Executive Council
December 14, 2007

The following is being distributed at the request of His Honour, the Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Caring Canadian Awards

His Honour the Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, today presented the Governor General�s Caring Canadian Award to three Newfoundlanders in a ceremony at Government House.

On October 22, 2007, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Micha�lle Jean, Governor General of Canada, announced the names of the most recent 45 recipients of the Governor General�s Caring Canadian Award including the three recipients from Newfoundland and Labrador, Mrs. Marion Ash, Dr. Maureen Dunne and Mr. William E. Roche.

Created in 1996 by the Right Honourable Rom�o LeBlanc, the award is presented to individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community. Recipients have served over a number of years and normally have not been recognized previously by a national or provincial honour.

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Citations

Mrs. Marion Ash

Marion Ash is a war bride who has spent over 60 years assisting both Canadian and British women during difficult times. In 1946, she co-founded the British War Brides Association, which provided leadership and guidance, as well as a connection to the homeland of hundreds of young women settling with their husbands in Newfoundland. She has devoted over 60 years to the St. Andrews Society, a benevolent organization celebrating Scottish heritage. As its president, she established the St. Andrews Ladies Auxiliary, which has benefited many underprivileged families in St. John's through its many charitable works.

Dr. Maureen Elizabeth Dunne

Maureen Dunne's career in teaching and school administration is matched by 15 years of community service driven by a desire to advance children's causes. She has endeavoured to address the needs of disadvantaged children in St. John's through the Children in Poverty Initiative, and has also aided in providing education to children with the creation of the Alliance for Choice in Education. In 1999, she assisted in the reopening of St. Bonaventure's College and continues to provide her help to the school. Dr. Dunne has also devoted considerable time to helping those affected by tragedy and loss.

Mr. William E. Roche

For over 30 years, William Roche has contributed to the growth of the remote community of Branch. He oversaw the planning and construction of the first library in the Placentia Bay area, which opened in 1971, and also assisted in procuring playground facilities and a recreational centre for youth. To honour the many young men from the region who fought in past wars, he initiated a plan and formed a fundraising committee to erect a war memorial, which was inaugurated in 1980. Answering a call to duty, he volunteered as an auxiliary constable with the RCMP and also assisted in the formation of the first volunteer fire brigade in Branch, eventually serving as its chief for 15 years.

Media contact:

Doug Smith
Government House
709-729-4494
dsmith@gov.nl.ca

2007 12 14                                                       3:00 p.m.
 


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