Inaugural Presentation Ceremony of the Medal for Volunteers

The Governor General presided over the inaugural presentation ceremony of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers at Rideau Hall. The new medal was presented to 55 Canadians to recognize exceptional volunteer achievements in a wide range of fields.

Over the past five years, Emily Albert (Greenwood, Nova Scotia) has made a difference in her community through fundraising and volunteering initiatives that have helped foster opportunity and equality. She has been engaged in helping veterans, working with local food banks and food drives, assisting with holiday and Remembrance Day events, and advocating for inclusivity and greater multiculturalism as a student ambassador at Mount Saint Vincent University.

“I’m delighted to recognize some of Canada’s most caring individuals with the inaugural presentation of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers,” said the Governor General. “Each recipient was nominated for the medal from within their community, making this celebration a wonderful reflection of generosity across Canada during National Volunteer Week.”

Their Excellencies are pictured with the first 55 recipients of the new Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.

A volunteer for over 30 years, Richard Wood (Moncton, New Brunswick) has been a member of many organizations and community groups that have greatly impacted the quality of life in the Greater Moncton Region. He always takes a leadership role with any group that he volunteers with, and since 2006, he has been a member of the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame Inc. and volunteers his time at the car shows.

Margarete White (Whitehorse, Yukon) has given more than 25 years of volunteer service to the Yukon Curling Association and to Yukon Athletics. She is recognized for her participation as a head official, timer, event organizer and cheerleader. Her devotion and efforts have led to the success of Whitehorse’s athletic community, where she has provided local athletes with opportunities to learn and grow.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Sue Quon (Edmonton, Alberta) has advanced the arts in Edmonton by volunteering for multiple theatre companies. From usher to board member, she has taken on many responsibilities that have contributed to each theatre’s success and has provided innumerable opportunities to young actors.

Winston Pitcher (Burin Bay Arm, Newfoundland) has been a dedicated member and president of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary-Newfoundland and Labrador for over 25 years, providing search and rescue assistance to the Coast Guard. He has been instrumental in organizing first aid courses and water training sessions for members, and has been a national representative for the Auxiliary at home and abroad.

For more than 18 years, Inge Kelly (Ottawa, Ontario) has been providing compassionate support to patients in palliative care. She volunteers over 40 hours per week at the Ottawa Mission’s Diane Morrison Hospice and the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice, where she provides loving care to those dying without family or home, helping them live out their final days in dignity and comfort.

Throughout his high school years, Jorden Hill (Winnipeg, Manitoba) took it upon himself, with the assistance of a school teacher, to plan and execute his school and community Remembrance Day services. He has also volunteered with elementary schools during science and heritage fairs and other school activities, as well as with a variety of organizations in his community, namely Winnipeg Harvest, a non-profit, community-based organization that is a food distribution and training centre.

For over 50 years, Sergeant Garth Hampson (Ottawa, Ontario) has been a community leader, providing his voice and musical talents to such organizations as the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the RCMP Charity Ball and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, in addition to other community-building initiatives. His efforts have facilitated bridge-building with Aboriginal peoples throughout Canada and have supported many valuable charities and programs.

Since 1990, Anne Du Sault (Montréal, Quebec) has dedicated herself to HOPE Worldwide, an international charity geared at helping the poor and needy. As the director of HOPE’s Montréal chapter, she established partnerships with local soup kitchens and schools, and distributes food baskets and classroom supplies to underprivileged families.

Raymond Currie (Fort Smith, Northwest Territories) is best known for his volunteer work at the Northern Life Museum. For over 40 years, he catalogued and organized the museum’s holdings, and educated the public by bringing the area’s local history to life. He has also dedicated his time to St. Joseph’s Cathedral and to Fort Smith’s ambulance service.

As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, created in 1995 by then-governor general the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc. The Medal builds on the legacy and spirit of the Caring Canadian Award by honouring the dedication and commitment of volunteers.