Visit to Calgary

The conference theme, Momentum 2011: A Celebration of Community Action, was aimed at celebrating the growing momentum across Canada for building strong and inclusive communities that create a greater quality of life for everyone. The three-day conference facilitated networking, discussion and learning on major issues facing Canadian communities and the United Way of Canada Movement.

TThe Military Museums is home to the largest tri-service museum in Western Canada and is the second-largest military museum in Canada next to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The Military Museums consist of seven distinct museums and galleries including the Naval, Army and Air Force Museums of Alberta, the four regimental army museums, and The Military Museums Library and Archives (University of Calgary), in addition to The Founders’ Gallery.

The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada was also given a tour of The Military Museum's Naval Museum of Alberta, by Honorary Captain (N) Bill Wilson.

The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada was given a tour of The Military Museums' King's Own Calgary Regiment Museum, by Mr. Al Judson.

Following his speech, the Governor General was thanked by two student volunteers.

"We must also take the time—as parents, as siblings, as teachers, as a society—to ignite and hand over the flame of giving. Think of this exercise as the Olympic volunteer torch relay. By passing the flame from one torch to the next, by passing on the importance of giving from one generation, one community, to the next, we are ensuring that young people understand this vital part of our country", said the Governor General.

The Governor General visited the Volunteer Calgary Library, which offers a broad selection of lending materials and reference resources, including volunteer management materials and other information to help non-profit organizations in their day-to-day operations. There are more than 3 600 books, periodicals, kits, audio CDs and DVDs available, covering a wide range of topics.

The Governor General, patron of United Way of Canada, delivered a keynote speech at the organization’s 2011 national conference.

During his visit to Volunteer Calgary, the Governor General had the opportunity to congratulate the 12 recipients of the organization’s Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions by volunteers in their communities. Tallulah, a Labradoodle, received the Volunteer Animal Award as the first canine co-therapist in the Alberta Health Services network. She has visited with seniors and helped children learn to read through the Story Pals program. Tulullah is currently involved in couple and family therapy sessions. Her calming presence, coupled with her enthusiasm and empathetic stance, make Tulullah a valued member of her multidisciplinary team.

Jocelyn Davis, winner of the Leader of Tomorrow Award, spoke about her experiences and the importance of volunteering.

Volunteer Calgary has been helping people get involved in the community for over half a century. Its membership comprises over 450 organizations that need volunteers to complete their work. Volunteer Calgary provides a critical link between these organizations and people who wish to donate their time to enrich the community.

The Governor General met with members of Volunteer Calgary to highlight remarkable work done by Canadians during National Volunteer Week. In this photo: His Excellency, with Ms. Carol Hauser of Volunteer Calgary.

The Governor General also visited the Air Force Museum of Alberta.