What is the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers?

According to the Government of Canada, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is awarded to individuals who have made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad is eligible. Candidates must have demonstrated an exemplary commitment through their dedicated volunteerism. Living nonCanadians are also eligible if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada. Each nomination is carefully researched and then reviewed by an advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the Governor General. The selection process, which may take up to one year, is non-partisan and merit-based. The Medal for Volunteers consists of a silver circular medal that is 36 millimetres in diameter with a suspension ring. The obverse depicts a contemporary effigy of the Sovereign, circumscribed with the inscription in capital letters of the Canadian Royal Title and the word “CANADA,” separated by two maple leaves. The reverse indicates the ideas of caring and generosity, represented by two interlaced hearts. The sunburst pattern of the rim symbolizes the time that volunteers are giving and their actions. The ribbon uses the vice regal colours of blue and gold. The five gold stripes evoke the fingers of a hand, present in the Caring Canadian Award emblem, while the deep red colour is associated with royalty.