Food Banks Canada Announces its Recipients for the Diamond Jubilee Medal
Thirty-three individuals across Canada to receive recognition for their work in food banking
TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of Food Banks Canada is honoured to announce its 33 recipients of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals. These individuals were chosen because of the significant impact they have made in the food banking community. These medals are bestowed in recognition of the Queen's 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals are being awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada.
"We are extremely pleased to have this opportunity to recognize and honour the heart and soul of the food bank community," says Robin Garret Food Banks Canada Chair. "These are truly distinguished men and women and they deserve to be recognized by their peers."
Food Banks Canada, the national organization representing food banks and addressing hunger in Canada, was selected by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, to be a partner among a select group of non-governmental organizations in awarding 33 medals to recognize the volunteers and employees of food banks who have built and continue to build a caring society and country through their service, contributions and achievements. The individuals recognized by Food Banks Canada were nominated by the public and are from every region in the country. Each community will be hosting ceremonies for their local recipients to honour their contribution and award them the medal in front of their friends, families and colleagues.
"The individuals selected for the Diamond Jubilee award are outstanding leaders in their communities," says Wanda Drodge, Member Council representative at Food Banks Canada. "They have gone truly above and beyond the call of duty and have given back to their communities by helping thousands of Canadians in need."
Food Banks Canada Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipients are:
| Pat Graham | Olds | AB | Mountain View Food Bank Society |
| Shiraz Haji | Calgary | AB | Calgary Interfaith Food Bank |
| Thelma Henry | Calgary | AB | Calgary Interfaith Food Bank |
| Deb Billwiller | Grand Forks | BC | Boundary Food Bank Society |
| Robert Hicks | Forest Grove | BC | 100 Mile House Food Bank |
| Christine Simmons | Penticton | BC | Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank |
| Beverley Elder | Sidney | BC | Sidney Lions Food Bank |
| Gwen Nelson | Mount Currie | BC | Sea to Sky Community Services |
| Kathryn Molloy | Gabriola Island | BC | People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Island |
| Ann Ledwich | Winnipeg | MB | Winnipeg Harvest |
| Garth Buchko | Winnipeg | MB | Winnipeg Harvest |
| Marla Somersall | Brandon | MB | Samaritan House Ministries Inc. |
| Rhoda Kernested | Teulon | MB | Teulon & District Food Bank |
| Larry McIntosh | Winnipeg | MB | Winnipeg Harvest |
| John Graham | Winnipeg | MB | Winnipeg Harvest |
| Marie Corkery | Saint John | NB | North End Food Bank |
| Douglas Furey | Cupids | NL | The Community Food Sharing Association |
| Dianne Swinemar | Halifax | NS | FEED NOVA SCOTIA |
| Dave Kranenburg | Toronto | ON | Meal Exchange |
| Dennis Bray | Niagara Falls | ON | Project SHARE |
| June Muir | Windsor | ON | Windsor Essex Food Bank Association |
| Richard Kennard | Toronto | ON | North York Harvest |
| Vivian Johnston | Cobalt | ON | Cobalt, Coleman, Latchford & Area Food Bank |
| Charles Packer | Deep River | ON | Deep River and Area Food Bank |
| George Leger | Cobourg | ON | Northumberland Fare Share Food Banks |
| Roberta Sommerville | Lindsay | ON | Kawartha Lakes Food Source |
| Agnes Ward | Trenton | ON | Care Share Food Bank |
| Monique Trépanier | Trois-Rivières | QC | Moisson Mauricie |
| Zakary Rhissa | Montréal | QC | Banques alimentaires Québec |
| Norman Dunn | Granby | QC | SOS Dépanage Granby et Région inc. |
| Linda Guedo | Saskatoon | SK | Saskatoon Food Bank |
| Bill Hall | North Battleford | SK | Battlefords District Food & Resource Centre |
| Elaine Chalifoux | Whitehorse | YT | Food Bank Society of Whitehorse |
Congratulations to all the award recipients.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our Members, Affiliate Member food banks, and their respective agencies serve approximately 85% of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short-term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Please visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.
About the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal
A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized.
SOURCE: Food Banks Canada
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