Visit to Sault Ste. Marie - Day 1

Upon their arrival in Sault Ste. Marie, Their Excellencies were greeted by city officials. The Governor General inspected a Quarter Guard of the 49th Field Artillery.

Their Excellencies visited the Art Gallery of Algoma to see an exhibition of works from the Roberta Bondar Foundation. The Foundation responds to the recognized need within society to educate and improve knowledge of the environment in a way that stimulates interest, excitement, creativity, responsibility, and for some, the desire for study in this area.

Chuck Vernelli has been involved with the Sault Ste. Marie Military Family Support Group ever since his son was killed while deployed in Afghanistan. Since that time, he has never refused a request for assistance, including driving to Toronto to participate in Highway of Heroes processions and putting up yellow ribbons in support of our troops. He has volunteered on committees for two golf tournaments: Red Friday Golf Fun Day and Algoma Family Services’ Golf for Kids. A retired teacher, he has also been active in planning and raising funds for a new playground—which will be named after his son—and has established an annual bursary for the most outstanding grade 8 student at Queen Elizabeth Public School.

Jean Wyatt has made an outstanding contribution to her community. She volunteers with such organizations as the Alzheimer Society, VON Hospice and the Royal Canadian Legion. She is part of the Red Cross Emergency Response Team and has been deployed for domestic disaster management several times. Ms. Wyatt was also a “Singing Santa” for several years, visiting seniors homes and hospitals. Today, in her capacity as branch council president of the Red Cross, she has been able to bring attention to the needs of seniors and to underscore the contributions that they can provide to their communities

Diane Marshall has enriched the community of Sault Ste. Marie through her volunteer work. She has devoted her time to countless charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the United Way, the Council for Exceptional Children and the Sault Area Hospital Board. As a Rotary Club volunteer, Ms. Marshall travelled to India at her own expense to participate in a polio eradication and immunization program. Closer to home, she developed the Rotaryfest Kids’ Zone, recruiting, scheduling and training hundreds of volunteers. She co-ordinated the local Christmas Cheer program, which provides Christmas baskets to over 1 800 local families each year. Most recently, she was the vice-chair of the Scottie's Tournament of Hearts held in Sault Ste. Marie in 2010.

Following his remarks, the Governor General presented thee Caring Canadian Award to three deserving volunteers.

The Governor General delivered remarks alongside the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, and Dr. Roberta Bondar, O.C., O. Ont., the Celebrate 100! Honorary Community Ambassador.

Their Excellencies were honored guests at the 100th anniversary ceremony of Sault Ste. Marie. Their Excellencies unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Their Excellencies addressed Rotarians on the occasion of a special lunch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their city. They talked about the importance of family and community and reflected on their personal experiences growing up in Sault Ste. Marie

Their Excellencies also met with residents of Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence.

Their Excellencies visited the Collegiate Heights Retirement Residence, which was built on the site of their former high school. During the visit, they viewed some memorabilia of their former high school on display in the residence.

Their Excellencies then met with Her Worship Debbie Amaroso, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie.

During the official welcoming ceremony, young Adaira Diotte gave flowers to Her Excellency.

This tree was there when they were high school students.