HispanicBusiness

Gavin Lumsden

Ottawa, Ontario

A marathoner who has run a race for every letter of the alphabet, Gavin Lumsden is dedicated to promoting health and wellness in the community, particularly among disadvantaged youth. He founded Walk this Way, a program designed for inactive and overweight children to help them train for and participate in the annual Ottawa Race Weekend. Thanks to Mr. Lumsden's guidance and support, hundreds of children have gained the self-confidence and pride that comes from achieving their goals.

Jean-Guy Plourde

Grand Falls, New Brunswick

A retired teacher and French-language, genealogy and history buff, Jean-Guy Plourde has researched and helped to write over 600 biographies of soldiers. For several years, he has been compiling information on military history, directly helping to preserve the cultural heritage of his community and region.

Deborah Powers

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

For more than 40 years, Debbie Powers has been dedicated to the protection of animals in her province. Her volunteer work as a special constable and then executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was like a full-time job. She made sure that every animal received the best care possible, giving unstintingly of her time and resources to this cause.

Wesley Prankard

Niagara Falls, Ontario

When Wesley Prankard learned that the children of Attawapiskat did not have a safe place to play, he decided to take action. He mobilized his community through fundraising and outreach, and the Attawapiskat playground was completed three years later, on his 13th birthday. First Nations communities in the James Bay area credit him with bringing them more than just playgrounds-he brought hope and happiness to children and adults alike.

Ashleigh Quarrell

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Ashleigh Quarrell started volunteering at a young age, serving as a counsellor and fund raiser for eight years at Camp Quality. The camp provides an outdoor wilderness experience for young cancer survivors, terminally ill children and their families. Long after the end of each season, Ms. Quarrel would continue to provide support and ongoing friendship to her campers. She also volunteers with the Special Olympics, and organizes fundraising events to benefit such organizations as Habitat for Humanity and the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.

William Frank Stacey

Ottawa, Ontario

William Stacey has long been involved in the civic, religious and sporting life of his community. He is a proud supporter of the Cumberland Heritage Museum, the Cumberland Fire Department, the Emergency Youth Housing program, and the Navan Curling Club, as well as his church. A veteran, he is also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Scouts Canada.

Monique St-Laurent

Gatineau, Quebec

Monique St-Laurent is a leading figure in recreational sport in the Outaouais. She has donated her time to a host of organizations, including the Gatineau Olympiques hockey club and the Gatineau Vikings football team. She helps disaster victims in the Outaouais and sits on the board of directors for an organization that assists low-income individuals who are losing their independence. During the holiday season, she collects toys for underprivileged children through the Association des pompiers et pompieres de Gatineau.

Peter J. Thompson

Ottawa, Ontario

A retired RCMP officer who survived an aggressive form of cancer, and a long-time volunteer on the Canadian Cancer Society's board of directors, Peter Thompson has raised funds for research through the Society's Relay for Life campaign. He shares his story at Cops for Cancer events to give hope and courage to patients and families affected by the illness.