We at the COC have some pretty incredible people in our midst.

And we’re not the only ones who think so.

Over the weekend, long-time COC supporter Earlaine Collins – COC Board member for 14 years, current Golden Circle member, and all-around model of philanthropic excellence – was honoured in Ottawa with the prestigious 2012 Governor General Ramon John Hnatyshyn Award for Voluntarism in the Performing Arts.

The distinction is one of eight Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards given out in 2012, and it recognizes Earlaine’s extraordinary contribution to the country’s leading arts organizations.

We couldn’t be happier for Earlaine, or more grateful to count her as one of our own. For more than three decades she has been a cherished member of the COC family, generously contributing her time, enthusiasm and financial support to a variety of initiatives, including the behemoth task of raising money for the construction of the Four Seasons Centre.

The award was announced in the House of Commons on Thursday, May 3rd. Then on Friday, Earlaine was presented with the award medallion at Rideau Hall by the GG himself, David Johnston. Finally, to cap off a triple bill of fêting, she was celebrated with a gala at the National Arts Centre on Saturday night alongside other notable Canadians from the arts world.

The star-studded evening included a performance from COC favourite Russell Braun – a natural choice, since Earlaine has been Russell’s friend and artist sponsor for nearly two decades.

 

The National Film Board also produced a series of short films honouring each of the recipients. Take a look at the one about Earlaine right here. It just might inspire you to give something back.

Bottom photo: (l - r) Russell Braun, Earlaine Collins, Alexander Neef. Photo by Rosemarie Umetsu.