Visit to Newfoundland and Labrador - Day 2

In Corner Brook, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, delivered the opening address at the Community-University (CU) Expo 2013: Engaging Shared Worlds.

As patron of the Community Foundations of Canada, His Excellency attended the launch of Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador's (CFNL) Smart & Caring Community Fund held at Marguerite’s Place in St. John’s. CFNL is a unique registered charity. The foundation’s goal is to help people from all walks of life support the causes they feel are priorities in their communities and their province. To achieve this goal, CFNL pools and invests the gifts of many donors to create permanent endowment funds for communities in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Governor General then headed over to the École élémentaire Beachy Cove Elementary School in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s. He was joined by Their Honours the Honourable Frank F. Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Mrs. Patricia Fagan.

His Excellency, His Honour and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, launched a new smartphone application to enhance family engagement with the school.

Marie Ryall - St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: For over 25 years, Marie Ryall has served her community by taking part in numerous fundraising campaigns benefitting the hospitals in her region. Her good humour and energy have also made her a welcome presence for seniors at the centres in her region, who credit her with brightening their day.

George Herbert Powell - St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: With exemplary determination and perseverance, George Herbert Powell has donated his time to various causes for over 26 years. Notably, he has assisted refugees and new residents in his region, organized St. John’s Festival 500, and helped out in seniors’ residences.

Julianne and Rachel Moss - Portugal Cove-St. Philip's, Newfoundland and Labrador: Since 2009, Julianne and Rachel Moss have raised funds to support the Janeway Children’s Health & Rehabilitation Centre. When Rachel broke her leg at age four, the two sisters determined they would give back to the institution that had helped her recover. Starting with a goal of raising $100 by selling homemade bracelets, they have since raised $30 000. Their creations now include magnets, snowman pins, Christmas ornaments, hair clips and much more.

Father Michael Horlick - St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: Known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to his community, Father Horlick has supported veterans and their families for several years by organizing commemorative ceremonies honouring Canadian heroes. With great compassion, Father Horlick has regularly visited veterans in their homes, in hospitals and in palliative care centres for veterans.

During his visit, His Excellency also presented the Governor General’s Canadian Caring Award to six deserving recipients. Todd Churchill - St. Philip's, Newfoundland and Labrador: Todd Churchill is committed to supporting the organizations that help his son Carter, who has cerebral palsy and is hearing-impaired. He raised funds by renting out the full-size hockey rink in his backyard, featuring side boards, nets and lights, which he built himself. The initiative, dubbed Reason for the Rink, became a huge success, raising both awareness and funding for the Mazol Shriners, Easter Seals of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Rainbow Raiders therapeutic riding program.

His Excellency spoke and displayed a drawing of Eddy, the vice-regal lion and the Eduzone mascot, created by a student. Eduzone is an online tool designed for teachers, educators and students across Canada. It provides educational and multimedia resources which will help in learning more about the governor general’s role and the history of this position.

The students performed a musical piece in honour of his visit.

The Governor General's speech was followed by a question period with the audience. CU Expo is a Canadian-led international conference designed to showcase the best practices in community-university partnerships worldwide, and to create opportunities for innovative and successful collaborations which strengthen our communities. This event is a joint initiative of Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the City of Corner Brook, with support from the Provincial Office of Public Engagement.

He spoke on the unique potential of post-secondary institutions and communities to bring about social change through partnerships and co-operation.

Leading up to 2017, community foundations across Canada are answering the Governor General’s call to service to connect the country by establishing Smart & Caring Community Funds across Canada. The funds will give communities the flexibility they need to take advantage of local opportunities, and to help make them the smart and caring places they can become.