Merne Helen Branscombe, Belleville, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Committed to the cause of literacy, Merne Branscombe was one of the founders of the Quinte Literacy Group in Belleville in 1985. She has acted as a one-to-one tutor, conducted workshops and training sessions, and served on the Board of Directors. As a tutor, she has helped many people, encouraging some to go on to higher education, to pursue worthwhile goals, or in the case of a person with mental disabilities, to make the transition from a group home to living independently. Mrs. Branscombe has also found the time to campaign for various charities.