The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers (french: Médaille du souverain pour les bénévoles) is a Canadian
medal
A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are presented as awards. They may be int ...
intended to honour volunteers who have made a significant and continual contribution to their community, either in Canada or abroad. The medal was initially conceived by
Governor General
Governor-general (plural ''governors-general''), or governor general (plural ''governors general''), is the title of an office-holder. In the context of governors-general and former British colonies, governors-general are appointed as viceroy ...
Roméo LeBlanc
Roméo-Adrien LeBlanc (December 18, 1927June 24, 2009) was a Canadian journalist, politician and statesman who served as Governor General of Canada, the 25th since Canadian Confederation.
LeBlanc was born and educated in New Brunswick, and also ...
as the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award and created in November 1995, to award volunteers. It was replaced on 15 July 2015 by the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.
Eligibility and selection
The medal is intended for an individual whose unpaid, voluntary contributions, behind-the-scenes, provide extraordinary help or care to individuals or groups in the community. Nominees must have brought honour to Canada through their work, and may belong to any age group; recipients typically have not previously been recognized by a national or provincial honour.
An independent advisory committee meets to review submissions. Once a nomination for a candidate is received, research is undertaken to confirm facts and a summary of information about each candidate is presented to the advisory committee for review. The committee submits recommendations to the governor general.
The certificate and lapel pin are presented to recipients by a dignitary, such as a lieutenant governor, territorial commissioner, or mayor. On occasion, the governor general presents the medal during regional visits.
All previous honouree of the Caring Canadian Award will receive the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. As of November 30, 2017, the award has been presented to over 3300 Canadians across the country.
Find Recipients
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See also
*List of awards presented by the Governor General of Canada
Below is a list of awards presented by the Governor General of Canada on behalf of the Canadian monarch. The officeholder presents awards to recognize those people who have demonstrated excellence or exceptional dedication to service in ways that ...
*Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is a Orders, decorations, and medals of the Canadian provinces, provincial medal of merit that is awarded in the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. It was established by the Go ...
*Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal (SVM) is a civil decoration for volunteers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, introduced in 1995 by the Government of Saskatchewan. Prior to the establishment of the medal volunteerism could be recognized b ...
* British Columbia Medal of Good Citizenship
References
{{Canadian Honours System
Canadian awards