National Volunteer Week - Day 1

Canadians had the opportunity to join His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, in an hour-long, live Twitter session to talk about the unexpected bonuses of volunteering.

Corinne Zagerman (Ottawa, Ontario) has dedicated much of her life to the health and well-being of the people of Ottawa. A volunteer with The Ottawa Hospital and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation for over 61 years, she is known for her work with the Canadian Mental Health Association, for her leadership on the Foundation Board, and for her successes as a fundraiser.

A long-time volunteer with The Ottawa Hospital, Hélène Robillard (Ottawa, Ontario) sits on the board of the Riverside Hospital Auxiliary, of which she was a former president. She has also been involved in fundraising activities and with running the coffee shop. She is known for her outstanding dedication to making the hospital a world-class organization.

A volunteer at The Ottawa Hospital since 2008, Pagah Mirzakhalili (Ottawa, Ontario) is a patient ambassador as well as a team leader at the Cancer Centre. She provides guidance and encouragement to the volunteer teams she manages, and serves as a model of dedication to others.

Since 2003, Lynda Laberge (Orléans, Ontario) has been using her customer service skills to support The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre. Whether she is working in the coffee shop or helping out with special events at the centre, her excellent communication and interpersonal skills have made people feel welcomed.

An active philanthropist and community fundraiser for more than 20 years, Steve Kaminski (Kanata, Ontario) has been a key member of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s board of directors. His vision and strong understanding of finances have been instrumental in developing a successful strategic approach to fundraising in support of research.

A key leadership figure in the City of Ottawa, Jim Durrell (Ottawa, Ontario) has always made time to support charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army and United Way Ottawa. At The Ottawa Hospital, he has co-chaired the annual President’s Breakfast and has inspired many others to join as volunteers.

Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, offered welcoming remarks.

As part of National Volunteer Week, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to 16 volunteers from The Ottawa Hospital and its Foundation during a ceremony on April 13, 2015. Created 20 years ago, the 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.

Official photo of Mrs. Johnston with the 16 recipients of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award.

By using the hashtag #GGDJ, participants engaged in an online conversation with the Governor General on the power of giving and its benefits. The Twitter session was done in collaboration with Volunteer Canada.

Following the ceremony, Mrs. Johnston personally thanked the recipients for their commitment and dedication.