Medals for volunteers

Cape Bretoners among those honoured

Four Cape Bretoners were among 13 provincial residents honoured Friday during a medal presentation by Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc.

The investiture ceremony was for those receiving the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

Island residents who received the medal were Kenneth Donovan, Sydney; Lloyd Harris, Florence; Vincent Penny, North Sydney and Henry Taylor, Sydney.

They were joined by Wendy Boyd, Bedford; Darryl Cook, Bridgewater; Joanne Hauser, Truro; Christine Jamieson, Hammonds Plains; Leigh Joiner, Lower Sackville; Angus McDonald, Halifax; Brian O’Brien, Halifax; Kathryn Patterson, Dartmouth and Stanley Salsman, Halifax.

The individuals were recognized for their voluntary activities that include assisting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, volunteering with the cadet movement, assisting with the preparation of tax returns and restoring a cemetery.

“On behalf of the Queen and all Nova Scotians, it is a great pleasure and honour to recognize these outstanding people who have volunteered their time to help others,” said LeBlanc.

The award was first established in 2016 by then Gov.-Gen. David Johnston, to recognize exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the medal incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

Donovan was honoured for his tireless championing of the island’s history and culture. A volunteer with the Old Sydney Society since 1979, he has contributed thousands of volunteer hours to the organization and shares his knowledge with local students.

Harris was recognized for his work with the board of directors of the Cape Breton Firefighters Association. He has actively secured grants and supervised various community projects through the First Florence Boy Scouts, St. Vincent de Paul, Northside Council, the Royal Canadian Legion and the cadet movement.

Penny was singled out for his work with Sea Cadets for 20 years and volunteering with his church for 40 years. He is also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Taylor received his award for his work with Royal Canadian Legion, Armstrong Memorial Branch #19 for more than 35 years.

He has held several positions on the executive and he is involved in the annual poppy campaign.

Such awards are open to any living Canadian citizen who has made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community or abroad.

The medal is only awarded to individuals, not to groups or couples. Living non-Canadians are also eligible if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada. There are no posthumous awards.

There is no deadline for submissions. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.