Lieutenant-Governor presents Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medals 
in Happy Valley - Goose Bay

Several dedicated volunteers were honoured today at a formal ceremony held at the Labrador Inuit Development Corporation's premises in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. On behalf of the province, His Honour, the Honourable A. M. House, Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal to men and women from various areas of Labrador. 

John Andersen, Ernest Condon, Debbie Gill, Marion Murphy, Agnes Pike, Ford Rumbolt, Malcolm Winters and Martha Winters-Abel have together contributed almost 200 years as volunteers. Their long-term dedication has positively affected health, education, sports, the arts and community and economic development.

In a statement to the House of Assembly today, Premier Roger Grimes applauded the accomplishments of the province's volunteers and announced the series of ceremonies throughout the province at which the Volunteer Medal will be presented.

"The people of our province are known throughout Canada and, indeed, the world, for their incredible generosity and caring spirit," said Premier Grimes. " This year provides a wonderful opportunity to award the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal and recognize extraordinary volunteers for their invaluable contributions to our communities and to our province as a whole."

Hundreds of nominations were submitted by individuals and organizations throughout the province between July and September 30, highlighting the extensive volunteer network operating in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

An independent selection committee set the award and nomination criteria, reviewed the submissions and selected candidates. The Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador will present the Volunteer Medal to 96 exceptional volunteers in special ceremonies to be held at various locations across the province.

Premier Grimes said that the men and women receiving these medals "have each, over the long-term, had profound and wide-reaching impacts on the lives of others, on their communities and on us all.... these people demonstrate, in the most remarkable way, the very practical foundation of volunteerism: the value of one and the power of many." 

Please note Marion Murphy will receive her medal at a ceremony in St. John's on November 20.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564.

Background Information

John Andersen - Makkovik (No Photo Available)
John Andersen has served his community for 14 years. He has been involved as a volunteer on his town council and regional school board, in local and provincial sports, with community events and celebrations and as a member of the Labrador Inuit Association.

Ernest Condon - Labrador City
Ernest Condon has volunteered locally, provincially and nationally for more than 30 years. He has served his community through his church and as a town councillor. He has been a member of the development association for his region, the Labrador West Employment Corporation and founded the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Committee.

Debbie Gill - Happy Valley - Goose Bay
Debbie Gill has been a volunteer for 11 years. She has served the arts community as a performer and administrator, a member of the local Arts Council and a convener with the Creative Arts and Music Festivals.

Agnes Pike, West St. Modeste
For more than 30 years, Agnes Pike has served as a volunteer locally, provincially and nationally. Especially concerned with issues of literacy and health care, she has volunteered with the International Grenfell Association, the Quebec-Labrador Foundation and the Strategic Social Plan Committee. She has served as mayor of the community of West St. Modeste for 25 years. 

Marion Murphy - Wabush 
Marion Murphy has served as a volunteer for over 30 years. Employed in the volunteer sector, she also volunteers as a Red Cross instructor and is president of her local air search and rescue team. She has served as a town councillor, a Girl Guide leader and commissioner, and a member of various development associations.

Ford Rumbolt - Mary's Harbour
Ford Rumbolt has been a volunteer for 25 years. Over that time, as a municipal politician, fire chief, vice-president of the Labrador Metis Association and a member of local and regional development associations, he has served his community and his province.

Malcolm (Max) Winters - Happy Valley - Goose Bay 
Max Winters has contributed more than 40 years of volunteer service. While he has served his community is many ways, he is best known for his contribution to sports and recreation. He has been a coach, manager, organizer and coordinator for sports such as softball, hockey, broomball and tennis.

Martha Winters-Abel - Hopedale
Martha Winters-Abel has been a volunteer for more than 10 years. She has served her community on town council and through her church, in the Okalakatiget Society and the Agvituk Historical Society. She also organized a committee to establish a safe house for victims of abuse.

2001 11 19                              2:20 p.m.