Regina, Thursday, October 11, 2012

It is a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate our volunteers.

Saskatchewan is a caring province, and there is much evidence to that effect. Statistics show that 58 per cent of the province volunteered in 2010. That’s the highest rate among all the provinces and well above the national average of 47 per cent.

Donations to charities are also very high in Saskatchewan, amounting to some of the highest contributions per person in Canada.

But caring, as you know, is about more than just statistics. Caring is about people and their stories.

The other day, for instance, I was in Prince Albert, a wonderful community filled with caring people. I was able to meet with many who have worked in the community to improve lives. They pride themselves on their giving and understand its value.

And they know the power of what they can accomplish together.

I heard recently of the story of Max Clunie, a 15-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a plane crash last year. Just before the accident, he had selflessly been raising money to help provide lights for the Prime Ministers’ Park Football Field.

Max had a good heart and the community of Prince Albert mourned this loss. But they did not let Max’s dream lie dormant. They came together to finish what he had started, raising the remainder of the funds for the campaign in just three weeks.

The first game under the lights took place last month, a tribute and legacy both to Max and to the strength of generosity and community.

This same attitude is reflected across the province, it is reflected in this room, in all of you.

You know the importance of volunteering, of giving, cannot be measured in numbers. It is the desire to help a neighbour, a friend, a loved one or even a stranger that defines caring.

At my installation as governor general two years ago, I spoke of a smart and caring nation, supported by important pillars, one of which has been volunteerism and philanthropy.

And as I have travelled across this country, I have seen the impact that giving has on our communities, and I have marveled at those Canadians whose hearts are filled with concern for others. And I have seen this here in Saskatchewan.  

My predecessor, the Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc, also knew the importance of recognizing our volunteers, of honouring those who have done so much for our communities and ask nothing in return.

And so, he created the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, which every governor general since then has had the privilege of awarding.

In fact, the very first time I had the opportunity to present the Caring Canadian Awards earlier this year, I had the privilege of welcoming to Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, Larry John Pearson, from Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

Despite having never served in the Canadian Forces, he is committed to supporting its members and ensuring they are recognized. As an active member of the community’s Royal Canadian Legion for many years, he has organized parades for veterans, planned events to honour soldiers who have returned from Afghanistan, and provided support to families.

Everything he does, it is to honour their service. For this, he was named a Caring Canadian.

One example among many of Saskatchewan’s generosity and heart.

Today, I have the pleasure of presenting more Canadians with this award. To honour the hard work of generous people in the heart of the Prairies has special meaning, and I am so proud to be able to honour you in this way.

I cannot imagine a world in which caring—all of you—did not exist.

Thank you for your service, to your community, your province and our country. I know that you will continue to do great things on behalf of those in need, because it is the right thing to do. There is no doubt that you are all Caring Canadians.

Thank you.