• Awarded on: November 13, 2001

Mark E.A. Picard, Casselman, Ont.
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Since 1985, Mark Picard has been committed to young people in his community. He has been involved in various committees and associations, ranging from participation on the school board to organization of celebrations such as the winter carnival, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and Canada Day. He also takes part in various sports activities as a coach and tournament organizer. Since 1992, Mr. Picard has been a member of the Casselman Optimist Club and has become one of its most active members in the area of youth, organizing many activities. Until 1997, he was responsible for the Just Say No to Drugs program. In addition, Mr. Picard was very involved in the construction of the Optimist Park in Casselman and now helps maintain it.