Awarded on: 2001-11-13
Joan Bolger, North Cobalt, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 45 years, Joan Bolger has volunteered tirelessly with the District School Board, the North Sunshine Women's Institute and the Royal Canadian Legion. Every week, she leads an activity called "Reminiscing" with the residents of Extendicare Tri-Town Nursing Home, and teaches crafts. She also canvasses for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Arthritis Society, the Red Shield Appeal and the Canadian Cancer Society. In 1993, Mrs. Bolger spearheaded the program "Tabs for Wheelchairs", where she organized the collection of pop can tabs that are in turn sold to raise funds. To date, her efforts have enabled the purchase of 263 wheelchairs.