A long-time Sackville volunteer has been honoured for her many years of service within the community.
Audrey Hicks was presented with the Caring Canadian Award by Governor General MichaËlle Jean at a ceremony held at the UniversitÉ de Moncton on Friday, August 14. Hicks said recently that she was thrilled to receive the award from the Governor General, but was initially surprised to learn she had been nominated for the award.
"The first thing I thought was, 'why me?' But it was really awesome having it presented by the Governor General. She said something like ' I want thank you sincerely for all that you do', then she shook my hand," Hicks said, adding that Governor General Jean took note that Hicks currently has a broken arm.
"She said 'I guess I should be shaking your left arm', as is the custom with Girl Guides, so she smiled and shook my left hand too," Hicks recalled.
The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award was created in April, 1996 by then Governor General Romeo LeBlanc as a way of thanking the thousands of caring people across the country who give of their time, efforts and talents to helping others while asking nothing in return. Recipients of these awards have been involved in volunteer activities for several years and have not been recognized with a national or provincial honour.
Any resident of Canada may nominate deserving persons for the award and there is no deadline for nominations as the award winners are announced on an ongoing basis and the awards presented several times each year in areas across the country.
Hicks has a long-time history as a volunteer in the Sackville area including many years with the Girl Guide movement where she has been Commissioner of the Sackville District for several years. She is heavily involved with the Tantramar Hospice Palliative Care Organization Inc., serving on several committees; is on the board of the Sackville VON; and is a past president of the Sackville Hospital Auxiliary, and currently serving as secretary of that organization.
A retired registered nurse, Hicks said she has always found volunteering to be tremendously rewarding.
"It's the people you work with as a volunteer; they motivate you to do the things that make that little bit of difference. I'm proud to receive this award, but it really belongs to all of the people who volunteer in this community," she said.
She noted that the presentation ceremony was brief, with a short reception following which was attended by the Hicks and the five other New Brunswick residents who also received the Caring Canadian Award, as well as a limited number of family members, which included Hicks husband Wayne and their three children Suzanne, Mark and Heather.
