OTTAWA—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 5 and 6, 2013. The visit will engage citizens, volunteers and students in discussions on Aboriginal education and how to facilitate change through philanthropy and volunteerism.
His Excellency will also present the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to individuals who contribute to the well-being of their community.
Here is a detailed schedule of the Governor General’s itinerary:
Wednesday, June 5
1:30 p.m.
Governor General’s Round Table on Youth Engagement
His Excellency will address more than 75 youth from the Winnipeg area at a round table on youth engagement. Organized by United Way of Winnipeg, this discussion will focus on defining meaningful youth involvement, identifying challenges faced by youth and how to address them, and finding new, innovative ways to help them succeed in their endeavours. The Governor General will talk to them about the importance of building a smarter, more caring community, and will hear their views and ideas on the themes of the discussion.
Fort Gibraltar, 866 St. Joseph Street (corner of St. Joseph and Messager), St. Boniface
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Sime, 204-801-5877, ssime@unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca
3:30 p.m.
Visit to The Ladybug Foundation and the Siloam Mission
His Excellency will visit the office of The Ladybug Foundation and meet with its founder, Hannah Taylor who will speak with the Governor General about how The Ladybug Foundation raises funds and awareness for the homeless. They will be joined by students and teachers who are benefitting from the foundation’s educational resources. For more information on The Ladybug Foundation and its partner charities, please visit www.ladybugfoundation.ca.
His Excellency and Miss Taylor will then proceed to the Siloam Mission, to visit the drop-in centre, meet with some of its patrons, and tour Hannah’s Place, a 110-bed shelter within the mission, established with the help of The Ladybug Foundation.
Since 1987, Siloam Mission has worked to alleviate the hardships of the poor and homeless in Winnipeg by helping them become self-sufficient and by advocating nationwide on their behalf. The Mission provides a broad range of services, including meals and clothing, an emergency shelter, employment training, supportive housing at The Madison, basic health care, transition services and spiritual care.
300 Princess Street
OPEN TO MEDIA – VISIT TO THE MISSION ONLY
MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Duerksen, 204-956-4344 ext: 238, mike.duerksen@siloam.ca or Elizabeth Creed, 204-956-4344 ext: 133, elizabeth.creed@siloam.ca
6:30 p.m.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Presentation
In celebration of 50 years of challenging young people in Canada, the Governor General will present The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award of Achievement to 25 young people from across the province of Manitoba, in recognition for their dedication and personal accomplishments within their communities. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award encourages youth between the ages of 14 to 25, to pursue activities in four areas: Community Service, Physical Recreation, Skill Development, and an Adventurous Journey. For more information on this award, please visit www.dukeofed.org.
Wellington Room, Fairmont Hotel, 2 Lombard Place
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Stovel, 204-988-3018, lstovel@dukeofed.org
Thursday, June 6
9:30 a.m.
Visit to the Children of the Earth High School
His Excellency will participate in a group discussion on the Aboriginal programs offered at the Children of the Earth High School, and how these programs are helping prepare Aboriginal students for post-secondary education. His Excellency with then deliver remarks to an assembly of students, teachers and school board officials, which will be followed by a question period.
Gymnasium, Children of the Earth High School,100 Salter Street
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Dale Burgos, 204-771-5352, dburgos@wsd1.org
12:30 p.m.
University of Winnipeg Aboriginal Education and Research Discussion
His Excellency will tour the Collegiate Model School, an on-campus initiative for students in grades 9 to 12 who are referred by inner-city schools and community organizations to receive individualized learning plans so they can reach their full potential.
The Governor General will then attend a discussion hosted by the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg, which will focus on Aboriginal education and the unique and successful work done by the university, in partnership with the community. Prior to delivering opening remarks, His Excellency will hear an honour song and take part in a special presentation.
Convocation Hall, 2nd Floor, Wesley Hall, The University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue
OPEN TO MEDIA – WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DISCUSSION
MEDIA CONTACTS: Kevin Rosen, 204-786-9381, k.rosen@uwinnipeg.ca or Diane Poulin, 204-988-7135, d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
4 p.m.
Address to the Community Foundations of Canada 2013 Conference and Presentation of the Caring Canadian Award
His Excellency will deliver a keynote address at the Community Foundations of Canada 2013 Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Inspiring Smart & Caring Communities.” This international gathering of more than 600 members of the philanthropic sector is held every two years. On this occasion, His Excellency will also present the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to individuals from across the country. The list of recipients and their citations are included below.
The Community Foundations of Canada is the national membership association for the country’s 191 community foundations. These organizations have connected donors to community needs and opportunities since 1921, and are one of the country’s largest supporters of local charities. For more information, visit www.cfc-conference.ca/en/home.
Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Anne-Marie McElrone, 902-223-0674, amcelrone@cfc-fcc.ca
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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