Joseph Quinn accepts award for volunteer services

Honoured by his peers in 2001 which earned him a place in the prestigious club – Great Verdunites - Joseph Quinn opens a new chapter in his life as he receives the Governor-General’s Caring Canadian Award.

Created in 1996, the Award recognizes non-remunerated contributions that are given voluntarily and often behind the scenes by men and women who offer extraordinary assistance or provide care to the community. The recipients have devoted themselves to service for several years and usually have not received any previous national or provincial honour.

The Award is presented as a framed certificate with a pin. The awards will be distributed to recipients by the Governor-General during a ceremony bringing together the 49 awardees and their families at Rideau Hall on April 30th to highlight Volunteer Week. The pin is engraved with an effigy of the maple leaf that symbolises the Canadian’s unselfish spirit and the open arms of generosity. The heart evokes the dedication of volunteers and caregivers.

Joseph Quinn has been helping the elderly and young people of his community for over 30 years. He is a founding member of the board of directors of the Dawson Community Centre where he sits. As a co-founder and a long-standing member of St. Lawrence Optimist Club, the Verdun resident ensures that students from low income families in various schools receive school supplies. Former president and current director of the United Irish Societies of Montreal, Joseph Quinn manages the Christmas baskets programme. He also serves as secretary and buyer for the good bank Manna de Verdun.

The Quinns have three children - Ken, Kevin and Shannon – and they will be present for the April 30 event.

An English and French news report will be published in Le Messager for this occasion.