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Volunteer a 'caring Canadian'
Ben Morgan Northern News Services Published Wednesday, September 3, 2008
"I'm deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition," he said. "Volunteering is something that is needed in every community." The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award is presented to individuals or groups whose unpaid, voluntary contributions helps their community. It was created by former governor general Romeo LeBlanc in 1996. Gushue found out he had been nominated for the honour late last year and discovered in April he had been selected for the award. Gushue said he found out quickly he had the right skill-set for volunteering. "It feels right to me," he said. "It's something that just comes natural, I guess." Before Gushue moved north from Nova Scotia, he noticed there was a large number of clubs, organizations and associations in the Yellowknife when he read a copy of News/North he found at a Halifax library. "I was amazed at how many groups there were - pottery guilds and photography groups and gardening clubs - it just went on and on," he said. He intended to stay for two months but 17 years later he's still in Yellowknife. The former teacher now works for the Department of Health and Social Services. "Now that I've got the time to offer it seems like there are lots of opportunities to volunteer," he said. Gushue has lent his volunteer efforts to several organizations in the city including AIDS Yellowknife, the Yellowknife Choral Society and the coast guard auxiliary. Pam Naylor also volunteers with the coast guard auxiliary. Gushue is her unit leader. "He brings a lot of energy to the job and he's very well-organized," she said. "When we show up on Thursday nights we always know it'll be a productive night and that's thanks to Lorne's hard work." Naylor said Gushue is well deserving of the award. "He's got a great sense of humour too, so we look forward to seeing him," she said. "He always makes it fun for everyone."
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