Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers Ceremony – April 23, 2026

Jonathan Patrick Asquith
Prince George, British Columbia

Jonathan Patrick Asquith has been a dedicated volunteer Scout leader with Scouts Canada for more than two decades. He delivers engaging and outdoor educational programs that foster leadership, resilience and teamwork among youth. He also ensures a safe, inclusive and youth-led environment that supports personal growth and skill development.


Hélène Boudreault
Québec, Quebec

Hélène Boudreault has devoted many years to organizing and participating in numerous humanitarian projects in Africa and Latin America. Despite the tragic circumstances she has witnessed, she continues to serve others through her compassionate efforts.

 

Raymond Boulianne, C.D.
Alma, Quebec

As founder and president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 276, Raymond Boulianne has dedicated 40 years to volunteering in his community. He supports veterans, promotes remembrance, and actively participates in local hockey organizations and tournaments, as well as Knights of Columbus fundraising efforts.

 

Huguette Chevalier
Beaupré, Quebec

For decades, Huguette Chevalier has been committed to helping and supporting seniors and people in need. Whether through the Association Bénévole Côte-de-Beaupré, Les Aides de Sainte-Anne, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Hospital or other organizations, she has used her leadership and dedication to improve the lives of those around her.

 

Constable Jarrett Bradley Chow
New Westminster, British Columbia

Constable Jarrett Chow has devoted himself to supporting and honouring first responders, veterans and fallen officers. Through various organizations such as the Police & Peace Officers’ Memorial Ribbon Society and the Veterans Transition Program, his invaluable contributions have helped improve services for and memorialization of military, police and peace officer compatriots.

 

Mary Dunn
Shirley, British Columbia

For more than 20 years, Mary Dunn has worked passionately to enhance health services through the Sooke Region Communities Health Network and its Women’s Cancer Support Society. Her thoughtful and dedicated leadership has been key to fostering collaboration and improving health care within her community.

 

Ping Yin Eric Fok
Richmond Hill, Ontario

For more than 20 years, Eric Fok has worked with the 11th Toronto Group of Scouts Canada in a variety of leadership roles. Thanks to his mentorship and concern for the development of these youth, more than 20 members of the group have earned top section awards and merit badges.

 

Diane Gilmour, C.D.
Pembroke, Ontario

Diane Gilmour has been enhancing the quality of life for people in Canada and abroad for decades. Through the Dominican Starfish Foundation, she has ensured the delivery of essential supplies to families in need in the Dominican Republic. She has also assisted veterans through the Perley Health Community of Care.

 

Alexander Glenn
Kentville, Nova Scotia

Following a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Alexander Glenn joined the RCMP Veterans’ Association–Nova Scotia Division, where he held various positions. This expertise, gained over a decade, provided him with the necessary tools to assume the national presidency beginning in 2020.

 

Mathieu Gour
Noyan, Quebec

Mathieu Gour volunteers as a paramedic for the state of Vermont, serving as an emergency medical technician. Always vigilant, he frequently crosses over to the American side to assist Canadians during emergencies. He also acts as an interpreter between French-speaking accident victims and American paramedical authorities.

 

David Greenlees
Prince George, British Columbia

David Greenlees has held numerous leadership positions within Scouts Canada for nearly 35 years, at both the local and provincial levels. He helped youth become contributing members of society by giving them the skills to be resilient, creative problem-solvers and outdoor conservationists.

 

Mehrdokht Hadi
North York, Ontario

Since 1999, Mehrdokht Hadi has been committed to supporting social and cultural activities in the Iranian Canadian community through various organizations, including the Tirgan Festival, the Modern Times Stage Company, and the Iranian Association at the University of Toronto. Her dedicated leadership has been instrumental in bringing community members together.

 

Bradley Thomas Hampson, M.O.M.
Ottawa, Ontario

For nearly three decades, Bradley Hampson has been promoting military musical history through the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers. As drum major and quartermaster, he participates in local and national events, including Remembrance Day and other commemorative ceremonies, and strengthens camaraderie among the band members.

