• Awarded on: December 4, 2003

Joan Murray, Merigomish, Nova Scotia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

A retired nurse, Joan Murray volunteers her considerable skills and energy to help elderly and isolated people throughout her large rural community. With kindness, she listens to their problems and offers words of encouragement. Mrs. Murray administers injections, dresses wounds and provides advice about medications or assistance to new mothers. In cases requiring medical attention, she helps make the appointment and provides transportation if necessary. As well, she shares produce from her small farm with needy families. Many elderly people are able to live independently because of Mrs. Murray's constant availability and attentive care.