Lieutenant-Governor Presents Caring Canadian Awards
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR--Lieutenant-Governor Presents Caring Canadian Awards
Gordon Skanes of Middleton and Margaret (Peggy) and Patrick McNair of Halifax will receive the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award at a ceremony on Monday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. at Government House, Halifax.
Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman will make the presentation on behalf of Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson.
Gordon Skanes' commitment to combating child hunger has earned him the nickname of "Mr. Food Bank" in Middleton. Since 1991, he has served the Twelve Baskets Food Bank as a board member, manager and food purchaser. He spends a minimum of 1,000 hours a year transporting donations from various businesses and churches, keeping an inventory, and driving long distances at his own expense to deliver food to individuals in need. He also led the planning and construction of facilities for the food bank in 1995, and is an active member of the building committee of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. With energy and determination, Mr. Skanes has worked consistently to ensure that the needs of others are met.
Peggy and Patrick McNair have been volunteering for 40 years as canvassers for a number of health-related charities. For 20 years, Mrs. McNair has devoted many hours to the Fairview Villa nursing home, visiting senior citizens at the home and organizing recreational activities. She has also been a strong supporter of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Since the late 1970s, Mr. McNair has volunteered thousands of hours a year for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. A bypass surgery survivor, he has canvassed and staffed information kiosks for the foundation. For the past 25 years, on a weekly basis he has visited many heart surgery patients, providing advice and inspiration. Together, the McNairs have generously provided care for members of their community for four decades.
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 phone toll free 1-800-465-6890. Information is also available on the website at www.gg.ca.