Mary Gordon honoured with Diamond Jubilee Medal at Gala Event

25 June 2012: On June 18th, Roots of Empathy Founder and President Mary Gordon was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, among a distinguished group of all living members of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario within the province. The medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while at the same time honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

“We honour [Queen Elizabeth II’s] commitment to service by recognizing Canadians, who like her, have devoted themselves to the well-being of family, community, and country,” said Governor General David Johnston of the Diamond Jubilee Medals.

The event, held at Roy Thomson Hall, was hosted by the Honorable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Mrs. Ruth Ann Only, and attended by Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. Onley honoured over 600 Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients, including Christina Blizzard, Loreena McKennitt and Ben Heppner.

Mrs. Roberta Jamieson with Mary Gordon (right), after presenting Gordon with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto, June 18th.

A recipient of the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal and a Member of the Order of Canada since 2005, Gordon continues to be humbled with this most recent recognition. “I am honoured to be among such good company, and thrilled that my work with Roots of Empathy is recognized as such a worthy Canadian contribution to the world,” said Gordon.

The evening began on the red carpet, where Gordon was joined by fellow luminaries receiving the award. Gordon was presented her medal by Ms. Roberta Jamieson, CEO of Indspire (formerly national Aboriginal Achievement Foundation) in the rotunda of Roy Thomson Hall, and then proceeded to the hall proper for an evening of celebration and entertainment. Peter Mansbridge was the master of ceremonies, and notable Canadian musicians Susan Aglukark, Molly Johnson, Ben Heppner and Gordon Lightfoot gave performances.