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RECOGNITION OF ROBERT GEORGE, JOHN MCEACHERN, WILLIAM (BILL) BECKETT, JEREMY BONNAR, FERNAND TAILLEFER AND ANTHONY BERESFORD RECIPIENTS OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA SOVEREIGN’S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Mayor Lehman announced the six recipients of the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medals for Volunteers were are Robert George, John McEachern, William (Bill) Beckett Jeremy Bonnar, Fernand Taillefer and Anthony Beresford. Mayor Lehman commented that the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields.
Mayor Lehman invited Robert George, John McEachern, William (Bill) Beckett, Jeremy Bonnar, Fernand Taillefer and Anthony Beresford each to the podium to receive their Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. He provided highlights related to each recipient as follows:
Robert George, Barrie, Ontario
Mayor Lehman discussed that Robert George is a Canadian Forces veteran and has committed countless hours soliciting local businesses and fundraising for the creation and enhancement of the Peacekeepers Memorial Park. He noted that Mr. George’s work has educated his community and helped to preserve the memory of Canadians who have perished during peacekeeping missions.
John McEachern, Markham, Ontario
Mayor Lehman discussed that John McEachern is a dedicated father and community volunteer, who turned personal tragedy into public triumph by pursuing his late son's dream: to make automated external defibrillators (AED) mandatory in schools and hockey arenas. His efforts through the Chase McEachern Tribute Fund and through various fundraising activities have made AEDs more commonplace and have helped save several lives in the community.
John McEachern thanked Council for honouring the six recipients of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
William (Bill) Beckett, Barrie, Ontario
Mayor Lehman discussed that William (Bill) Beckett has been volunteering with the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) since 1993. He noted that Mr. Beckett has worked tirelessly to create a lasting connection between citizens and the natural environment.
Bill Beckett commented that the Trans Canada trail is 91% complete between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean and is 21, 500 km long. Mr. Beckett highlighted that on July 1, 2017, the Trans Canada Trail project will be highlighted as part of Canada’s 150th celebrations.
Jeremy Bonnar, Barrie, Ontario
Mayor Lehman discussed that since 2010, Captain Jeremy Bonnar has been a volunteer with the 2nd Holly Scouts, where he has instilled a sense of responsibility and ownership among participants. He noted that Mr. Bonner is also involved with Hike Ontario, where he serves as its President, and as Risk Management Director of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association.
Fernand Taillefer, Barrie, Ontario
Mayor Lehman discussed that Fernand Taillefer has dedicated his time to numerous veterans' organizations in Canada and in his community to bring recognition to Canadian military achievements and to preserve soldiers' legacies. He explained that Mr. Taillefer has also been involved in various youth causes as a coach, military history speaker and fundraiser for many years.
Fernand Taillefer thanked Council for this great honour and he congratulated all of the other award recipients.
Anthony Beresford, Wasaga Beach
Mayor Lehman discussed that Anthony Beresford learned to play the bugle at the age of 13 and has performed at numerous military events, ceremonies and parades, as well as for such organizations as the Royal Canadian Legion and the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping. He indicated that Mr. Beresford’s dedication has made him a cornerstone within his community.
Anthony Beresford thanked Council for the great honour. Mr. Beresford highlighted that his parents were a big influence on his life and taught him to provide service not to himself but to his community.
Mayor Lehman congratulated and acknowledged the six recipients and presented each individual with the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and a certificate.