\ Press Releases \ The Government of Canada honours Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award recipient
Each year, in recognition of the importance of volunteerism, the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award honours two outstanding individuals for their contribution to their communities. Thérèse Casgrain was the founder and president of the Quebec League of Women's Rights and helped Quebec women gain the right of vote in 1940.
"The Government of Canada values the contributions that volunteers make to create safer and healthier communities," said Minister Solberg. "It is through the efforts of people like Ms. Grandbois and Dr. Yang that we can aspire to a more vibrant, stronger and better Canada."
Ms. Grandbois, living with amyotrophic lateral scleroris (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, has increased awareness of the disease and raised funds for ALS patients through Elizabeth's Concert of Hope. She has helped to raise over $2.5 million for ALS research and support services. She is the recipient of numerous municipal and provincial awards and received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal in 2004.
Over the last 26 years, Dr. Kwang Yang has made an important volunteer contribution to the multicultural communities of Canada, particularly those of British Columbia. He played a crucial role in the successful translation and implementation of Canadian Diabetes Association programs for the Chinese Canadian community. He is the founder and president of a number of associations, including the B.C. Hepatitis B Society, the Canadian Health Awareness Society and the Pacific Chinese Culture Society of Canada. His tireless efforts led to the provincial adoption of extended immunizations to cover more groups, including new immigrants.
Each year, the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award is presented to one man and one woman who have contributed significantly to the advancement of a social cause and the well-being of their fellow Canadians. Recipients receive a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of Thérèse Casgrain, a lapel pin and a certificate of recognition. In addition, a registered Canadian charity of their choice receives a $5,000 grant. This year's recipients chose the ALS Society of Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
To learn more about the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
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For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development
819-994-5559
This news release and backgrounder are available in alternative formats upon request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone or a teletypewriter (TTY).
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The Government of Canada honours Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award recipient
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, April 30, 2008 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today honoured Ms. Elizabeth Grandbois of Burlington, Ontario, and Dr. Kwang Yang of Surrey, British Columbia, as the recipients of the 2008 Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award at the National Arts Centre.Each year, in recognition of the importance of volunteerism, the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award honours two outstanding individuals for their contribution to their communities. Thérèse Casgrain was the founder and president of the Quebec League of Women's Rights and helped Quebec women gain the right of vote in 1940.
"The Government of Canada values the contributions that volunteers make to create safer and healthier communities," said Minister Solberg. "It is through the efforts of people like Ms. Grandbois and Dr. Yang that we can aspire to a more vibrant, stronger and better Canada."
Ms. Grandbois, living with amyotrophic lateral scleroris (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, has increased awareness of the disease and raised funds for ALS patients through Elizabeth's Concert of Hope. She has helped to raise over $2.5 million for ALS research and support services. She is the recipient of numerous municipal and provincial awards and received the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal in 2004.
Over the last 26 years, Dr. Kwang Yang has made an important volunteer contribution to the multicultural communities of Canada, particularly those of British Columbia. He played a crucial role in the successful translation and implementation of Canadian Diabetes Association programs for the Chinese Canadian community. He is the founder and president of a number of associations, including the B.C. Hepatitis B Society, the Canadian Health Awareness Society and the Pacific Chinese Culture Society of Canada. His tireless efforts led to the provincial adoption of extended immunizations to cover more groups, including new immigrants.
Each year, the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award is presented to one man and one woman who have contributed significantly to the advancement of a social cause and the well-being of their fellow Canadians. Recipients receive a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of Thérèse Casgrain, a lapel pin and a certificate of recognition. In addition, a registered Canadian charity of their choice receives a $5,000 grant. This year's recipients chose the ALS Society of Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
To learn more about the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
- 30 -
For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development
819-994-5559
This news release and backgrounder are available in alternative formats upon request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone or a teletypewriter (TTY).
| Posted On: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Modified: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Category: Press Releases Posted By: |