Presentation of the Medal for Volunteers

The Governor General presented the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to 46 exceptional volunteers from Canada’s Capital Region at a ceremony at Rideau Hall. The medal recognizes the remarkable volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields.

Gilles LeVasseur has been volunteering for over 25 years, dedicating himself to helping those less fortunate, youth, seniors, veterans, women and the dying. He gives of his time and energy to professional associations and orders, community associations and social functions.

Joffre Bélanger has been a leader in ensuring the growth and vitality of his community; of note, he spearheaded the project to change the name of the town of Eastview to Vanier in honour of former governor general Georges P. Vanier. Over the years, he has been involved with the Club Optimiste, the Club 60 de Vanier and the Cercle de l’Amitié; he founded the Centre d’accueil Champlain; and now, at 100 years of age, he continues to volunteer his time in his parish.

Since 2003, Mai-yu Chan has dedicated both time and resources to the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, inspiring volunteers and visitors alike through creative programs involving the institution’s art exhibitions and Regeneration Hall. She has also served as a board member, director and chair of the Membership Committee.

Although Joseph Healy has been involved in several community organizations and activities for many years, one of his greatest achievements is the creation and administration of the National RCMP Graves Inspection and Maintenance Information Website. His dedication to this initiative continues to bring honour to the RCMP and to Canada.

Since retiring from the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology in 1987, Ian Jackson has volunteered his time, knowledge and skills to advance and maintain the organization’s displays. In 2005, he began reconstructing the museum’s steam engine that was acquired from the decommissioned Canadian Coast Guard Ship C.P. Edwards, and assisted with the ongoing maintenance of the 1201 steam locomotive.

In 1999, Glenn Mooney (left) co-founded Camp Quality Eastern Ontario to provide caring support for children living with cancer and their families. For the next 15 years, he served as the camp’s director and created a program that empowers and encourages its participants. Pam Mooney (right) has been involved with Camp Quality Eastern Ontario for over 15 years, where she has shaped its program of empowerment, encouragement and fun for kids with cancer. It has truly been a life-changing experience for her. She is also a volunteer board member of Ottawa-Carleton Lifeskills Inc., which supports developmentally challenged adults.

For more than 30 years, Ernest Spiller has been actively promoting heart health education, appreciation for local historical venues, and the exchange of horticultural information in Williamstown. His passion and commitment have yielded wonderful results that continue to have a lasting and positive effect.

For over 25 years, Betty Ann Pollock has been involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638. She was a founding member and currently serves as the auxiliary’s Zone G6 commander, in addition to helping with fundraisers and other branch activities, such as the annual Christmas bazaar.