• Awarded on: August 25, 1998

Reverend Esther Patkau, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

A volunteer spiritual care worker at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Reverend Esther Patkau provides care, support and spiritual comfort to children with cancer and their families. In addition to her work as volunteer chaplain at two local hospitals, she devotes an average of seventy-five hours a month to the Centre's young patients, accompanying them to appointments, playing with them during chemotherapy, wiping away tears and providing comfort. When needed, she also offers grief support to parents, families, friends and employees.