 

Heather Hedges
Peterborough, Ontario

For nearly a decade, Heather Hedges has devoted countless hours to supporting the sponsorship, settlement and inclusion of refugees through organizations such as Northern Lights Canada and the New Canadians Centre Peterborough. Her commitment and compassion have helped promote and advance opportunities for refugees in her community.

 

Paul Martin Hilmer, C.D.
Surrey, British Columbia

For three decades, Martin Hilmer has been involved in his community through various organizations. He provided counsel to Surrey’s Agricultural and Food Policy Advisory Committee for 22 years and, more recently, contributed to heritage conservation through his work with the Fort Langley Historic Site and the Surrey Heritage Advisory Commission.

 

Stewart Jarvis
Courtice, Ontario

Retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police since 1986, Stewart Jarvis has been volunteering with service providers and groups connected to the organization he worked for throughout his career. His unwavering social involvement, mostly related to policing and veterans, also supports and improves community events.

 

Glen Carl Kerr
Uxbridge, Ontario

For more than two decades, Glenn Kerr has been committed to honouring Canadians who served in the First World War. As chair of the Western Front Association’s Central Ontario Branch, he has been a key player in helping people engage with stories and research on regional military history.

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Anthony McNeil MacLellan, C.D.
Carp, Ontario

For more than two decades, Ian MacLellan has been committed to volunteering with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the Almonte Curling Club and numerous junior sports leagues. His dedicated leadership has helped motivate young Canadians in developing their skills and engaging in their community.

 

Anne Marshall
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Since 1977, Anne Marshall has been involved in her community, supporting the integration of all segments of society by hosting refugees and international students through Rotary Club sponsorship programs. She also helps the homeless in her community and those in need through her involvement with the Unitarian Fellowship of Salt Spring Island.

 

Eric John McCartney
Aurora, Ontario

Eric McCartney has been a dedicated volunteer with multiple organizations in his community and beyond. Recipient of Aurora’s Citizen of the Year in 2021, he has also been recognized for his exceptional contributions with the Award of Merit and two official citations from the Canadian Red Cross Society.

 

Jay McLean
Ottawa, Ontario

In 2014 and 2020, Jay McLean played an essential role in resolving disputes in his community regarding proposed housing developments. Since 2014, he has continued to champion residents’ concerns as the president of the Stonebridge Community Association, encouraging citizen involvement in local decision making.

 

David Merrett
Pointe-Claire, Quebec

Since 2009, David Merrett has played an essential role in the strategic and visionary direction of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. His active and dedicated leadership as vice-chair and chair helped ensure the hospital’s financial viability and optimization of services for children in need of treatment.

 

Catherine Paroschy-Harris
Thunder Bay, Ontario

As artistic director of the Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group, Cathy Paroschy-Harris led choreography, instruction and cultural preservation for more than 40 years. She mentored hundreds of youths, inspiring confidence, creativity and leadership. Her dedication helped Ukrainian dance flourish in Thunder Bay and shaped future community leaders through the performing arts.

 

Major John William Albert Rice, C.D.
Douglas, New Brunswick

John Rice served as a dedicated coach to youth through various organizations and schools, including Fredericton High School and Fredericton Christian Academy. As a mentor and leader, he had a significant impact on youth, instilling important values such as teamwork, accountability and perseverance.

 

Angus Scully
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Since 2013, Angus Scully has been a dedicated volunteer with the Vancouver Island Military Museum. As a greeter, tour guide and newsletter editor, he has helped the museum showcase Canadian military history and the sacrifices of veterans to thousands of visitors annually.

 

Sherry Sharpe
Wakefield, Quebec

For 15 years, Sherry Sharpe has dedicated her professionally achieved fiscal acumen to the Glen Cairn United Church governance team, where she has steered the organization towards financial stability. As a result, the church has been able to offer its services to a broad range of community members and organizations.

