A resident from 100 Mile House was recognized for her dedication to speaking up on behalf of people with visual impairment through the Canadian Council of the Blind.
Lori Fry was presented with the Caring Canadian Award by Governor General David Johnston on March 4 during two ceremonies in Vancouver.
She says learned she was a recipient of the award in an email from Ottawa in December.
“I think the hardest thing was, I did reveal it to my family at Christmas just by coincidence because there was talk. I think there was some reference on the television about the Governor General or something and I said oh umm by the way I got an email from the them you know and that was just 3 family members, and so they too had to keep it confidential.”
Fry says she finds it difficult to bring attention herself and that as honored as she is, there are hundreds if not thousands of other Canadians also deserving of the Award.
She was one of 150 remarkable Canadians recognized for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, an Exemplary Service Medal, a Decoration for Bravery or a Meritorious Service Decoration during the ceremonies.
Fry has been dedicated to speaking up on behalf of people with visual impairments through the Canadian Council of the Blind, both as a volunteer and a national executive member for nearly 25 years.
Also recognized and presented with a Caring Canadian Award was 150 Mile House resident Duncan Barnett who has worked to protect British Columbia’s agricultural lands and environment for nearly 15 years.
He began by helping to develop the Invasive Plant Strategy in 2001, then by chairing the newly formed Invasive Species Council of British Columbia in 2004. He continues to work towards invasive species management in the province.