Evelyn R. Jaarsma, Houston, British Columbia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Community service has been a constant in the life of Evelyn Jaarsma. At her church, she has helped out as organist for 40 years, and has been a Sunday school teacher, girls' club leader and librarian. She also cooks for special events, and visits the sick, elderly and shut-ins. She is active in the Houston Hospice Society, and has raised funds for it, as well as for the Arthritis Society and other health-related charities. She is the longest-serving volunteer at the Houston Public Library and, since 1970, she has been coming in every week to process and shelve books and help keep the collection in order. She has been a faithful canvasser for the Arthritis Society for 20 years. With her compassion, dedication and commitment, she is an inspiration for all.