the Navan Curling Club, and has also created and instructed many aquatic fitness programs specifically for seniors and cancer patients. She has worked extensively with children as a Scout and Girl Guide leader, and has provided lodging to teenagers for the past 11 years as part of the Rotary Club's Adventures in Citizenship program. An accomplished musician, she has organized and directed various community choirs, performing at seniors' homes, music festivals and fundraisers across the National Capital Region.
Evelyn B. Walsh, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 30 years, Evelyn Walsh has devoted her time to her community and church. She has actively canvassed for donations on behalf of several local charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes, the Bridgewater Catholic League and the Arthritis Society. Within her church community, she has served as president and executive member of the Catholic Women's League, and participated in a Canadian Mental Health Association playschool program called "Head Start" for children with special needs. A deeply caring individual, she has greatly enriched the lives of others through her many endeavours.
John H. Walsh, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
John Walsh has demonstrated exceptional service in action through his extensive volunteer activities in Truro, Yarmouth and Bridgewater. Formerly a board member of his local YMCA and of the South Shore Regional Hospital, Mr. Walsh has also served as a group leader with the Bridgewater chapters of Cubs and Scouts, and is a dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He has long supported seniors and has devoted hundreds of hours towards the planning, construction and maintenance of the Veterans' Memorial Park, honouring the sacrifice of many young men from the region who fought in past wars.
Josephine Wright, Toronto, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 75 years, Josephine Wright has been providing leadership and guidance to many generations of children. Since the age of 15, she has contributed to the Scouting organization, particularly with the 333rd Toronto Scouts, where she currently serves as a Scout leader and Cub master, giving talks to children about the organization's history and traditions. She is also a dedicated member of her church, performing many vital services as a lay member of the Anglican Synod and the Chancel Guild, in addition to running a weekly seniors' club. An exemplary role model to youth, she continues to inspire many with her energy and Scouting spirit.
Katie Zeppieri, Whitby, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
A champion for human rights, Katie Zeppieri has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an abiding commitment to social action. As a former group leader of Students Together Against Racism and as a member of her school's Culture of Peace Committee, she effectively promoted harmony and diversity among students as well as in the community at large. She helped to produce educational texts and a CD about issues of youth and multiculturalism, and has also participated in community efforts to develop strategies to combat violence against children. Notably, she co-organized and ran an educational conference for youth to help build awareness and create action plans to aid young victims of abuse.
