• Awarded on: April 20, 1999

Robert Shea, St. John's, Nfld.
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

In 1988, Robert Shea helped establish a provincial chapter of the Parkinson Foundation of Canada where he answered phone calls, recruited volunteers, drove members to meetings, collected donations, organized fundraising events and acted as spokesperson. He helped develop an exercise class for people with Parkinson's, as well as the first Parkinson's education program. He helped the branch establish a movement disorder clinic and expand to include support groups in Corner Brook, Grand Falls, Carbonear and St. John's. In addition, Mr. Shea serves on a number of committees, including the provincial Youth of the Year Awards Program.