• Awarded on: November 14, 2002

George B. Pitul and Susie Pitul, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

For over 31 years, Susie and George Pitul have spread Christmas cheer as Santa and Mrs. Claus, visiting seniors' residences, nursery schools, day care facilities and private homes. As president and social convenor of Portage Manor Social Club, Mrs. Pitul organizes outings and games nights with the assistance of her husband, who also does odd jobs for his neighbours at the Manor. Mrs. Pitul regularly visits the sick and shut-ins, bringing them muffins and soup, distributes donations of food from her church and knits items for charitable organizations. Whether transporting donated eyeglasses, caring for the sick and the elderly in their homes or supporting the YMCA through fundraising, Mr. and Mrs. Pitul always seek to help the less fortunate.