Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: November 25, 2004
• Invested on: May 30, 2005

Lorrie Williams, M.S.M., New Westminster, British Columbia
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

After being appointed vice-principal of a rural high school in Kenya, and given the unpleasant task of expelling students who could not pay their fees, retired teacher Lorrie Williams established the Canadian Harambee Education Society (CHES) in 1985. The organization provides scholarships to underprivileged Kenyan and Tanzanian girls to attend high school. Thanks to Ms. Williams’ leadership and tireless fundraising efforts, the Canadian-based Society also supports special projects such as the construction of libraries and dormitories. Since its inception, CHES has subsidized the education of over 600 graduating students, many of whom have enrolled in university and pursued professional careers in nursing, education and engineering.