A small gesture to honour a lifetime of giving back to the community
It was an event delayed two years but on Thursday two London residents were honoured for a lifetime of giving back to the community.
Ron Dawson and Karen Pincombe received the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers at a ceremony at the Civic Garden Complex.
The Sovereign’s Medal was an initiative of former Governor General David Johnston to recognize passion, dedication and commitment to the community.
The recipients were nominated by the London Community Foundation (LCF).
“Any non-profit really relies on volunteers and it’s so important that you recognize them and show them how much you value what they bring to the organization,” says LCF President/CEO Martha Powell.
For Pincombe, her passion started when she was recruited to teach music at a Salvation Army children’s camp, “The children that came really changed my heart.”
For 30 years she’s been helping expose kids to music through the Arts 4 All Kids program run out the London Food Bank. The program supports children whose families are unable to afford lessons and instruments.
“We see them grow in confidence. We’ve heard stories of behaviour changes in schools because now they have something outside of school that makes them feel they’re worthy.”
Powell says Pincombe exemplifies passion and commitment, “She’s lifted every leaf possible to find instruments to be donated and get volunteers to help, and it’s just monumental work.”
Dawson is a businessperson and entrepreneur who has volunteered with numerous organizations throughout the city from University Hospital to Banting House.
He also started a fund with his late wife, June. The June and Ronald Dawson Family Fund is distributed by the LCF.
Dawson added a little levity to the proceedings. In accepting his medal, Dawson cited the late, legendary comedian Bob Hope, “When he got the Congressional Medal of Honor he said, ‘I’m very humbled by this, but I think I have the strength of character to fight it.’” Dawson added “I’m no Bob Hope but I am very humbled by this.”
Of course, this was a smaller gathering than initially planned, mostly family and close friends. All on hand were checked for double vaccination, remained distanced and put on masks while moving around.
Still, organizers say they’re gratified mechanisms are now in place that allowed them to honour two worthy medal recipients.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Alice Munro, Nobel literature winner revered as short story master, dead at 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant who became one of the world's most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history's most honoured short story writers, has died at age 92.
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Attack on prison van in France kills 2 officers, inmate escapes
Armed assailants killed two French prison officers and seriously wounded three others in an attack on a convoy in Normandy on Tuesday and an inmate escaped, officials said.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence for 10 years under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region
A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Manitoba premier to visit areas impacted by wildfire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will get a close-up look at the devastation from a large wildfire burning in northern Manitoba Tuesday.
Significant police presence as Israeli flag flies at Ottawa City Hall
The Israeli flag is flying at Ottawa City Hall today to mark the country's national day, with plans to hold a private ceremony to mark Israel's Independence Day. There is a significant police presence at City Hall, including security barriers outside the main doors.