B.C. Senior Honored with Governor General’s Medal for Volunteer Work

A senior from White Rock, British Columbia, has received national recognition for her extensive volunteer contributions over the years. June Young was awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, an honor that acknowledges exceptional volunteer achievements across Canada. The nomination, a secret kept by her husband, Gérald Young, for nearly four years, was officially revealed to her in October 2023.

June’s commitment to volunteering spans over six decades. After returning to Canada in 2005 from years spent in Geneva and Paris, she dedicated herself to various local initiatives. Her work includes a significant tenure with the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, where she has contributed for the last 15 years. Additionally, she has knitted countless hats and blankets for organizations such as the Surrey RCMP, through her initiative “Hats for the Homeless,” and provided tuques for newborns at Peace Arch Hospital.

Her volunteering journey began as she and Gérald settled back into life in B.C. Since then, June has logged numerous hours assisting at the South Surrey RCMP District 5 office before stepping back from that role a year ago. Currently, she actively supports Women’s Place, a shelter for women and children, a commitment she has maintained for the past three years.

Gérald, who has been married to June for 59 years, expressed pride in her relentless dedication, quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that serving others is a way to find oneself. He described June as “dedicated, compassionate, and frankly, selfless.” He credited the inspiration for nominating her to his nephew, retired Canadian Air Force captain Patrick Young. Gérald kept the nomination a secret to avoid disappointing June if it did not come to fruition, which he assumed was the case given the silence from the governor general’s office over the years.

June received the call informing her of the award last fall, a moment that left her both surprised and delighted. “It’s been a bit surreal, really,” she shared in a January 20 interview. “I still feel a little weird about the whole thing.” To qualify for the medal, nominees must demonstrate at least ten years of unpaid, dedicated contributions to their communities, a criterion June certainly meets with her extensive volunteer history.

In 2022, Amandeep K. Boparai was among 61 individuals recognized with the medal for her role as co-founder and CEO of the SPARK Foundation and for her work in youth safety initiatives in Surrey. June’s volunteerism reflects a similar spirit of community engagement, which she describes as the “best part of my life.”

She emphasizes the importance of staying active and involved, stating, “I love the fact that I’m on the go all the time. That’s what keeps me young, I think.” While she appreciates the recognition, she does not see herself as more remarkable than the “thousands” of others who dedicate their lives to volunteering. “It becomes a way of life and is so very fulfilling,” she remarked, with a commitment to continue her volunteer work “until the day I die.”

Although the date of the medal ceremony has not yet been announced, June and Gérald plan to attend when the event occurs. For her, each day spent volunteering is a “wonderful bonus,” highlighting the joy and satisfaction derived from helping others. As she prepares to accept this honor, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact of community service and the dedication it requires.