• Awarded on: November 13, 2001

Vera Hollander Slyomovics, Vancouver, British Columbia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Vera Slyomovics has been actively participating in her community since her arrival in Canada in 1948. In Montreal, she became involved with the B'Nai Brith, becoming its national vice-president in 1957. She was instrumental in establishing a Meals on Wheels program and was chairman of public relations for the Canadian Jewish Congress, working with anti-racist and anti-hatred groups. In 1968, Mrs. Slyomovics moved to Vancouver, where she co-founded the Holocaust Committee, which has guided and enlightened the curriculum of many high schools in British Columbia and Alberta. For over 30 years, Mrs. Slyomovics has worked tirelessly to teach youth the importance of respecting diversity in our communities.