• Awarded on: April 20, 1999

Leslie Anne McDiarmid, Ottawa, Ont.
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Since the early 1990s, Leslie McDiarmid has devoted many hours to helping the residents of an Ottawa neighbourhood that includes low-income families, new Canadians, single-parent families and teen parent families, among others. She has served as an advocate on their behalf, helping them access community services and educational opportunities. She has worked to create an understanding between youth at risk and the police through the "Kids in the Hood" program and raises funds for "Our Kids". Ms. McDiarmid also spends many hours talking with isolated single parents, listening to their concerns and trying to help them resolve their problems.