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 three residents of Nova Scotia. The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, Government House, Halifax.
Recipients are Harley Hazelwood of Kingston, Kings Co., Veronica Steele Morgan of Cleveland, Richmond Co., and Harold Northrup of Dartmouth.
Harley Hazelwood has shown great concern throughout his lifetime for people in need. He has canvassed yearly for a number of charities, been active in his church in many capacities, helped with the local elementary school's reading program and other events, and offered his personal assistance and support to many people. He has been particularly instrumental in the establishment and operation of the Upper Room Food Bank in Kingston by fund-raising, securing donated equipment, organizing cleaning parties and establishing contacts with other food banks.
Veronica Morgan, a mother of 10, is a long-time volunteer who treats family, friends and neighbours with kindness and compassion in times of health, sickness or mourning. She has served her community as a school board trustee, organized the annual residential campaign for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for 25 years and has been a lifelong volunteer with her church. Mrs. Morgan was also a well-known competitive Scottish step dancer and is conversant in the Gaelic language. She has helped preserve the Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia through song and dance.
Harold Northrup is an outstanding community volunteer, involved in numerous groups ranging from the local Boys and Girls Club to the Air Force Association of Canada, for which he organized the annual Battle of Britain parade and ceremony for several years. He also volunteers with the Air Cadets and the board of the Shearwater Aviation Museum Foundation. He was instrumental in the building of a cenotaph and the development of Cole Harbour Place, which has become a focal point for the community. Mr. Northrup is also a long-time volunteer with the RCMP Auxiliary and recently helped with the efforts following the crash of Swissair Flight 111.
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 open-heartedness of volunteers and caregivers. The helping hand and heart support the maple leaf. The hand is outstretched to portray boundless generosity.