• Awarded on: April 20, 1999

Mary Gougeon, Penticton, B.C.
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Since her arrival in Penticton as a war bride, Mary Gougeon has been an active volunteer, organizing fundraisers, bazaars, teas, raffles and celebrations for more than fifty years. She worked in Penticton Regional Hospital's shop and brought books and treats to patients. She helped establish the first retirement centre in Penticton twenty-five years ago, and has volunteered since it opened, currently in the cafeteria and in the office. She helped organize Penticton's Civil Defence plan, trained Scouts in triage, sold poppies for the Legion, and helped organize the annual Harvest and Grape Fiesta. Mrs. Gougeon has also been active in her church and volunteers at a local soup kitchen.