Poilievre Honours Community Champions with Diamond Jubilee Medals

February 19, 2013
Poilievre Honours Community Champions with Diamond Jubilee Medals

Greely, ON — On February 19, Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, hosted a ceremony at Our Lady of the Visitation Church in Greely, honouring eight individuals with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. These people are community champions who stand out for their dedication in helping others and improving the communities they call home.

“Our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively recognize those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, generosity and service to our communities and country,” said Poilievre. “These individuals make a difference every day, inspiring us all with their dedication to service and commitment to community.”

Mrs. Suzel Vieira Ayyad was recognized as a local entrepreneur who goes beyond the call of duty expected of a daycare operator. Opening a daycare in 1989, she has cared for over 50 children since that time. Her passion for childcare is reflected in the attention, love and respect that she gives them. But more than just a daycare provider, Mrs. Ayyad also packs school lunches and provides tutoring services. She believes that the future is about children, and strives to make her home a safe, loving and warm environment for each child that she welcomes.

Dr. Priscilla Bright is a graduate of Newcastle University where she obtained her Bachelor Degrees in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Bright was honoured for her work as a general practitioner in Ottawa over the past 48 years. For the last 16 years, her focus has been on geriatric and palliative medicine She has cared for many frail, elderly, mobility-impaired and psychiatric patients who are without a doctor or are unable to leave their homes. She is a strong believer in the benefits of home visits for patients and families, and has done this throughout her career. She now mentors medical students and is helping them gain insight into palliative care treatment.

For her work with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of Ottawa, Ms. Lena Hillock was awarded her medal. She began her career in child welfare at the age of 16, volunteering for CAS in Sault Ste. Marie. She pursued an education in this field and has worked for CAS of Ottawa for the past 25 years. As a Child Specific Adoption Worker, she believes that no child should be without a parent figure in their life. Ms. Hillock focuses on understanding the individual nature of each child, then seeks out families that best match the child’s needs. Her passion to see each child connected with a loving family makes her an inspiration to her friends, family and colleagues.

Ms. Sylvia McDonald was born and raised in Manotick and received her medal for her dedication to singing. As an active member of the Nepean Choir and her local church choir, she has brightened people’s lives at weddings and political functions, even singing the national anthem and God Save the Queen at locations such as Ottawa City Hall and Parliament Hill. She also leads the singing during special occasions like Remembrance Day in Manotick. She is an active member of the Manotick Legion and a member of the Youth Education Committee.

Mr. Michael Maguire was chosen as a recipient of this honour for his countless hours of volunteer work with numerous local organizations. Most notably, he has been a volunteer for the past 25 years with the Manotick and District Kinsmen Club and the Manotick Kiwanis. Additionally, he has spent the past 23 years volunteering at Watson’s Mill, including being the Past President. Active in all levels of government, Mr. Maguire is a long time advocate for improvements in rural governance, giving rural communities a strong voice.

Ms. Nicole Boucher was nominated for her 23 years of work with Harvest House, a local organization which seeks to rehabilitate chemically dependent young men through self-discipline and faith, helping them again become contributing members of society. Starting as a volunteer, Ms. Boucher is now the Executive Director and oversees operations of the Ottawa South facility. In addition to her accomplishments with Harvest House, she has raised a family on her own while working full-time. She also obtained a Masters of Business Administration from Queens University, volunteered with minor hockey and has given thousands of hours of informal personal counseling to those in need.

For her volunteer work going back more than 30 years, Ms. Kimberly Sheldrick was selected as a recipient for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. She is currently the President of the Metcalfe and District Lions Club, but her community involvement goes far beyond this. She has always sought out volunteer opportunities with the selfless goal to help others and make the community she calls home a better place. From her first volunteer position as a junior leader for Girl Guides Canada, Metcalfe division, she presently volunteers for 24 boards, associations and community organizations. These include the school councils for Castor Valley Elementary and Metcalfe Public, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Vernon Community Association, the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum and the Ontario March of Dimes.

For the past eight years, Ms. Marie Trojan has worked tirelessly with the parish as the Chair of Fundraising for Our Lady of the Visitation Church. She received her medal for her work in raising over $1.3 million for the new parish hall, which was completed in 2010. She has demonstrated excellent leadership skills through hard work, persistence, dedication and faith. Working with a group of committed volunteers, she has helped the Parish achieve its building and community goals. She is a testament to how one person can influence positive change in their community that will last for generations to come.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to celebrate Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne 60 years ago. This commemorative medal is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to 60,000 Canadians whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their community, their organization and the country. It provides an opportunity to look back and honour those who helped make Canada what it is today, and to look forward and recognize youth who are actively involved in our country’s future.