• Awarded on: December 10, 2007

Mary Peterson, Grande Prairie, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Since retiring from her 53-year career in teaching, Mary Peterson has continued to help and support others in the northwestern region of Alberta. From 1988 to 1992, she volunteered at the Seniors' Centre in Eaglesham, Alberta, where she formerly held the position of president. She organized many local fairs and ball tournaments, and assisted ailing senior residents on excursions. Since 1992, she has volunteered at MacKenzie Place, a long-term care facility in Grande Prairie, where she devotes countless hours attending to patients living with Alzheimer's. Always ready for a game of cards or a quiet chat, her vibrant personality and zest for life have given comfort to many sick and elderly residents.