Governor General Mary Simon will honour 61 volunteers at a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Wednesday, including two recipients from this area.
The award, the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, recognizes those who have made their communities a better place and have brought honour to Canada.
For the past three decades, Brenda Lee Jones has helped others prepare their tax returns at the South Essex Community Council. Some of her clients are housebound. The Leamington resident is also an active member of the Olinda-Ruthven United Church.
In Tilbury, Katharine Smyth will be honoured for her leadership positions with the Tilbury Horticultural Society and the Ontario Horticultural Society. For more than 20 years, she has ensured Tilbury is always decorated for the season and welcoming to visitors.
The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. in the Rideau Hall Ballroom.