Lieutenant-Governor Presents Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR--Lieutenant-Governor Presents Governor General's Caring Canadian Award

George Durning of New Glasgow will receive the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award at a ceremony on Thursday, July 17 in New Glasgow.

Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman will make the presentation on behalf of Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson.

For more than 40 years, Mr. Durning has lent his musical talents as a pianist, organist and singer to his community. He has spent many evenings with residents of the Riverview Adult Residential Centre, Valley View Villa and Glen Haven Manor playing favorite songs to stir their memories. Mr. Durning has supported his church for more than 30 years as its treasurer, as a long-serving elder and through its youth camps. For generations, he has assisted the Kiwanis and New Glasgow music festivals as an accompanist. He has also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club and frequently acts as a chauffeur for blind musicians so that they may share their music with others.

The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals 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 previously recognized by a national or provincial honour.

The award consists of a certificate and a lapel pin. The award symbol, made of a helping hand and heart supporting a maple leaf, 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 is outstretched to portray boundless generosity.

Information on the award is available by contacting The Chancellery, Rideau Hall, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A1, or by phoning toll free 1-800-465-6890. Information is also available on the Web site at: www.gg.ca .