June 18 - 21, 2008 Ottawa – St. John Ambulance volunteers have been saving lives and building safer communities since 1883. To mark the 125th anniversary, St. John Ambulance is hosting five major events in Ottawa:
1. Volunteer Appreciation Reception – Thursday June 19, 2008, Army Officer’s Mess [149 Somerset St. W, East of Elgin] – 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Two awards honour the extraordinary contributions made by St. John Ambulance volunteers: The Leader of Tomorrow Award [for volunteers, 25 years and under, demonstrating outstanding leadership skills and service] and the Distinguished Service Award [for volunteers, over the age of 25, for making superior and sustained contribution to the work of St. John]. “In this special anniversary year, we felt it was important to recognize the outstanding contributions of our volunteers,” says Dawn Roach, Priory Secretary.
2. 125th Commemorative Envelope Unveiling – Friday June 20, 2008 – Delta Hotel 12:00 – 1:30 pm
An event to unveil the Commemorative Envelope, issued by Canada Post, to mark the historic event. Guests include St. John volunteers, staff and Board members; Order Historian Dr. Christopher McCreery; Order Archivist and Genealogist, Charles Maier; Hospitaller; and Canada Post representatives.
3. 125th Anniversary Book Launch – Friday June 20, 2008 – Delta Hotel [Champlain] 6:00pm – 7:00 pm
The Maple Leaf and the White Cross: A History of St.John Ambulance and the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Canada” is the fascinating story of St. John and its contributions to Canadians over the past 125 years. Noted historian of Canadian and Commonwealth honours systems, the Priory of Canada Historian, and a member of the Order of St. John, Dr. Christopher McCreery will be available for interviews and book-signing at this event.
4. Service of Remembrance – Saturday June 21, 2008 National War Memorial —11:00 am – 11:25 am
St. John Ambulance honours volunteers who served overseas during World Wars I and II, and the Korean War. Guests include The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment [VADs], Nursing Sisters, members of the Order of St. John who have served with the Canadian Forces Medical Corps [Regular and Reserves], Canadian Forces Health Services Group [Regular and Reserves], as well as St. John Ambulance volunteers, staff, families and friends from across Canada. This ceremony serves to remind Canadians that even today, many men and women serving in areas of conflict, as members of the Canadian Forces, have all received St. John Ambulance first aid training.
5. National Investiture – Saturday June 21, 2008 Senate Chamber, Parliament Hill — 2:00pm–3:00 pm
Twenty six [26] individuals will join the esteemed ranks of the Order of St. John* during the annual National Investiture Ceremony. On behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and Prior of the Priory of Canada, confers the honour of the Order of St. John upon volunteers for their service to humanity. The ceremony will be presided over by Mr. Eric Barry, Lord Prior of the Order of St. John.
“Each year, we celebrate the outstanding charitable work of those special Canadians who help make their communities safer and stronger,” says John C. Mah, Chancellor, St. John Ambulance Canada. In ceremonies held across the country, dedicated volunteers are presented with the Order of St. John, the Service Medal of the Order, lifesaving awards, and Priory Votes of Thanks for performing exceptional deeds.
* The Order of St. John is one of five national orders in the Canadian Honours System including the Order of Canada, Order of Military Merit, Order of Merit of the Police Forces and the Royal Victorian Order.
Interviews for all five events can be arranged. Designated media area [print and broadcast] in the Senate Chamber is available. Please confirm attendance.
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Backgrounder of 125 Years of Service to Canadians
Since its beginnings, St. John Ambulance has continued to evolve to meet the pressing health and safety needs of Canadians by offering a broad range of first aid programs and community services. In 1883, Quebec City was the first Canadian location to teach first aid courses; shortly thereafter, courses were offered in Kingston, Ontario. In the following 10 years, St. John Ambulance grew to be a truly national health and safety organization. By 1892, it had 12 branches teaching first aid and offering a proud tradition of volunteer work from coast-to-coast.
Recognizing the needs for workplace health and safety, St. John Ambulance began providing training to workers in the early 1900s. Soon thereafter, St. John Ambulance began a strong relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and the country’s protective services. St. John Ambulance has also played a pioneering role in recognizing the contribution women make to society. In fact, the Order of St. John was the first Canadian honour bestowed upon both men and women. Since 1912 in Canada, volunteers have received the Order of St. John - one of the five national orders in the Canadian Honours System – which recognizes their service to humanity and their support for the mission of St. John. At the very core of the 125 year story of St. John Ambulance is the unwavering commitment of truly exceptional volunteers.
Quick Facts
- Established in 1883 in Canada
- Member of one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations – the Order of St. John
- Serving communities across Canada – e.g. medical first response services, therapy dog services, youth services program, emergency preparedness program
- 25,000 volunteers provide two million volunteer hours annually
- 6,000 certified first aid instructors
- Provides first aid and CPR training programs that contain the latest protocols and meet provincial and federal workplace regulations
- Trains more than 550,000 Canadians in first aid and CPR each year
- Markets a complete range of high quality first aid kits and supplies for use at work, home and play
- Supports humanitarian relief efforts across Canada and around the world
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