Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Presentation Ceremony

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, congratulates the 75 newest recipients of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Deborah Robertson, Sudbury, Ontario. Singer, cultural facilitator and performer, Deborah Robertson of Sudbury, Ontario, has promoted healing and pride in her community through her work with youth. She has empowered Native youth through her work within the community, and has acted as a cultural ambassador through her performances of an Aboriginal honour song at a wide variety of charitable functions. Moreover, her commitment and leadership has had a profound and lasting effect on many young people in her community.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Richard Marchand, Repentigny, Quebec. Richard Marchand, of Repentigny, Quebec, devotes his time and energy to sick children through Opération Enfant Soleil. Since 2002, Mr. Marchand has raised nearly $70,000 by making necklaces and bracelets that he sells for 25 cents each. He also tirelessly canvasses local businesses on behalf of the organization. Mr. Marchand has made a personal commitment to helping youth, and pursues this goal with an inspirational and infectious passion.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Joseph J. Zadzora, Ottawa, Ontario. For 13 years, Joe Zadzora’s tireless efforts have benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa through his extensive involvement with the Brian Smith Memorial Golf Tournament. As co-chair since 2001, Mr. Zadzora is responsible for leading the team of over 70 volunteers who plan and host the annual event, which has raised over $1 million since its inception. Quick to pass recognition on to those with whom he works, Mr. Zadzora works tirelessly, understanding that each enhancement to the event may mean sending another deserving child to live an otherwise impossible dream at summer camp.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Sylvie Samson, Alexandria, Ontario. Sylvie Samson, a dynamic student from Alexandria, Ontario, is an exemplary young volunteer who is involved in a wide range of activities. Miss Samson has served on the executive boards of the Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne and the Association canadienne d’éducation de langue française for the Ontario region. She is also involved in her school’s pastoral community, volunteers with the theatre group Café Chantant, and plays the organ at Sainte-Marguerite d’Écosse church. Miss Samson is quick to contribute ideas and always brings a positive attitude to her volunteer commitments.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Réjean Pelletier, Anjou, Quebec. Réjean Pelletier, of Anjou, Quebec, is a volunteer who has bettered the lives of thousands of youth through his exceptional involvement. Since 1988, Mr. Pelletier has devoted countless hours to the youth programs of the Optimist Club Ville d’Anjou. He has also been involved with the Ligue des Cadets de l’Air since 1991, serving as the regional director for East Montréal. Mr. Pelletier is always happy to help out where needed, whether as a hockey coach or as a fundraiser for a wide variety of causes.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Lyla DeVreeze, of Westport, Ontario. A woman of remarkable energy, Lyla DeVreeze, of Westport, Ontario, devotes herself to a myriad of causes. Since 1986, she has served the Canadian Cancer Society in a variety of roles, including the local branch president, organizer of the Relay for Life Walk and volunteer with the Reach to Recovery Program. She is also a 20-year member of the North Crosby Recreation Committee and is actively involved with her local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Mrs. DeVreeze never hesitates to lend a helping hand where needed.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Carolyn L. Clancy and Audrey Darling, of Ottawa, Ontario. Carolyn Clancy and Audrey Darling are founding members of the Ottawa Hospital – Civic Auxiliary who, since 1966, have raised funds for the hospital. Ms. Clancy served on the Auxiliary board for 10 years, and is currently the gift shop’s assistant co-ordinator. Ms. Darling, currently the historian of the Auxiliary, has served as its president as well as coordinator of volunteers. The dedication of both Ms. Clancy and Ms. Darling has led to more comfortable hospital stays and improved care for thousands of patients.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Terry Boyd, of South Mountain, Ontario. For over 15 years, Terry Boyd of South Mountain, Ontario, has provided support, and encouragement to the families of young girls with Rett syndrome. Mrs. Boyd’s commitments have included serving as the president of the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association, organizing its annual Mothers’ Retreats, initiating countless fundraising events and assisting in the planning of a Rett syndrome clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Herself the mother of a daughter with Rett syndrome, Mrs. Boyd remains an inspiration in raising awareness of this severe neurological disorder.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Mathieu Archambault, of Montréal, Quebec. Mathieu Archambault, a dynamic young man from Montréal, Quebec, he became aware of the benefits of community involvement at a young age. He has taken part in over 300 volunteering events with Coup de pouce jeunesse, working with disadvantaged children, seniors and people with psychiatric disabilities. Now a scoutmaster, Mr. Archambault organizes camps and regular meetings for his troop. Known for his good humour, Mr. Archambault’s contribution has had a beneficial impact on countless youth.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to Ruth Anne Hénault, of Gatineau, Quebec. Whether providing entertainment to senior citizens or support to young students, Ruth Anne Hénault, of Gatineau, Quebec, has shown leadership and dedication throughout her many years of volunteer service. Mrs. Hénault has been active within her parish community for over 25 years and has been involved with the Canadian Showtime Chorus for over a decade. Moreover, she is a long-standing volunteer at South Hull Elementary School, where she has taken on many roles, including those of librarian and teacher’s assistant. Mrs. Hénault’s contribution continues to have a positive impact on both young and old.