November 22, 2016
1461
Anne MacInnes of Ripley has received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, presented at the Huron-Kinloss council meeting Monday night (Nov. 21).
Mayor Mitch Twolan (above left, with MacInnes) congratulated her and read her award commendation from governor general David Johnston:
"At my installation as governor general, I referred to my role as a call to service, and pledged to answer that call by serving as a bridge to bring Canadians together to create a smarter and more-caring nation.
"Volunteers like you are fundamental to the well-being of our country, reflecting the rich diversity of Canada's people and the many talents and interests which enrich our society. What they have in common is the support they provide to their communities at the grassroots level and the positive impact they have on the lives of others, helping to make our neighbourhoods and our nation stronger.
"The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers celebrates such individuals, who give so much of themselves to others, and to thank them for their contributions. Accordingly, it is my very great pleasure to give you this medal, and to welcome you to the ranks of caring Canadians. Thank you for everything you do; you have made your community and our country stronger."
Twolan also read MacInnes' nomination for the award which noted she has been a 4-H board member and volunteer for more than 25 years, promoting leadership, responsibility and environmental awareness among young Canadians. She helps them develop life skills and athletic abilities, and encourages sustainability through the Protecting the Earth Conservation Club which plants thousands of trees each year along the Pine River watershed.
MacInnes thanked Twolan for the presentation, and whoever nominated her for the medal.
"I'm just one of many caring Canadians in our community who all should receive this award," she said. "I thank you for this honour, but there are a lot of others who are just as deserving."
The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country and celebrates a wide range of voluntary contributions.
As an official honour created by the Crown, the medal is part of the Canadian Honours System. The program has incorporated and replaced the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, which was created in 1995, by then-Governor General Romeo LeBlanc. The Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, administers the program.
The medal recognizes Canadians who have made a significant, sustained and unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Non-Canadians are also eligible if their contribution brings benefit or honour to Canadians or to
Canada.
Nominations for the medal are accepted throughout the year by the Chancellery of Honours and reviewed by an advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the governor general. Existing Caring Canadian Award recipients will subsequently receive the medal to complement their award.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
Related Stories
No related stories.