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Governor General celebrates National Volunteer Week by presenting 22 Caring Canadian AwardsApril 13, 2005 OTTAWA – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to 22 recipients at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Monday, April 18, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. The presentation will take place during the National Volunteer Week, being held from April 17 to 23. The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community. Recipients have served over a number of years and normally have not been recognized previously by a national or provincial honour. The award consists of a framed certificate and a lapel pin for everyday wear. The award symbol represents Canadians who selflessly give of their time and energy to others. GOVERNOR GENERAL'S CARING CANADIAN AWARD
The citations for the recipients follow. Media interested in covering this event are asked to arrive by 1:30 p.m. - 30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office Public information The Chancellery of Honours National Volunteer Week 1 800 670-0401
CITATIONS Carl J. Andersen, Montreal, Quebec Carl Andersen has been volunteering since the 1950s and, since 1997, he has collected funds for breast cancer treatment, education and research by running an ultra-marathon of over 120 kilometres. This is a gruelling challenge for anyone, and it is particularly arduous for a man in his sixties living with arthritis. Without any corporate support, Mr. Andersen has inspired individuals to donate more than $250,000 for the state-of-the-art Cedars Breast Clinic at the McGill University Health Centre. Mr. Andersen's mother taught him that we always have time to give to others and his efforts honour her memory and the memory of his two sisters who died of breast cancer. At the same time, he has brought hope to numerous women facing the prospect of breast disease. Gertrud Antoine Barwick, Rosemere, Quebec As a dedicated teacher at the Lake of Two Mountains High School in the Montreal area, Gertrud Antoine Barwick volunteered her free time to organize extracurricular activities for students. Since her retirement in 1995, she has been equally generous in helping others, raising thousands of dollars for charity through her church, and helping with Meals on Wheels. A member of the Montreal General Hospital Auxiliary, she volunteers weekly in the gift shop, donates her own artwork for sale and organizes extraordinary fundraising events such as fashion shows and Victorian teas. Mrs. Barwick's generosity of time and talents warms and benefits all those around her. Sadhvi Bajpai, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario When Sadhvi Bajpai left her home in India to settle in Canada, she brought with her a love of the arts and a deep commitment to serving the community. After settling in Moncton in 1977, she became a founding member and president of the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area and promoted cultural diversity throughout New Brunswick. She organized a multicultural amateur acting group to present a wide variety of performances, with all proceeds going to charity. Today, this caring and multi-talented person continues serving others, organizing activities that enhance the lives of many seniors. Howard W. E. Baugh, Kanata, Ontario Howard Baugh has been involved in charitable work for over 65years. He has volunteered at children's camps and at the Montreal Children's Hospital. In the 1970s, he taped textbooks on cassettes for visually impaired university students and encouraged others to do the same. A member of the Masonic Order since 1959, he remains active in programs for seniors who are housebound or hospitalized. A former president of the Telephone Pioneers of America, he helped this industry-related community service organization raise millions of dollars for charity. Many Canadians have benefited from Mr. Baugh's leadership, kindness and thoughtfulness. Geneviève Bolduc, Ottawa, Ontario Since her early teens, Geneviève Bolduc has channelled her energy and creativity into supporting youth from military families. At the age of 14, she was instrumental in establishing a Youth Centre and Council at the Comox Military Family Resource Centre. As head of the Youth Council, she helped organize drug awareness campaigns and planned numerous community events, constantly researching new and exciting ways to get youth involved in their community. Familiar with the difficulties encountered by military youths, Miss Bolduc continues to represent the Canadian Forces youth and to promote programs across the country to make them feel they belong to a community. Cody Welsh Clark, Kemptville, Ontario At the age of 10, Cody Clark knows first-hand what it is like to be hospitalized or to see a loved one dealing with grave illness. His response has been to help others in such a situation, and the help he has given is remarkable. He raises thousands of dollars each year for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and other charities. He collected over 2 500 signatures of Ottawa schoolchildren for a petition opposing the closure of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's cardiac unit. He has developed "Cody's Individual Comfort Kits" to ease the hospital experience for children or for seniors without families to care for them. Cody's wish is to distribute such kits to all children's hospitals across Canada. Evelyn Cleland, McAdam, New Brunswick (Posthumous) The award will be received by her children Mrs. Marguerite Cleland and Mr. Robert Cleland For over three decades, Evelyn Cleland played the organ at her church in the village of McAdam. She also taught