 

Leo R. Sheepwash
Brass River, Nova Scotia

Since 2004, Leo Sheepwash has volunteered with Special Olympics Nova Scotia, coaching floor hockey and supporting other sports in the Cobequid Region. As a board member, he also helps organize major tournaments and recruit volunteers. His leadership and dedication have expanded athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Nova Scotia.

 

Barton Edward Sherman
Wallacetown, Ontario

Since 2004, Bart Sherman has provided invaluable assistance to his community in times of need through London Search and Rescue and its provincial association. Having served on many operations, he has saved lives, provided closure for loved ones and inspired new volunteers in the field.

 

Donald Smith
Brampton, Ontario

For more than 50 years, Don Smith has been actively supporting fundraisers, program planning and youth mentorship for Big Brothers Big Sisters. His advocacy extended to delivering speeches and raising funds through the United Way Speakers Bureau, helping to increase awareness and support for the organization’s mission of empowering young people.

 

Carlyle William Wayne Stymiest
Vancouver, British Columbia

Since 1998, Carl Stymiest has been committed to preserving history and serving others through the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada, the Vancouver Hospice Society and the West End Senior’s Network. His leadership has helped advance public education and outreach on diverse subjects, including loyalist history and grief support.

 

D’arci Sutton 
Spruce Grove, Alberta

At just eight years old, D’arci Sutton began devoting her time to advocating and supporting people living with diabetes. Taking on numerous roles with Diabetes Canada, she has fostered meaningful engagement for the cause. She also motivated and mentored young girls playing golf in the Edmonton Area.

 

Richard Vaughan Thomas
Toronto, Ontario

Richard Vaughan Thomas has dedicated 12 years to Scouts Canada, working with his local group to ensure that their programs are richly rewarding for youth. When not helping these young people with new skills, he has lent his talents to the administrative side of the organization, serving as chair of the board.

 

Jeannine Tremblay-Dubois, C.D.
Saguenay, Quebec

Since 2001, Jeannine Tremblay-Dubois has contributed to service delivery while supporting the members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Among her many accomplishments, she has managed the organization's kitchens and served as director of the Poppy Campaign. She has also been involved with Héma-Québec blood donors and fundraising for the Fondation santé Jonquière.

 

Michael Ian Wharrie, C.D.
Toronto, Ontario

For more than four decades, Michael Wharrie has focused his energy on guiding and inspiring youth in his community. A long-time leader of the Willowdale Scouts Group, he has instilled participants with valuable leadership and life skills to prepare them for adulthood.

 

Honorary Colonel Donald James Wilkin, C.D. (Ret’d)
Brantford, Ontario

For 30 years, Donald James Wilkin has devoted his time to highlighting and preserving local history through the Canadian Military Heritage Museum in the County of Brant. His active commitment to the museum’s management and maintenance has helped ensure a welcoming and educational space for thousands of visitors.

 

Darrell James Wizniak
Toronto, Ontario

Since 2013, DJ Wizniak has volunteered with Heart to Heart, which helps children in China access life-saving heart surgery. As a board director, he organized events, managed volunteers and engaged donors. He founded an annual art gala and continued support during COVID-19, ensuring care for children in need.

 

Caglar Yilmaz
Laval, Quebec

For over two decades, Caglar Yilmaz has devoted his time to serving others through the Turkish Community Centre of Montréal and the Canadian Organ and Tissue Donors Association. By providing emergency transportation for organ and tissue donations, he has played a key role in the process that continues to save countless lives.

 

Barbara June Young
White Rock, British Columbia

For 60 years, Barbara June Young has served her community with compassion, rehabilitating injured birds, crocheting plushies for fundraisers, and supporting vulnerable women and children. Her involvement across numerous organizations reflects a lifelong dedication to service, kindness and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

 

Sherman Zavitz
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Sherman Zavitz is a dedicated historian who has spent decades preserving and promoting the City of Niagara’s rich history. Through his work with the Lundy’s Lane Historical Society and as historian for the Niagara Parks Commission, he organizes events, delivers talks and shares his knowledge widely, inspiring appreciation for Niagara’s unique heritage.