Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

On behalf of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, His Honour the Honourable John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, will present the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to three volunteers at a ceremony at Government House, St. John's, tomorrow (Friday, February 12) at 11:00 a.m.

The award is presented to individuals whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community. Recipients usually have served over a number of years and normally have not been previously recognized by a national or provincial honour.

The Caring Canadian Award consists of a certificate and a lapel pin. The award symbol represents Canadians who selflessly give of their time and energy to others. The maple leaf symbolizes the people of Canada and their spirit. The heart depicts the openheartedness of volunteers and caregivers. The helping hand and heart support the maple leaf. The hand is outstretched to portray boundless generosity.

The names and citations of the recipients are:

Genevieve Follett, Placentia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Genevieve Follett has dedicated countless hours to helping seniors in the small community of Placentia. Mrs. Follett has devoted many years to the Placentia Health Centre, attending to the needs of its elders. Mrs. Follet is also a 23-year member of the Star of the Sea Association's Ladies Auxiliary. She is highly respected by residents, visiting families and staff, and brings much-appreciated smiles and energy to the centre.

Philip Arthur Saunders, St. John's
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
For over 40 years, Philip Arthur Saunders, of St. John's, has used his time, resources and talents to help others. Mr. Saunders has served in a range of roles, including that of a member of board of the Kiwanis Music Festival Association of St. John's. In addition, Mr. Saunders has devoted countless hours to serving his parish community, has served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Waterford Hospital, and has been an executive member of the Victorian Order of Nurses for almost 50 years. Mr. Saunders is highly motivated by care and concern, a fact at once apparent to all who work with him.

Frances Pearson, Placentia
Governor General's Caring Canadian Award
Frances Pearson has dedicated countless hours to helping seniors in the small community of Placentia. Mrs. Pearson has devoted over 20 years to the Placentia Health Centre, attending to the needs of its elders. Mrs. Pearson volunteers on a daily basis at the centre, assisting in nearly all conceivable capacities. She is highly respected by residents, visiting families and staff, and brings much-appreciated smiles and energy to the centre.

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Media wishing to cover the ceremony should arrive at Government House by 10:30 a.m., on February 12, 2010.

Media contact:

Yvonne Parsley
Events Manager
Government House
709-729-4494

Information on the Award is available by contacting:
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall
Ottawa ON K1A 0A1
1-800-465-6890
613-993-2569
www.gg.ca