Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Deacon Adrien Chaput in recognition of his long-standing service to vulnerable residents. Chaput is cited for his leadership with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and The Grind.
A ceremony was held at St. Columbkille’s Cathedral on Sunday afternoon, where dignitaries, including Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais, Fred Blackstein and Jerry Novack gathered to honour Chaput. Novack from The Grind praised Deacon Chaput’s longstanding work with the organization:
Fred Blackstein remarked that only a short time ago, on December 23, the very room they were in on Sunday was the scene of one of the most important community meal delivery events the city sees each year, with the full support of Deacon Chaput:
Mayor Ron Gervais also acknowledged Chaput’s long-standing community work during his remarks, just prior to the awarding of the medal to the deacon:
Deacon Chaput said in his speech, through obvious tears of gratitude, how thankful he is to live in a community where so many people give their time and kindness to help those who are less fortunate:
Chaput noted that he was asked if he wanted to travel to Ottawa to receive the medal, but he chose to remain in Pembroke, where he could receive the honour among the people who mean the most to him.
(Written By: Richard Evans)