Media Advisory - Governor General to Present Medal for Volunteers

OTTAWA, Sept. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers to 46 exceptional volunteers from Canada's Capital Region at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at 1:30 p.m.

The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the remarkable volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers incorporates and replaces the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. The Medal builds on the legacy and spirit of the Caring Canadian Award by honouring the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

The ceremony schedule, the list of recipients and their citations, and a fact sheet are attached.
For more information about the program or to nominate an exceptional volunteer, visit caring.gg.ca.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance with the Rideau Hall Press Office, and must arrive at the Princess Anne Entrance no later than 1:15 p.m. on the day of the ceremony.

CEREMONY SCHEDULE

1:30 p.m.:	Ceremony begins
	Remarks by the Governor General
	Governor General presents the Medal for Volunteers
2:30 p.m.:	Ceremony ends
2:45 p.m.:	Media interviews with recipients

RECIPIENTS

Allison Adam	Stittsville, Ont.
Sean Adams	Cornwall, Ont.
Marnie Armstrong	Ottawa, Ont.
Joffre Bélanger	Vanier, Ont.
Roy Berlinquette	Navan, Ont.
Michael Braham	Kanata, Ont.
Jatinder Chadha	Nepean, Ont.
Mai-yu Chan	Ottawa, Ont.
Paul Chapman	Gloucester, Ont.
Evan Collier	Leduc, Alta. and Rockland, Ont.
Gerard "Gerry" Doré	Ottawa, Ont.
Don Flynn	Ottawa, Ont.
Ann Frederking	Ottawa, Ont.
Lyette Gauvin	Ottawa, Ont.
Ronald Goebel	Carleton Place, Ont.
Evelyn Greenberg	Ottawa, Ont.
Joseph James Healy	Ottawa, Ont.
Ronald Henderson	Ottawa, Ont.
Ian E. Jackson	Ottawa, Ont.
Amy Johnston	Ottawa, Ont.
Gérald A. G. Lajeunesse	Ottawa, Ont.
Gilles LeVasseur	Ottawa, Ont.
Ronald "Alex" Lewis	Carleton Place, Ont.
Judy Logan	Ottawa, Ont.
Brenton MacDonald	Ottawa, Ont.
Frederick A. McAleer	Nepean, Ont.
Mary McAllister	Ottawa, Ont.
Archibald "Archie" McQueen	Ottawa, Ont.
Glenn Mooney	Greely, Ont.
Pam Mooney	Greely, Ont.
Norman Morrison	Ottawa, Ont.
Brady Poirier	Ottawa, Ont.
Louis Poirier	Cheticamp, N.S. and Ottawa, Ont.
Betty Ann Pollock	Kanata, Ont.
Bruce Poulin	Vanier, Ont.
Ferzana Qadri	Stittsville, Ont.
Theresa Qadri	Stittsville, Ont.
Robert "Bob" D. Rainboth	Ottawa, Ont.
Linda Joyce Schumacher	Stittsville, Ont.
Ernest Reginald Spiller	Cornwall, Ont.
Mary Sweeney	Ottawa, Ont.
Eléanore Talbot	Gatineau, Que.
Robert Taylor	Ottawa, Ont.
Carole Valiquette	Orléans, Ont.
Gary Walkling	Ottawa, Ont.
Michael Wilson	Ottawa, Ont.

RECIPIENTS' CITATIONS

Allison Adam
Stittsville, Ontario

Allison Adam has been assisting citizens both young and old in her community for over 17 years through the St. John Paul II elementary school, Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the Stittsville Food Bank. Her efforts have helped increase accessibility to food and nutritional resources as well as to various social services.

Sean Adams
Cornwall, Ontario

Over the past 30 years, Sean Adams has volunteered his time and leadership to numerous local organizations that seek to improve the lives of others. The United Way, the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the Children's Treatment Centre have all benefited from his support.

Marnie Armstrong
Ottawa, Ontario

Fifty-seven years ago, Marnie Armstrong began volunteering in the maternity ward at The Ottawa Hospital's Civic Campus and has since donated her time to the hospital's Heart Institute. Her comfort, aid and direction have facilitated a healing environment and a welcoming atmosphere for thousands of  patients.

Joffre Bélanger
Vanier, Ontario

Joffre Bélanger has been a leader in ensuring the growth and vitality of his community; of note, he spearheaded the project to change the name of the town of Eastview to Vanier in honour of former governor general Georges P. Vanier. Over the years, he has been involved with the Club Optimiste, the Club 60 de Vanier and the Cercle de l'Amitié; he founded the Centre d'accueil Champlain; and now, at 100 years of age, he continues to volunteer his time in his parish.

