Northerners awarded new Governor General medal for volunteers

Two Whitehorse women and one man from Fort Smith, N.W.T., are in Ottawa this week to receive the first Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General.

They are among 55 Canadians being recognized for exceptional volunteer achievements in a wide range of fields. 

"I was shocked," said Whitehorse resident Ruth Armson.

Armson has volunteered thousands of hours with the Yukon Arts Centre as a teacher, a mentorship program coordinator and a facilitator for a senior's memoir-writing class.

"I always wanted to give back to the community and I love volunteering," said Armson.

Marg White is another Whitehorse resident receiving the award.

She has given more than 25 years of volunteer service to the Yukon Curling Association and Yukon Athletics.

"I enjoy it. I enjoy seeing the people, meeting the people and cheering everybody on."

The Northwest Territories will also be represented at the ceremony. 

Fort Smith's Ray Currie is being recognized for his work at the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre, as well as with the town's ambulance service.  

"I'm not a winner," said Currie humbly. 

"It just so happens my name came up, my name was presented and accepted but there are many, many people volunteering in the North."

The new Medal for Volunteers replaces the Governor General's Caring Canadians Award. 

Governor General David Johnston will preside over the presentation ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday.