Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: April 5, 2016
- Invested on: November 25, 2016
In 2004, Ted van der Zalm founded Wells of Hope to provide underserved areas in Guatemala with access to clean water, education and basic health care. Thanks to his commitment and compassion, more than 50 000 people in the communities of Jalapa and Jutiapa now have access to 12 new wells, 15 new schools and dental care. What is more, hundreds of Canadians have joined the Wells of Hope Mission Experience volunteer program to help people in developing countries.