Roy Berlinquette
Navan, Ontario

For nearly 15 years, Roy Berlinquette has been dedicated to developing and managing the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery within Beechwood Cemetery. He has been instrumental in coordinating the growth and formal recognition of the designated area, in implementing the area's commemorative features, including the Memorial Wall, and in providing a place to honour the memory of RCMP officers and their families.

Michael Braham
Kanata, Ontario

Michael Braham began volunteering in 2008 as an interpreter at the Diefenbunker Museum, lending his experience and historical knowledge to help bring the Cold War facility to life. Always willing to help, he has represented the museum at trade shows, performed public outreach, helped develop health and safety policies, and engaged with media on the organization's behalf.

Jatinder Chadha
Nepean, Ontario

Since 2009, Jatinder Chadha has showcased Ottawa's South Asian and Indo-Canadian communities through the television program "Desi Ottawa". He also created Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) Ottawa, which offers medical care and social support in a culturally sensitive setting.

Mai-yu Chan
Ottawa, Ontario

Since 2003, Mai-yu Chan has dedicated both time and resources to the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, inspiring volunteers and visitors alike through creative programs involving the institution's art exhibitions and Regeneration Hall. She has also served as a board member, director and chair of the Membership Committee.

Paul Chapman
Gloucester, Ontario

A devoted teacher, Paul Chapman is known for going beyond his professional responsibilities and reaching out to at-risk students on his own time. He provides them with athletic development opportunities, mentorship, counselling and moral support.

Evan Collier
Leduc, Alberta and Rockland, Ontario

Since the age of six, Evan Collier has dedicated himself to encouraging leadership, well-being and safety in others. He has been involved with the RCMP Stetsons and Spurs, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program and the Canadian Cadets Organization. He also assists with local victim services, in addition to speaking with school groups about safety and policing.

Gerard "Gerry" Doré
Ottawa, Ontario

For over 17 years, Gerry Doré has sought to improve the care received by veterans through the Royal Canadian Legion. He works with the Outreach and Visitation Initiative and as a member of the Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, where he raises awareness of Indigenous peoples' contributions to our military history.

Don Flynn
Ottawa, Ontario

Don Flynn has been a leader for more than 35 years with Scouts Canada and, most recently, with the Parkdale Food Centre. As chair of the food bank, he has facilitated the expansion of the organization's services and programs, helped engage stakeholders and created a welcoming environment at the centre's new location.

Ann Frederking
Ottawa, Ontario

As a founder and board member of the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard, Ann Frederking has helped the organization meet the needs of the community head-on, notably by coordinating and training volunteers. Her efforts have provided underprivileged individuals with access to proper nutrition.

Lyette Gauvin
Ottawa, Ontario

For the past 30 years, Lyette Gauvin has served homemade cakes and tea to patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Maurice Grimes Lodge. Her kindness, support and compassion are deeply appreciated by all, as is her positive outlook on life.

Ronald Goebel
Carleton Place, Ontario

Ronald Goebel has distinguished himself through his commitment to preserving heritage in his community for over 20 years. He has chaired the Twin City Committee between Carleton Place and Comrie, Scotland; chaired his community's Remembrance Day organizing committee; led the restoration of the local cenotaph; and chaired the Pipe Band Tattoo Committee for over
15 years.

Evelyn Greenberg
Ottawa, Ontario

For over four decades, Evelyn Greenberg has been bringing her talent as a pianist to retirement homes, hospitals and palliative care facilities, and helping out with community events to benefit young musicians and promote classical music. Notably, she visits with and entertains the elderly residents of Hillel Lodge and the Ottawa Jewish community.

Joseph James Healy
Ottawa, Ontario

Although Joseph Healy has been involved in several community organizations and activities for many years, one of his greatest achievements is the creation and administration of the National RCMP Graves Inspection and Maintenance Information Website. His dedication to this initiative continues to bring honour to the RCMP and to Canada.

Ronald Henderson
Ottawa, Ontario

Ronald Henderson has been a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 593 for over 35 years, where he has served in a number of executive roles. His contributions range from assisting with building repairs to participating in branch activities, notably the Poppy Campaign. He also volunteers with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.

Ian E. Jackson
Ottawa, Ontario

Since retiring from the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology in 1987, Ian Jackson has volunteered his time, knowledge and skills to advance and maintain the organization's displays. In 2005, he began reconstructing the museum's steam engine that was acquired from the decommissioned Canadian Coast Guard Ship C.P. Edwards, and assisted with the ongoing maintenance of the 1201 steam locomotive.

Amy Johnston
Ottawa, Ontario

Since 2009, Amy Johnston has been an adaptive ski instructor with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing. She has also served as a patient ambassador with the Canadian Cancer Society and is currently involved with Media Action Média, specifically the Ask Women Anything speaker series.

