Local St. John Ambulance volunteers recognized

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, and Chancellor Rene Marin congratulate St. John Ambulance volunteer Lieutenant (Navy) Paul Hong (centre).

Local St. John Ambulance volunteers were recognized in various ceremonies across the province recently.

Caledon resident Paul Hong received a Priory Vote of Thanks certificate (PVOT) from the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (the Order) in Ottawa, Ontario. Hong received the PVOT for the work that he has done for St. John Ambulance and service given as aide-de-camp to the Chancellor of the Order. The PVOT was signed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and was presented to Hong by the Order's Chancellor, Commodore The Honourable Rene Marin. Also in attendance was The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, who received the insignia of Commander in the Order.

At a recent ceremony held in Mississauga, local Bolton resident Bill Coyle received the 10 year service award given by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship. Coyle heads up the honours and awards committee and was instrumental in the Therapy Dog program in Bolton.

In recognition of the contribution that St. John Ambulance has played in the community, Brampton City council recently proclaimed June 27 to July 2, to be St. John Ambulance Week.

St. John Ambulance is an international charitable organization with more than 25,000 volunteers in Canada. Each major city has a St. John Ambulance branch. Each year, St. John Ambulance trains more than 500,000 Canadians in first aid courses. The volunteers at St. John Ambulance give thousands of hours to their communities and raise millions of dollars for charitable causes.

In Bolton, Adult Medical First Responders provide voluntary first aid coverage at community events. There is also a division for youth (10-18). Bolton's Therapy Dog division is very active, with members and their canine partners making frequent visits to senior centres. The Car Seat Technician group assists parents in installing infant/child car seats at no cost. More information can be found at www.sja.ca/on/brampton.