Elizabeth Smith, Winnipeg, Man
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Elizabeth Smith had been teaching exercise and fitness to seniors for a decade before her own experience with breast cancer led her to develop the Best Bet for Life program, to help women recovering from breast cancer to regain and maintain their maximum level of physical fitness. A tireless volunteer, she painted and exhibited portraits of 28 women victims of breast cancer to raise public awareness and funds for Cancer Care Manitoba. In addition, she is active in Reach for Recovery, speaks at workshops for breast cancer support groups, paints portraits to raise funds for a variety of organizations, and models at the Guardian Angel Breast Cancer Benefit.