Gérald A. G.Lajeunesse
Ottawa, Ontario

Gérald Lajeunesse has shared his expertise and design sense as a landscape architect with several municipalities. He is also a member of the board and jury member of Communities in Bloom, and is involved in the Scouting movement.

Gilles LeVasseur
Ottawa, Ontario

Gilles LeVasseur has been volunteering for over 25 years, dedicating himself to helping those less fortunate, youth, seniors, veterans, women and the dying. He gives of his time and energy to professional associations and orders, community associations and social functions.

Ronald "Alex" Lewis
Carleton Place, Ontario

Alex Lewis' desire to volunteer and to be involved in the community has long been a constant element in his daily activities. He has given of his time to numerous causes and organizations, including Cadets Canada, Do It For Daron, the National Capital Area Crime Stoppers and Camp No Limits, to name but a few.

Judy Logan
Ottawa, Ontario

Judy Logan has volunteered for The Ottawa Hospital since 1997, serving in many capacities with the Surgical Day Care Unit, the Information Desk, and the Volunteer Association Board as both its president and its director of student programs. Her commitment to the hospital has translated into care for patients and their families, and a more inclusive and positive experience for all parties.

BrentonMacDonald
Ottawa, Ontario

A volunteer with the RCMP Veterans' Association since 2004, Brenton MacDonald has helped build the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society over the past 15 years. Serving in various posts, he has expanded the Ottawa Hospital's Blood and Marrow Transplant Program by establishing a volunteer courier service, which has facilitated over 150 transplants, as well as by engaging and training volunteers.

Frederick A.McAleer
Nepean, Ontario

A member of the Royal Canadian Legion since 2009, Frederick McAleer has devoted countless hours to helping veterans in his community. As a long-term care surveyor, as well as a branch service officer for the past five years, he has helped hundreds of veterans apply for the services and benefits they are entitled to receive.

Mary McAllister
Ottawa, Ontario

For nearly 25 years, Mary McAllister has demonstrated compassion and sensitivity to the physical and developmental limitations of others, whether doing so independently, through the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario or with May Court Hospice. Her efforts create an atmosphere of trust and security when comforting patients and providing respite for those close to them.

Archibald "Archie" McQueen
Ottawa, Ontario

Archie McQueen has been a dedicated volunteer at Shepherds of Good Hope for the past
10 years, giving of his time 7 days a week and bringing a positive attitude and willingness to support its clients. He helps run the Evening Drop-in program and takes on various tasks, from washing dishes and wiping down tables to making conversation with the homeless.

Glenn Mooney
Greely, Ontario

In 1999, Glenn Mooney co-founded Camp Quality Eastern Ontario to provide caring support for children living with cancer and their families. For the next 15 years, he served as the camp's director and created a program that empowers and encourages its participants.

Pam Mooney
Greely, Ontario

Pam Mooney has been involved with Camp Quality Eastern Ontario for over 15 years, where she has shaped its program of empowerment, encouragement and fun for kids with cancer. It has truly been a life-changing experience for her. She is also a volunteer board member of Ottawa-Carleton Lifeskills Inc., which supports developmentally challenged adults.

Norman Morrison
Ottawa, Ontario

Norman Morrison has been actively involved in his community for more than 20 years as a long-standing Tunis Shriner and avid volunteer for various local festivals. His work with different charitable organizations has helped increase social engagement and fundraising goals, and has leveraged successes for important causes.

Brady Poirier
Ottawa, Ontario

Brady Poirier has volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross, the Royal Canadian Legion and St. John Ambulance, where he resurrected the Therapy Dog Program at his local branch. In 2007, he founded the Comrades Motorcycle Club, a non-profit group that raises funds for veteran service organizations and soldier support programs.

Louis Poirier
Cheticamp, Nova Scotia and Ottawa, Ontario

Louis Poirier has volunteered for several sports events and organizations, notably the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing. In addition to being a board member of the National Capital Division, he is one of its most qualified instructors, capable of teaching all participants regardless of their cognitive or physical disabilities.

Betty Ann Pollock
Kanata, Ontario

For over 25 years, Betty Ann Pollock has been involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638. She was a founding member and currently serves as the auxiliary's Zone G6 commander, in addition to helping with fundraisers and other branch activities, such as the annual Christmas bazaar.

Bruce Poulin
Vanier, Ontario

Over the past 30 years, Bruce Poulin has pushed for gender equality, youth development and communal well-being by volunteering with organizations like the Knights of Columbus, St. John Ambulance and Scouts Canada. In this time, he has also served as a minor league hockey coach.

Ferzana Qadri
Stittsville, Ontario

Ferzana Qadri is dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere at the Stittsville Food Bank. As its director of client services, she is dedicated to making the organization's resources more accessible to clients. From training volunteers and organizing donation drives to delivering food items, she has made a difference in her community.

