Caring Canadian Award Presentation at the Citadelle of Québec

As an active member of Butt Out!, an anti-tobacco industry advocacy club at Western University, Michelle Amri (London, Ontario) educated young people about the hazards of smoking. Dedicated to this cause, she supported stronger non-smoking policies on campus, and facilitated the dialogue between the university community and the city of London through educational presentations at local schools.

"What unites your efforts is the impulse to give back, to share, to roll up your sleeves and help others," said His Excellency. "The Caring Canadian Award is presented as a token of gratitude for the countless hours you’ve given to good and worthy causes."

The Governor General presented the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award to 30 volunteers from various sectors of society, during a ceremony at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Québec.

Vincent Villeneuve (Hanmer, Ontario) has been a member of his school’s charitable organization, OUICare, since its 2013 inception, helping to raise funds for both local and international initiatives. He also volunteers at his local soup kitchen and is an active participant in multiple causes, such as the Coldest Night of the Year, and the We Are Silent and We Day campaigns of Free The Children.

Leslie Vertes (Montréal, Quebec), a Holocaust survivor, has dedicated his time to the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, where he has helped victims of war reclaim millions in reparations. At 91 years old, Mr. Vertes continues to travel to schools as a guest speaker, inspiring his community and youth to be more caring and compassionate.

Serge Thomassin (Saint-Georges, Quebec) volunteers for several organizations in his community including the Cub Scout movement, Les Amants de la scène, an air show, the Comité des Fêtes de Saint-Georges, and the Association pour l’intégration sociale Beauce-Sartigan. He has also given a great deal of his time to the fight against cancer and organized the first seven Relay For Life events.

For the last eight years and at her own expense, Terry McKenzie (Bear Island, Ontario) has organized free weekly movie nights in Lake Temagami as a way to encourage youth to get involved in the community. Her ongoing engagement in local school fundraising events is also a testament to her selflessness and her giving spirit.

After having two amputations in his youth, Daniel Lanteigne (Montréal, Quebec) became involved with The War Amps where he shares the organization’s safety message with young people through live presentations, videos and media interviews. He currently serves on the honorary committee of the Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal Foundation, having undergone rehabilitation at the institute himself.

Since 1999, Samar Effendi (Edmundston, New Brunswick) has volunteered with the Edmundston Regional Hospital, and has dedicated herself to multiple educational and cultural charity initiatives in her community. She also participates in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, helping low-income families file their taxes.

Diagnosed with cancer at eight years old, Sarah Cook (Montréal, Quebec) founded Sarah’s Fund with a strong belief in the notion of “children helping children”. Through the fund and through her work with the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, she has not only demonstrated her commitment to helping those affected by cancer, but also her ability to inspire others to get involved.

Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow citizens. The award also brings to light the example set by volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are a part of our Canadian character.