One of the wonderful privileges of this office is recognizing the generosity of those who serve their communities. So it is with pleasure that I join you for this investiture today.
As you may know, I have dedicated my mandate as governor general to fostering a smarter, more caring nation, something that the friends and supporters of the YMCA have been doing for no less than 160 years. This is even more remarkable given that Canada itself is still a few years shy of its 150th birthday in 2017!
The YMCA offers us an extraordinary example of that which has long been right and good about our country—that is, the tendency of Canadians to be concerned for others, and to want to help.
As this year’s inductees into the Fellowship of Honour demonstrate, the spirit of caring is alive and well in our communities today.
These individuals come from right across Canada and—through their lifetime contributions as YMCA employees and volunteers—they have made a real and lasting impact on the lives of others. Their years of service speak volumes about their dedication to helping people from all walks of life to grow and to flourish in so many different ways.
As companions and officers of the Fellowship of Honour, these individuals are leaders at the international, national and regional levels, and they represent our very best.
Now, I’m sure that each inductee would be the first to tell you this honour belongs not to themselves alone, but rather to the thousands of members, volunteers and donors who support the work of the YMCA—not to mention to those whom you serve.
And while that is of course true, we also know it is individuals such as those being honoured today who lead the way by their example.
Having worked and volunteered with numerous wonderful organizations throughout my life, I know the importance of leadership, and of the important role each individual plays in overall success.
Just as the YMCA exists to serve people, it is people who determine this organization’s effectiveness. The success of the YMCA is the success of its volunteers and supporters, and vice versa.
As patron of YMCA Canada, I offer my congratulations to each of this year’s honorees. Thank you for leading the way to a smarter, more caring Canada.
