Her Excellency Presents Caring Canadian Award

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to 10 Ottawa volunteers.

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.

The award presentation took place during a special ceremony on the occasion of the LiveWorkPlay organization’s Annual General Meeting, in Ottawa. Upon her arrival, Her Excellency was greeted by Ms. Jennifer Bosworth, Manager of Employment Supports of the organization.

Her Excellency had the chance to talk with recipients of the Caring Canadian Award. All recipients were linked to LiveWorkPlay, an Ottawa-based charitable organization that helps the community welcome people with intellectual disabilities to live, work and play as valued citizens.

"Your organization’s theory of social change contributes to a smart and caring nation. I am taken by your approach and methodology. For me, this represents an example of what can be done when “smart” and “caring” are joined together," said Her Excellency in remarks delivered on the occasion.

Her Excellency presented Mr. Andrew Bearss with a Caring Canadian Award. Mr. Bearss has volunteered tirelessly on behalf of LiveWorkPlay as an employer champion, encouraging business owners to hire people with intellectual disabilities. From his efforts alone, numerous individuals with limited prospects for employment are now happily working and contributing to the community.

Mr. Suhail Choudhary has been a volunteer with LiveWorkPlay since the summer of 2011, when he was matched with Carl, a man with an intellectual disability. He also facilitates Friday night workouts at the YMCA for groups of adults with similar disabilities. Mr. Choudhary and Carl have encouraged people to get to know one another and have created a sense of community through these gatherings. Mr. Choudhary has made a significant impact on both the LiveWorkPlay community and on Ottawa as a whole.

In addition to LiveWorkPlay, Jennifer Harris has worked with such organizations as the Furniture Bank of Ottawa, Heartwood House, the OC Transpo Lost and Found, and the Stittsville Library. She has a great attitude and friendly demeanor that makes her a natural in her volunteer roles.

Mr. Lucas Rodgers has spent most of his life helping to create a better community in Ottawa. Three times a week, he delivers hot meals to seniors throughout the city on behalf of Meals on Wheels. He knows everyone by name, and always greets them with a smile and a positive attitude. He has also volunteered at both Heartwood House and the Ottawa Food Bank.