National Volunteer Week - Day 3

Their Excellencies then met with volunteers from Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers, a non-profit charitable social enterprise dedicated to providing comfort through the making, sharing and donating of soup.

Students explained the purpose of their projects and the positive impact it has on their communities and their lives.

"The volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa are making their own waves. I can’t help but be swept up by your enthusiasm. When we give, it causes a ripple effect, impacting not only those we help, but also those who are looking for a way to give. In other words, giving leads to more giving. That’s why it’s important to share your stories, and why it’s important to celebrate your generosity. That’s what we’re doing here today," said His Excellency.

As patron of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Canada, the Governor General attended the Big Shout Out, the BBBS of Ottawa's annual volunteer appreciation awards ceremony, where 50 volunteers were recognized for their outstanding work in the community. He was joined by (right to left, first row) Didier Jolivet and his brother Cédric, who were accompanied by their Big Brothers (right to left, second row) Stéphane and Samuel.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston participated in a discussion with current as well as former students from the Collège catholique Samuel-Genest involved in the Changer ma communauté (Changing my Community) project. Launched 11 years ago, Changer ma communauté helps students develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility towards others. Students base their projects on themes related to community life: leisure, education, poverty, health, environment, violence, and family.

Each month, hundreds of people come together across Canada to produce over 10 000 servings of fresh soup for women, children and youth in crisis. Since its inception in March 2009, the organization has delivered over half a million servings of soup to residential shelters across the country; over 20 000 Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers participants are currently registered with the program.

Her Excellency labelled the soup she made.

Their Excellencies participated in a group discussion over lunch, about the ripple effects of volunteerism, and heard testimonials from representatives of Interval House and Oshiki Kizis Lodge who benefit directly from Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers.

Their Excellencies donned aprons and put their culinary skills to the test as they help make soup.

Official photo of Their Excellencies with students and coordinators of the Changer ma communauté project.

Following the discussion, Their Excellencies, in the presence of Réal Charrette, Principal of the Collège catholique Samuel-Genest (right), presented the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to two deserving recipients. Known for their unifying spirit and initiative, Henri Babin and Thérèse Desautels go above and beyond their professional duties. They have dedicated countless hours of their time to give young people in their school community an extraordinary volunteer experience through the “Changer ma communauté” project. By organizing volunteer opportunities, they are helping hundreds of youths to get involved and to use their talents, be it organizing suppers for the less fortunate or giving of their time to multiple partner organizations in the community.

BBBSO’s mission is to foster, facilitate and support volunteer-based mentoring programs for children in need. As Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, it facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and as Canadian citizens.