Ottawa – Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will be in Arnprior, Ontario, on June 30, 2014, to show their support for Clara Hughes’ efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Their Excellencies will first meet with His Worship David Reid, Mayor of Arnprior. Her Excellency will then stop at Community Living Renfrew County South while the Governor General visits Arnprior Aerospace Inc. Finally, Their Excellencies will hop on their bicycles and join Olympic medallist Clara Hughes, O.C., O.M., when she arrives in the city for Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk.
“Sharon and I are looking forward to discovering the Town of Arnprior and to cycling alongside Clara as she approaches the end of her incredible journey across the country,” said the Governor General. “Like her, we believe it is essential to better understand mental illness and to fight its associated prejudices. Too many people still suffer in silence.”
Here is Their Excellencies’ detailed itinerary:
1:30 p.m.
Courtesy Call with His Worship David Reid, Mayor of Arnprior
Their Excellencies will meet with the Mayor and his spouse, Mrs. Tracey Reid, to discuss the town’s priorities, successes and challenges. They will then meet with members of the town’s council. For more information on the town of Arnprior, visit www.arnprior.ca.
Town Hall, 105 Elgin St. W., Arnprior
Photo op – Upon the arrival of Their Excellencies and at the meeting with the town’s council
2 p.m.
Visit to Arnprior & District Museum
Their Excellencies will meet with museum curator and director Janet Carlile for a brief tour to learn more about the history of the town.
35 Madawaska St., Arnprior
Open to media
2:30 p.m.
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston Visits Community Living Renfrew County South
Mrs. Johnston and Mrs. Tracey Reid will visit this non-profit charitable organization which advocates for individuals with disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of community life. Her Excellency will meet with individuals who receive support through the different programs offered by the organization.
Community Living Renfrew County South is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was established in 1964, by a grassroots group of concerned parents and citizens interested in assisting people with developmental disabilities. It offers support and services for adults and youth with developmental disabilities, and their families. For more information, visit www.clrcs.com.
Community Living Renfrew County South, 106 McGonigal St. W., Unit 100, Arnprior
Photo op – At the end of the visit when Her Excellency will highlight the 50th anniversary of the centre, at approximately 3:15 p.m.
2:45 p.m.
Visit to Arnprior Aerospace Inc.
The Governor General will visit the facility to meet with officials and employees.
Arnprior Aerospace specializes in products and services geared towards the aerospace and defence industries. The company employs 400 staff engaged in design, close tolerance fabrication, precision machining, special processing, assembly, kitting, and integration of products. The company manufactures over 900 000 parts. For more information, visit www.arnprioraerospace.com.
107 Baskin Dr. E., Arnprior
Photo op – Upon the arrival of the Governor General
5:30 p.m.
Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk
Their Excellencies will cycle approximately 1.2 km with Clara Hughes from Elgin Street to Robert Simpson Park. Once they have arrived at the park, the Governor General will take part in a special presentation to recognize Ms. Hughes for her exceptional accomplishments.
On July 1, Canada’s six-time cycling and speed-skating Olympic medallist Clara Hughes will conclude her 110-day cycling journey across Canada in support of local mental health initiatives by community groups, schools and other local organizations. Ms. Hughes has visited every province and territory in Canada to help raise national awareness of mental health and end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Clara’s Big Ride began on March 14, 2014, in Toronto, and will conclude on Canada Day, in Ottawa. For more information, visit www.clarasbigride.bell.ca.
Robert Simpson Park, Arnprior
Open to media
-30-
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
julie.rocheleau@gg.ca
Michael Wildman
Town of Arnprior
613-623-4231, ext. 234
mwildman@arnprior.ca
Jacqueline Michelis
Bell Media Relations
613 785-1427
jacqueline.michelis@bell.ca
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