Awarded on: 1997-11-14
Austin Albert Mardon, Edmonton, Alberta
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Forced to abandon a promising scientific career in Antarctic exploration at a young age, Austin Mardon has become a tireless advocate for persons with schizophrenia. He is co-Chairman of "Unsung Heroes," a psychosocial self-support group for people with schizophrenia, the only one of its kind in Edmonton. He is also Chairperson of the Clubhouse Society of Edmonton and Area, which operates a clubhouse where lonely and isolated people living with mental disabilities can receive support and encouragement, and express themselves verbally, literally and artistically through different media.