OTTAWA—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will be in London, Ontario, on May 8 and 9, 2013, to meet with members of the public, volunteers and students to discuss ways of facilitating community change through philanthropy and volunteerism.
As part of this visit, His Excellency will also present the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to two recipients who contribute to the well-being of their community. The recipients’ names and citations are included below.
Here is a detailed schedule of the Governor General’s itinerary:
Wednesday, May 8
1 p.m.
Emerging Leaders’ Discussion on London’s Future
His Excellency will participate in an informal discussion with Emerging Leaders, a network of young adults between 20 and 40 years of age, who engage their community on issues specific to young professionals, such as employment and economic development, and encourages young adults to take a more active role in their communities. Participants will discuss key issues important to their demographic and look to His Excellency for his thoughts on the community engagement he has witnessed across the country since becoming governor general and how his personal experience and observations can be applied to the city of London.
Great Hall – Room 3320, Somerville House, Western University
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Quigley, 519-495-4949, ed@emergingleaders.ca.
2 p.m.
Governor General’s Round Table on Youth Engagement
His Excellency will join 75 youths from the London area in a round table on youth engagement. Organized by United Way London & Middlesex , in conjunction with a national Youth Engagement Strategy headed by United Way Toronto, this discussion will focus on defining meaningful youth involvement, identifying challenges faced by youth and how to address them, and finding new, innovative ways and opportunities to assist them better in their endeavours. At 3 p.m., His Excellency will address the participants. The Governor General will talk to them about the importance of building a smarter, more caring community and hear their views and ideas on the themes of the discussion.
Great Hall, 3rdfloor, Somerville House, Western University
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Ziegner, 519-636-0023, kziegner@uwlondon.on.ca.
Thursday, May 9
10 a.m.
Visit to My Sister's Place
His Excellency will visit My Sister's Place, a transitional support centre that offers a wide range of immediate support to women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Governor General will tour the site, offer remarks, and participate in a private discussion with a small number of women who take part in the organization’s programs.
For more information on My Sister’s Place, please visit: http://www.mysistersplacelondon.ca/.
566 Dundas Street, London
OPEN TO MEDIA - REMARKS ONLY
MEDIA CONTACT: Vanessa Dolishny, 519-667-1600 ext: 107 (office), 519-494-1736 (cell), Vanessa@lcf.on.ca.
11:30 a.m.
Philanthropy Luncheon and Presentation of the Caring Canadian Award
His Excellency will deliver a keynote address at a luncheon organized by the London Community Foundation. Founding community philanthropists and potential mentors will be among the 200 guests in attendance. On this occasion, His Excellency will speak about the importance of philanthropic leadership to community vitality and the rewards that philanthropy brings to individuals and families. During the luncheon, His Excellency will also present the Caring Canadian Award to Ms. Janet E. Stewart and Mr. Jeff Macoun. Please note that their citations can be found below.
The London Community Foundation shares His Excellency’s vision of Canada as a nation of “Smart and Caring” communities, and this luncheon will serve as a call for action. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: http://www.lcf.on.ca/.
465 Sunningdale Road West, London
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Vanessa Dolishny, 519-667-1600 ext: 107 (office), 519-494-1736 (cell), Vanessa@lcf.on.ca.
7 p.m.
Huron College Convocation
His Excellency will address the 2013 Huron University College Theology Convocation. During this ceremony, Huron University College will also confer the Doctor of Divinity degree (honoris causa) on His Excellency.
Huron University College, 1349 Western Road, London
OPEN TO MEDIA – Please confirm attendance with Kim Knowles
MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Knowles, 519-438-7224 ext: 322, kknowles@huron.uwo.ca.
CARING CANADIAN AWARD RECIPIENTS AND CITATIONS
Janet E. Stewart
London, Ontario
Janet Stewart is best known for her commitment to philanthropic activities. She has served on at least 25 different boards, including those for the London Community Foundation, London Health Science Centre Foundation, United Way and Salvation Army. She is also a founding member of Big Sisters of London. Currently, she is on the board of Operation Walk, which provides free hip and knee replacement surgery for underprivileged people in Guatemala and Ecuador.
Jeff Macoun
London, Ontario
As a long-serving community leader, Jeff Macoun understands where help is needed most. He has used his time, insight and personal resources to positively affect countless lives. He has been a member of the boards of the London Chamber of Commerce, the London YMCA Foundation and St. Joseph’s Foundation. He also coached hockey for many years with the North London Hockey Association.
About the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award
Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character. For more information about this award, visit www.gg.ca/caring.
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