• Awarded on: November 14, 2002

Eva Irene Van Der Heide and Frederick Jan Van Der Heide, Denfield, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

For over 20 years, Eva and Frederick Van Der Heide have been providing musical entertainment for residents of long-term care facilities and homes in their community and beyond. Mrs. Van Der Heide plays the keyboard and her husband sings and plays the harmonica and the accordion. They travel to nearly 20 locations throughout the Middlesex, Huron and Perth regions each month, regardless of weather or season, in order to honour their commitments. By giving unselfishly of their time and talent, the Van Der Heides have brought joy and camaraderie to countless senior citizens in their region.