Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

Lt.-Gov. John James Kinley, on behalf of Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to two residents of Nova Scotia. The ceremony will take place today at Government House, Halifax, at 4 p.m.

This year's recipients are Graham Bowser and Lucy F. Riley, both of Halifax.

Mr. Bowser is known as a person who is there when needed. Over a 35-year span, he has volunteered with a multitude of charitable and humanitarian organizations in the Halifax community. Among other activities, he has raised funds for hospitals and for his church, provided transportation for people who are handicapped, assisted at a food bank, and entertained people who are ill or disabled at youth group homes, seniors' homes and veterans' hospitals.

Ms. Riley has devoted many years to making the lives of senior citizens in Halifax and across Nova Scotia more stimulating and rewarding. Past chair of the board of directors of Spencer House Senior Centre, she has been the facilitator for the centre's memory development program, Time Out for Seniors, for the past several years. She also leads an exercise class for seniors, is an active member for several other seniors' associations and has acted as spokesperson to the media and government on issues of concern to seniors and low-income groups.

The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to families or groups in the community. Recipients have served over a number of years and have normally not been previously recognized by a national or provincial honour.

The 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.