Meritorious Service Cross

• Awarded on: September 26, 2002
• Invested on: November 26, 2004

Susan Jill Sampson, M.S.C., Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Meritorious Service Cross (civil division)

In 1995, Dr. Jill Sampson founded Poco a Poco, or "little by little", after becoming aware of the urgent and obvious need of Guatemala’s poorest citizens for improved medical, surgical and dental care. Through this organization, she has collected and overseen periodic shipments of an impressive quantity of medication, equipment and medical supplies to Guatemala and made travel arrangements for the approximately 150 volunteer doctors, surgeons, dentists and nurses she recruits annually. In addition to providing essential care, these professionals train Guatemalan doctors to help them improve the care they dispense. Dr. Sampson's dedication and her exceptional qualities in the area of public relations bring honour to her profession and to Canada.