Volunteer ‘surprised’ by Governor General Award

BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com



Laura Middleton never thought her volunteer efforts would receive accolades outside of her own rural community. So when a letter arrived inviting her to receive a Governor General’s award she was more than a little surprised.

In total six Nova Scotians received the Governor Generals ‘Caring Canadian’ award this month in recognition of their ‘outstanding and selfless contribution to their community and to Canada.’ Middleton’s nomination was initiated by the Uniacke Heritage society and spurred on by community orginizations and members who knew just what a caring individual she is.

“It was a thrill for me to win this award and meet her. I’ve always thought she was beautiful. She was very gracious to all of us,” said Middleton of Governor General Michaell Jean after the awards reception in Halifax.

Middleton grew up in Halls Harbour and latter moved to Mt. Uniacke with her husband, former site manager for Uniacke House Museum. “It was a wonderful place to live and raise our daughter, we became so much a part of the community,” she said.

Middleton who has always enjoyed volunteer work and is an active secretary and volunteer with the Uniacke Heritage Society. The society is made up of many volunteers to preserve the heritage of the area and promote community events. She also volunteers with the ‘Uniacke Wish Givers’ who help people in need through fundraisers and auctions.

While her daughter was growing up Middleton was also involved with the 4-H program. “That’s a wonderful program for young people, especially in a rural community, where there often seems to be fewer opportunities.” She currently works at the public library where she organizes programs for youth and at a local pharmacy.

Middleton said she has a difficult time taking credit for all the wonderful things the community does. “This is an easy community to be a ‘Caring Canadian’ in, I’ve got lots of company in that respect.”

When a need arises in the community, Middleton really knows how to garner support. The junior firefighters, who initiated ‘Wish Givers’ raised $15,000 at one auction to help a young woman fighting cancer. They later raised an additional $37,000 to help families at Christmas. “When I arrived that fire hall was crammed, and that was a week before Christmas,” she said. “When this community turns out to help we do it in a big way.” She says that it’s partly because the community is it’s own, ‘unique entity’. “We’re kind of separated here from the larger centers. We do a whole lot of little things, but no one big thing.”

But that image may change now that Middleton has put Mt. Uniacke on the map. “I love this community,” she said, “and I owe the people here so much for supporting the nomination; I want to thank them. I have to find a balance between being modest and doing just a bit of bragging,” laughed Middleton.

Like many tireless volunteers Middleton is already planning her next move. She has been in contact with several agencies to organize plans to make Christmas stockings for men in homeless Shelters. “It seems easy to judge them, but not everyone can pull themselves up on their own. They’re someone’s, son, father or brother and they need to know we care,” she said.

Middleton plans to get started right away making the 40-60 stockings in time for next Christmas. “I like to keep busy, so I’m always scheming in my mind about what I can do next.”