Sunday school, headed the junior and women's auxiliaries, conducted Bible studies, sang in the choir and performed secretarial duties. At a nursing home attached to the nearby MacLean Memorial Hospital, she used her greatest talents: mending and sewing clothing and other items for residents, as well as assisting with fundraising activities. At the McAdam Health Centre, she made finger puppets for children and knitted baby clothes for expectant mothers. For ailing or ageing friends, she provided transportation to medical appointments. Her unselfish service and cheerful nature enhanced the lives of many and was an inspiration for all. Jeannine Drouin, Arntfield, Quebec A retired teacher, Jeannine Drouin is a vibrant and active force in her small community of Arntfield. Thanks to her efforts, the library she runs on a voluntary basis has prospered and continues to develop. She cheerfully responds to her parish's needs, looks after worship services, and sings soprano in the Baladins choir. Mrs. Drouin is also in charge of fundraising for the Téléthon de la Ressource d'aides et services pour personnes handicapées de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue and for the Guignolée (a holiday season collection to benefit those most in need). A thoughtful and considerate person, she offers assistance and comfort to hospitalized parishioners and to shut-ins. Apollinaire Dubé, Saint-Cyprien, Quebec Apollinaire Dubé breathes life and a spirit of cooperation into every group he joins. Many organizations have been fortunate enough to benefit from Mr. Dubé's experience, some for more than 50 years. This generous Knight of Columbus will take on any task, from repainting church pews to handing out food hampers and serving on various councils. The leadership qualities of this kind-hearted man have touched the lives of everyone in the Lower St. Lawrence Region, including the Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! Cooperative, the Cercle des Lacordaires, the St-Cyprien Housing Corporation, the Foyer Beauséjour, and of course his fellow citizens. Margaret Finley, Ottawa, Ontario Margaret Finley had her first experience of volunteering when, at the age of 17, she helped in the nursery at a mission camp. A thoughtful visionary and a superb organizer, she later found countless ways to help those in need. In the 1960s, she rallied volunteers and organized picnics for homebound disabled persons; and the "High Horizon" program she founded in 1965 at her church is still running to this day, offering transportation and activities for physically challenged members of her community. She also cared for dying patients at the Riverside Hospital, volunteered in schools, has been active in the Kidney Foundation and the Parkinson's Society, and continues to raise funds for charitable organizations. Nicole Fournier, s.g.m., Montreal, Quebec Since 1985, in addition to running Accueil Bonneau, a homeless shelter serving Greater Montreal, Sister Nicole Fournier has been working with some 200 volunteers to provide the shelter's 700 regular clients with clothing, food, sometimes lodging and, most important, an extended family. Destroyed by fire in 1998, Accueil Bonneau owes its survival and reconstruction to Sister Fournier's enthusiasm, determination and quiet strength. Ever mindful of the needs of society's less fortunate and in order to help them get back on their feet, she introduced new services at the shelter, including a library, a carpentry shop, a computer room, a convenience store and a choir, whose enchanting music has warmed the hearts of many. Lambertus J. Huizinga, Scarborough, Ontario For over 30 years, "Bert" Huizinga has placed his talents and abilities at the service of his community. He planted and maintains the church garden, and helped with renovations. He visits shut-ins, seniors and the ill. In addition, he takes care of minor home repairs and helps people by driving them to medical appointments and to church. He is also involved with the Lighthouse, an inner-city centre run by his church, and collects and delivers items for its thrift store and its food bank. Mr. Huizinga's discreet neighbourliness has warmed the hearts of many and makes his community a better place to live. Gérard J.A.R. Lamarre, Saint-Hubert/Longueuil, Quebec Since 1972, Gérard Lamarre has worked with the St. Vincent de Paul Society as treasurer and president of St. Jean's parish in Pointe St-Charles and as president of Immaculate Conception parish. He currently chairs the Longueuil St. Vincent de Paul Society. Since 1974, he has worked for the Saint-Hubert volunteer centre and has served as a meals-on-wheels driver and board treasurer and vice-president. He has also participated in renovation work for the Centre and in its Christmas hamper and food help programs. Selflessness is the hallmark of Mr. Lamarre, who has worked for over 30 years to alleviate poverty by seeking to discover and remedy its causes. Andrée Leroux Gagnon, Lachine, Quebec For 25 years, Andrée Leroux Gagnon has shown tireless devotion in bringing comfort and happiness to seniors at the Centre d'Accueil de Lachine, Inc. Among other things, she set up a mini-convenience store - a veritable little oasis - that allows the residents to buy a few things and meet one another. The store's profits helped purchase a bus adapted to the residents' needs in order to take them to their medical appointments or the activities she organizes. Ms. Gagnon cares deeply about making the elderly happy and improving their well-being. She puts her heart and soul into it, along with her ingenuity. And always with a smile. Cécile Mahoney, Mount Royal, Quebec Since 1956, Cécile Mahoney has held many offices with the Catholic