- Awarded on: December 10, 2007
Marilyn Mecke, Brantford, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Marilyn Mecke's community service has benefited not only the residents of Brantford and Brant County, but also many children both here and abroad. She is the driving force behind "Marilyn's Clothing Giveaway", a massive yearly charitable campaign, which has provided used winter clothing, linens, boots and toys to many distressed families and individuals during the harsh winter months, as well as hundreds of hygiene kits for homeless persons. She has also taught literacy to children and initiated the Children's Benefit project, which provides backpacks filled with school supplies to underprivileged students. A truly caring citizen, she is a regular St. Vincent de Paul volunteer and has spearheaded a Shoe Box program to send aid to African children affected by HIV/AIDS.