• Awarded on: November 24, 2004

Leah Gladys Daphne Richards, Change Islands, Newfoundland
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award


For Leah Richards, raising ten children on her own was only a point of departure for a lifetime of service and care for others. In 1962, she started volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross Society and, since then, has held virtually every position in the Change Islands branch of the Society, including that of president for two decades. In addition to more than 40 years with the Red Cross, she has also contributed to other organizations such as the Salvation Army, the local library board, the Disaster Committee for Change Islands and her church. To people in her community who face illness or personal difficulties, Mrs. Richards brings laughter and the comfort of her presence.