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Penhold man receives Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers

Feb 15, 2019 | 5:54 PM

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, presented Penhold resident Edward McPherson with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers on Friday.

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers.

During MacPherson’s 32-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces, he volunteered with youth in field sports at Penhold School and Springbrook Gymnasium, and participated in fundraising initiatives to benefit the community. He is a member of and volunteer with the Royal Canadian Legion, the Korea Veterans Association of Canada, and the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada.

Any person who is a Canadian citizen and who has 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. The Medal is awarded to individuals only, not to groups or couples. Non-Canadians are also eligible if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada.

Anyone can nominate a volunteer by submitting an online nomination at caring.gg.ca in a few simple steps. There is no deadline for submissions. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The Chancellery of Honours, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, administers the program and receives all nominations. Each one is carefully researched and then reviewed by an advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the governor general. The selection process is non-partisan and merit-based. Presentation ceremonies are held throughout the year, in communities across Canada.