Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 1996-02-07
Invested on: 1996-09-13
Edwin Roger Forde, M.S.M., Montreal, Que.
Edward Nurse, M.S.M., Montreal, Que.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
Messrs. Forde and Nurse, teachers at Shadd Academy in Montreal, developed alternative programs for students with learning and behavioural problems. They have also played key roles in organizing numerous community events and fund-raisers. In 1987, they began an innovative anti-drinking and driving program, providing high school students with a quarter to call for a ride home on graduation night. As a result of their efforts, award-winning public service announcements have appeared on television and on radio in support of this venture, which has now spread to communities throughout Canada and abroad.