Small by international standards, Charlottetown is extremely sophisticated due to its emphasis on history and the arts. Your numerous theatres and galleries are a focus for the island's vigorous cultural life which flourishes in the villages and towns that dot the coast and the scenic interior roads. Islanders' traditional interest in local history and community has matured into a strong sense of cultural identity which is almost palpable as one strolls your picturesque streets. Communities like this, countries as well, are built on the contributions of individual people. The Caring Canadian Award is a very wonderful award created by the initiative of my predecessor Rom o LeBlanc, who was very moved by the thousands of volunteers in Canada and the millions of hours that they freely give.
Volunteers reflect the most proud and honourable Canadian traits.
They respond to a community need, they work incredibly hard, they ask for nothing. They go where they see there is a need and they are truly grateful for even a word of thanks. But that isn't their reward their reward is knowing that somehow they've made life better in the communities that they serve and the people that they serve. Today, we honour Betty Blake for her long commitment to the city's children, which includes distributing milk to students long before the city established a milk distribution program in the schools. Since her retirement, her volunteering has focussed on older people, particularly those with disabilities.