Christine A. Gilmore, M.S.M., London, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
In 1988, Christine Gilmore spearheaded the creation of Future Forests of London, Partners in African Community Development and became its first administrator. This non-governmental organization assists drought- and famine-stricken Ethiopians in making the transition from emergency relief to rural community development. Since its inception, Future Forests has been involved in numerous endeavours including establishing tree nurseries, distributing seedlings, encouraging community wood lots, improving the quality of drinking water, enhancing agricultural practices and providing information on nutrition and sanitation.