Theresa Qadri
Stittsville, Ontario

As chair of the Stittsville Food Bank, Theresa Qadri has helped with food collection and distribution, expanded community education and engagement, and established a summer garden to provide clients with fresh produce. Under her guidance, the organization has become more accessible and efficient.

Robert "Bob" D. Rainboth
Ottawa, Ontario

Bob Rainboth has been volunteering in his community for 20 years, devoting countless hours to the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, the Orleans Santa Parade of Lights, the Rideau Canoe Club and the Ottawa Fire Services Band. He has also coached local hockey teams and refereed games.

Linda Joyce Schumacher
Stittsville, Ontario

For the past 16 years, Linda Schumacher has helped several organizations with fundraising, communications and event planning, as well as one-on-one support for people in need. Her efforts and dedication have led to the establishment of government-funded hospice services and improved health care access in eastern Ontario.

Ernest Reginald Spiller
Cornwall, Ontario

For more than 30 years, Ernest Spiller has been actively promoting heart health education, appreciation for local historical venues, and the exchange of horticultural information in Williamstown. His passion and commitment have yielded wonderful results that continue to  have a lasting and positive effect.

Mary Sweeney
Ottawa, Ontario

Mary Sweeney has been helping those with visual impairments for nearly 10 years with both the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Canadian Council for the Blind. Through her teaching Braille to those who have recently experienced vision loss, her advocacy, "Grad Group" and her fundraising efforts, she has given many the self-confidence and the freedom to live their lives independently.

Eléanore Talbot
Gatineau, Quebec

A dedicated volunteer with Soupe populaire St-François-de-Sales, Eléanore Talbot manages the charity's supplies and helps provide meals to 50 families facing socio-economic difficulties. Working closely with such partners as St. Vincent de Paul, she helps reduce hunger while fostering a strong sense of community.

Robert Taylor
Ottawa, Ontario

For decades, Robert Taylor has been involved in efforts to increase interfaith activity, dialogue and understanding in his community. Recently, as the co-chair of the Ottawa South sponsorship group, he helped raise $70,000 to resettle a Syrian refugee family, and has devoted countless hours to committee meetings and fundraising events.

Carole Valiquette
Orléans, Ontario

For over 19 years, Carole Valiquette has been the volunteer choir director for the École élémentaire catholique Reine-des-Bois and has taken part in numerous events for the school and community. Through the choir, she nurtures an appreciation for music, fosters creativity and self-confidence, and helps hundreds of students to develop their social skills.

Gary Walkling
Ottawa, Ontario

Since 2000, Gary Walkling has volunteered with the RCMP Veterans' Association (Ottawa Division) and the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society, where he currently serves as webmaster and treasurer. Through the Society he has been instrumental in establishing a volunteer courier service for the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the Ottawa Hospital, which has enabled 150 transplants in Ottawa alone.

Michael Wilson
Ottawa, Ontario

Michael Wilson is a businessman who is deeply engaged in volunteer-run organizations and funding for underprivileged children in his community. A board member with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, he also volunteers his time as minor hockey coach.

FACT SHEET ON THE MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields.

As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers incorporates and replaces the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, created in 1995 by then-governor general the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc. The Medal builds on the legacy and spirit of the Caring Canadian Award by honouring the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

Any person who is a Canadian citizen and who has made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad is eligible. Candidates must have demonstrated an exemplary commitment through their dedicated volunteerism. The Medal is awarded to individuals only, not to groups or couples. Non-Canadians are also eligible if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada.

Anyone can nominate a volunteer by submitting an online nomination at caring.gg.ca in a few simple steps. There is no deadline for submissions. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, administers the program and receives all nominations. Each one is carefully researched and then reviewed by an advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the governor general. The selection process is non-partisan and merit-based. Presentation ceremonies are held throughout the year, in communities across Canada.

Description of the Medal

The Medal for Volunteers consists of a silver circular medal that is 36 mm in diameter with a suspension ring. The obverse depicts a contemporary effigy of the Sovereign, circumscribed with the inscription in capital letters of the Canadian Royal Title and the word "CANADA", separated by two maple leaves.

The reverse indicates the ideas of caring and generosity, represented by two interlaced hearts. The sunburst pattern of the rim symbolizes the time that volunteers are giving and their actions. The ribbon uses the viceregal colours of blue and gold. The five gold stripes evoke the fingers of a hand, present in the Caring Canadian Award emblem, while the deep red colour is associated with royalty.

The design of the medal was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, based on a concept by Darcy DeMarsico of the Chancellery of Honours. The medal is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at its Ottawa facility. 

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Marie-Pierre Bélanger, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-9166, [email protected]; FollowGGDavidJohnston and RideauHall onFacebook and Twitter