Awarded on: 2003-12-04
Edna Muriel Sparkes, Beaverlodge, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For many years, Edna Sparkes has given of her talents and caring personality to her community. She has played the organ for over 40 years for weddings, funerals and other special services and directs choir performances at local senior citizens' homes. She has also volunteered in numerous organizations. Her caring activities have included helping with a breakfast club and in the Salvation Army soup kitchen. Mrs. Sparkes visits with seniors, often taking residents on lunch excursions or transporting hospital patients to medical appointments. Everywhere she goes, Mrs. Sparkes makes residents feel appreciated, respected and valued. Alzheimer patients at McKenzie Place particularly benefit from her tireless patience and compassion.