Congratulations to three outstanding members of the Children’s family on receiving honourary distinctions bestowed by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. For their contribution to their communities, Dr. Nicolas Steinmetz and Sister Virginia Lafleur have received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and our spokesperson, outstanding donor, board member and star defenceman, P.K. Subban, has received the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division). All three recipients more than deserve this recognition for the amazing work they do.

Dr. Nicolas Steinmetz is an active member of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, and as past Chairman, he lead the Foundation during the largest capital campaign in its history to help build the new Montreal Children’s Hospital. He has also devoted time and energy to lobby for the adoption of a Charter of Human Rights for Children in Canada.

Sister Virginia Lafleur has spent over 2,015 hours volunteering at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, caring for babies and their parents alike. She is an example of the vital role volunteers play for staff and families to make the Children’s the centre of compassion we know today.

Since P.K. Subban announced his $10 million commitment to the Montreal Children’s Hospital in September 2015, projects supported by P.K.’s Helping Hand touch more than 9,000 families per year. As a spokesperson, donor and member of the Board of Directors, P.K.’s impact on the hospital is immeasurable.

On behalf of the Hospital and its Foundation, as well as the families you support, we congratulate you and offer our deepest gratitude for the tremendous work you do.