Governor General to Present the Caring Canadian Award to Six Volunteers From New Brunswick

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 10, 2009) - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to six volunteers of New Brunswick at a ceremony at Universite de Moncton, on Friday, August 14, 2009, at 9 a.m. The names and citations of the recipients follow. Created in 1996 by the late Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc, the award is presented to individuals and groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions provide extraordinary help or care to people in the community. The award consists of a framed certificate and a lapel pin for everyday wear. The award symbol represents Canadians who selflessly give of their time and energy to others. Additional information about this award can be found at www.gg.ca/honours/awards/cca/index_e.asp. Media wishing to cover the event should arrive at the "Salle multifonctionnelle" of the Centre Etudiant of the Universite de Moncton by 8:30 a.m. List of the recipients of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award /T/ Suzanne Dugas Beresford, N.B. Anita Dugas Cormier Caraquet, N.B. Paul R. Hanson Northampton, N.B. Audrey M. Hicks Sackville, N.B. Romeo LaFrance Grand Falls, N.B. Sister Gilberte McGrath Saint-Quentin, N.B. /T/ Citations Suzanne Dugas, Beresford, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Devoted to the well-being of her fellow citizens and to helping many newcomers settle in Canada, Suzanne Dugas, of Beresford, New Brunswick, exemplifies exceptional citizenship and dedication. Over numerous years of community involvement, Mrs. Dugas has assisted many immigrants and refugees adapt to their new lives by welcoming them into her home and helping to familiarize them with the activities of daily life in Canada. Mrs. Dugas is known throughout the community for her warmth, openness and service to others. Anita Dugas Cormier, Caraquet, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Anita Dugas Cormier, of Caraquet, New Brunswick, has generously given her time to a wide variety of causes over several decades. She has been a member of the Institut feminin since 1953, and has been a member of the Caraquet Cercle des Dames d'Acadie since its inception in 1974. She openly shares her experiences to the benefit of the younger generations of Acadian volunteers, and encourages all seniors to break down solitudes by doing the same. Through her lifelong dedication to the development of her community, Ms. Cormier has encouraged countless people to believe in themselves. Paul R. Hanson, Northampton, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Paul Hanson has devoted many years to supporting the Salvation Army and veterans' causes, as well as to volunteering within his parish community. In particular, he has been actively involved in the Salvation Army's Transient Care Service and spent many hours over the holiday season helping with the Christmas Kettle Campaign. He serves as an important link between the Salvation Army and his church, and contributes equally to the parish pastoral council and to the cemetery committee. He is also an active member of the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada, where he has held a number of executive positions and assisted in the planning of annual fundraisers and Remembrance Day events. Audrey M. Hicks, Sackville, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Audrey Hicks has worked tirelessly on behalf of the community of Sackville, New Brunswick, for many years. She has been active with the Girl Guides for over 20 years, serves on the board of the local branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses, and has volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Mrs. Hicks can always be counted on to lend a hand and make a significant difference in the lives of many. Romeo LaFrance, Grand Falls, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Romeo LaFrance has been a recognized community leader in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, for many years. He helps to provide aid to those with intellectual disabilities through the many events and programs sponsored by the Order of United Commercial Travelers, a national fraternal organization. Moreover, he is a founding member of the Optimist Club of Grand Falls and is the president of the Activity Volunteer Group at the Grand Falls Manor. This enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer is an inspiration to others. Sister Gilberte McGrath, Saint-Quentin, New Brunswick Governor General's Caring Canadian Award Sister Gilberte McGrath, of Saint-Quentin, New Brunswick, is always ready to listen to the needs of the people in her community. For the past 40 years, Sister McGrath has brought hope and comfort to many through her work with organizations such as the Hopital Hotel Dieu Saint-Joseph, the Residence Mgr Arthur Melanson and the Saint-Sacrement de Saint-Quentin Parish. She has also been involved with the Cubs of Saint-Quentin. Sister McGrath continues to give endlessly of her time for the benefit of others.