July 8, 2010
Canada Post is today issuing a single PERMANENT™ domestic rate stamp to commemorate the centennial of Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada (GGC). The stamp's design reflects the spirit of the Guiding movement with a photograph of two members of GGC sharing a fun moment of friendship. Together, the stamp, stamp booklet and official first day cover feature girls at all five levels of Guiding: Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers. Scattered across the stamp and booklet are images of GGC program badges, one of which is the stamp collecting badge. Overall, three million stamps are issued for this special anniversary.
“Like Guiding, this stamp is bold, adventurous, energetic and exciting,” says Jim Phillips, Director of Stamps Services at Canada Post. “It speaks of enduring friendship and showcases the organization's continuing importance to girls across our country today.”
“Throughout its history, Girl Guides has provided a place where girls can gain a sense of independence, responsibility, self-assurance and belonging,” says Chris Burton, Chief Commissioner, Girl Guides of Canada. “Today, Guiding continues to enable girls to be confident, courageous and resourceful, and to make a difference in the world. This stamp is a wonderful celebration of all Girl Guides past, present and future.”
Guiding started Canada in 1910, when the first Unit was formed in St. Catharines, Ontario. Within two years, there were Units in every province and the Canadian Girl Guides Association was formed. In 1961, the organization's name was officially changed to Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada.
This is the third time that Canada Post has honoured Girl Guides with a stamp. The first was in 1960 for the Girl Guides of Canada's Golden Jubilee, and the second was in 1985, for its 75 th anniversary.
About the Stamp
The stamp, which is printed by Lowe-Martin on Tullis Russell paper, measures 30 mm x 30 mm (square) and has simulated perforation. Printed using lithography in six colours plus varnish, the stamp is pressure sensitive and general tagged on four sides. The Official First Day Cover is cancelled in Guelph, Ontario, to coincide with GGC's Guiding Mosaic International Camp. The stamp is available in booklets of 10 stamps.
Additional information about Canadian stamps can be found in the news section of Canada Post's website, and photos of these new stamps are also available. Stamps and other products will be available at participating post offices, or can be ordered online by following the links at canadapost.ca/collection , or by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. From Canada and the USA, call toll-free: 1-800 565-4362, and from other countries, call: 902-863-6550.