Women's League of Canada at the parish and diocesan levels. She has also contributed enormously to her community. For 20 years, she has been recording secretary and substitute driver for Meals on Wheels and, since 1976, she has performed many volunteer roles at the Father Dowd Home, a long-term care residence. Among many other activities, she organizes transportation for residents to go to medical and hospital appointments. Her patient, warm and gentle manner helps to improve the quality of life of those who can no longer care for themselves. Lise Marin-Pelletier, Laval, Quebec At the tender age of 14, when she joined the Scouts and Guiding movement, Lise Marin-Pelletier promised to devote herself to the well-being of others and of the community. After 32 years of uninterrupted service in Guiding, she now serves as secretary of the Girl Guide Alumni. Ms. Marin-Pelletier has always had a flair for organizing, and these talents have benefited the community throughout the years. Brunches, rallies, conferences, contests, workshops, outings and the various projects she organizes for youth, crippled children and the elderly are designed to "bring out the best in kids", which is the motto of the Orchidées de Laval Optimist Club of which she has been a member since 1987. Ms. Marin-Pelletier continues to work for a number of organizations in order to bring enjoyment and happiness to all. Janet Catherine Masson, Beaconsfield, Quebec Catherine Masson has been a tireless volunteer since 1976 with the St. Anne and District Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses, taking care of terminally ill patients. In 1984, as a direct result of a study she carried out, the VON began a palliative hospice care service for the residents of West Island, where she now coordinates over 300 volunteers. Ten years of determined lobbying led to the opening of the West Island Palliative Care Residence where she offers vital training and support to more than 100 volunteers. Over the past 40 years, she has also volunteered with a variety of community and church organizations, but it is those in need at the end of their life who have benefited the most from Mrs. Masson's vision, commitment, professionalism and compassion. Marie Louise Poland, Ottawa, Ontario Marie Louise Poland has volunteered her time with several organizations in Ottawa, and 2004 marked Mrs. Poland's 20th anniversary of service with Volunteer Ottawa as an interviewer. With genuine empathy, she carefully matched the skills and interests of prospective volunteers with the diverse needs of the community, ensuring that each request was filled with the right volunteer. With her warm and kind manner, Mrs. Poland welcomed many new Canadians, made the volunteering process understandable to them, gave them a chance to gain work experience, and, ultimately, helped them to settle in and learn the ways of their adopted country. Jeannine Renaud, Gatineau, Quebec Rain or snow, Jeannine Renaud is always on time for the bus that takes her to the Centre Hospitalier de Gatineau, where she brings a ray of sunshine to the patients. Since 1985, she has organized the hospital bingo, arts and crafts and all special activities. She helps seniors and patients in many different ways, such as helping them with meals and driving them to activities. Her comforting presence and contagious sense of humour have a therapeutic effect on everyone. She occasionally lends a hand with Meals on Wheels or the Soupière de l'Amitié, and since 1984 has also performed volunteer work for the family services of the St. René Goupil parish. Ms. Renaud is much appreciated and admired by her community and by those who know her. Kiyoshi Shimizu, Ottawa, Ontario Kiyoshi Shimizu has worked diligently since 1986 with Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada, in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria, and even introduced the concept in Japan. Abbeyfield Canada is a non-profit organization that helps establish family-sized homes where seniors can retain their autonomy but receive the assistance and companionship they need. She has also helped establish the Momiji Health Care Society in Toronto, serving seniors of Japanese descent, and the Victoria Foundation, which funds community projects. All across Canada, many communities have benefited from Mrs. Shimizu's wisdom and generosity. Richard W. F. Tasker, Ottawa, Ontario For 25 years, Richard Tasker has gone far beyond his role as janitor of a condominium. He drives residents to hospital, drops off meals and accompanies those who need help on errands. He has befriended a number of elderly and isolated residents and supports them in time of grief. Over the past 10 years, he has forged a bond with a young autistic girl, and has volunteered his time to help her and to provide moral support to her mother. In addition, he has organized Christmas food drives for 15 years and has given daily care to friends dying of AIDS. His kindness, compassion and generous nature help ease the lives of those around him. Kathleen Walker, Ottawa, Ontario Over 35 years ago in Regina, Kathleen Walker raised funds to establish a family care clinic. After moving to Ottawa, she sponsored refugee families and eased their entry into Canadian society. Since 1991, her focus has been the Good Companions Seniors Centre in Ottawa, a multi-service facility helping seniors to stay fit, creative and self-sufficient. She transformed the Centre's woodworking program, and has contributed extensively to the arts and crafts program. To raise money, Mrs. Walker has organized numerous events, including bazaars and a musical performance. Her enthusiasm and devotion touch the lives of the Good Companions' seniors every day. |
