Two Friends of the Canadian War Museum honoured with Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Ottawa, Ontario, September 15, 2016 — The Canadian War Museum and the Friends of the Canadian War Museum (FCWM) are pleased to congratulate two volunteers, Mai-yu Chan and Michael Braham, who received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from Governor General David Johnston during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Wednesday, September 7. This official Canadian honour recognizes exceptional volunteers who have made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions within their communities.

“As committed members of the Friends of the Canadian War Museum, Mai-yu Chan and Michael Braham have dedicated tremendous amounts of time, energy and expertise to supporting the Museum,” said Stephen Quick, Director General of the Canadian War Museum. “We are so very pleased to see their volunteer efforts at the War Museum and other organizations recognized with such a prestigious honour.”

Mai-yu Chan has been a devoted volunteer with the Friends since 2003. The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General cites her work inspiring volunteers and visitors alike through creative programs involving the institution’s art exhibitions and Regeneration Hall. She has also served as a FCWM Board Member, Director and Chair of the Membership Committee.

As a volunteer with the Canadian War Museum since 1988, and with the Diefenbunker since 2008, Michael Braham has shared his experiences and interest in the Cold War with many visitors in both museums. He has served on a number of FCWM committees, and as the former editor of the Friends’ newsletter, The Torch, he remains instrumental in its quarterly production.

“Mai-yu Chan and Mike Braham are long-time members of the Friends of the Canadian War Museum,” said FCWM President Linda Colwell. “In addition to the specific tasks they do to support the Friends, and hence the War Museum, they are always ready to take on special assignments. Through their own volunteerism and their can-do attitudes, they have become an inspiration to our other volunteers.”

Mai-yu and Michael were two of 46 volunteers from the National Capital Region presented with the Medal for Volunteers during this most recent ceremony in Ottawa. Since April 2016, the medal has incorporated and replaced the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award — an award created by then-governor general the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc to honour the dedication and commitment of volunteers across the country in a wide range of fields.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national and international dimensions. Work of the Canadian War Museum is made possible, in part, through financial support from the Government of Canada.

The Friends of the Canadian War Museum is a charitable organization that contributes volunteer expertise, knowledge and financial assistance to promote and support the Museum, its programs and its activities. Find out more at www.friends-amis.org.

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Media contacts:

Bob Argent
Friends of the Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8618
Email: reargent82@gmail.com

Avra Gibbs Lamey
Senior Communications and Media Relations Officer, Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8607
Email: avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca