Caring Canadian Award Presentation Ceremony

At eight years of age, Justin Bessette (Prévost, Quebec) became a spokesperson for Héma-Québec. Living with an illness that requires frequent blood transfusions, he has raised public awareness of the importance of giving blood, inspiring numerous others to do the same. He has also helped to improve the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre waiting room through his fundraising efforts.

"In the past year, more than 250 Canadians have received the Caring Canadian Award," said His Excellency. "And each recipient, yourselves included, has long recognized that part of a rewarding, fulfilling, meaningful life is supporting one another willingly and unselfishly. And when they do so—when you do so—change happens. Like a ripple in a pond, your good deeds radiate outwards, affecting not only the people you help, but also others who may see your dedication and think that they, too, would like to help someone. That is the impact you have, that is the power of a volunteer. And that is why we need to recognize your efforts."

When Wesley Prankard (Niagara Falls, Ontario) learned that the children of Attawapiskat did not have a safe place to play, he decided to take action. He mobilized his community through fundraising and outreach, and the Attawapiskat playground was completed three years later, on his 13th birthday. First Nations communities in the James Bay area credit him with bringing them more than just playgrounds—he brought hope and happiness to children and adults alike.

In 1993, Michel Loiselle (Saint-Boniface and Winnipeg, Manitoba) founded the Compagnie de La Vérendrye, a historic re-enactment society dedicated to commemorating the story of Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de La Vérendrye, and his explorations of the Canadian prairies in the mid-18th century. The organization also promotes French-Canadian heritage, in part through its involvement in Manitoba’s school programs and in community activities, such as the annual clean-up of La Vérendrye Park.

Rose Larouche (Gatineau, Quebec), nicknamed “Madame Toutou,” gives of her time and talent to benefit her community. She works hard throughout the year with a view to bringing smiles to children’s faces during the holiday season. She touches up, refreshes, repairs and washes the stuffed animals she collects, knowing that children need a bit of softness in their lives. Over the past 15 years, she has retouched over 2 000 stuffed animals, which were then handed out by Santa Claus, through the Soupière de l’Amitié de Gatineau.

Roy Hysen (Mississauga, Ontario) has been a leader and role model in the deaf community for more than 27 years. He founded the Canadian Hearing Impaired Hockey Association in 1983, which is now called the Canadian Deaf Ice Hockey Federation (CDIHF). He has dedicated himself to the CDIHF and to deaf ice hockey at the international level, serving in such roles as executive team director of the 2013 Canada Deaf National Hockey Team.

Carolyn Francis (Kensington, Prince Edward Island) is committed to connecting her province with people in developing countries. As an educator, she has been closely involved in exchanges between Canada and Uganda that help girls stay in school, as well as a twinning program that links schools in Kenya with those in Prince Edward Island. She also served on the board of the Kensington Recreational Association and Camp Abegweit.

Ross Findlater (Whitehorse, Yukon) has worked tirelessly in support of those affected by poverty, mental illness or homelessness. He has been a major force behind the creation of several charitable organizations in Yukon, notably the Whitehorse United Way, the Yukon Volunteer Bureau and the Whitehorse Community Gardens. On a personal level, he is known as someone people can turn to when they need help.

Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character.

On the occasion of National Volunteer Week, His Excellency presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to 26 volunteers from various sectors during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on April 25, 2013.

For over 50 years, Italo Tiezzi (Ottawa, Ontario) has been at the heart of his Italian-Canadian community. He helped found and lead the Dante Alighieri Society of Ottawa, in support of Italian culture. He was president of an Italian business association and a key figure in the success of Ottawa’s Italian Week festival. He has also been engaged in the wider community, as a founder of the Ottawa Junior Humane Society, a supporter of the Ottawa University Heart Institute and a director of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.