The Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC) nominated Captain Brenna Lavigne to receive the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers. In the past ten years she has demonstrated outstanding and selfless dedication to improving the lives of those in both her local and military communities.
While posted to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Captain Lavigne established a dog therapy program for a local senior’s residence and palliative care unit in her hometown of Stonewall. Once or twice weekly, she and her two cocker spaniels would spend an evening visiting with the clients and staff, listening to their stories and engaging in conversation. This was immensely popular with the residents and they would often ask the staff if the “lady with the dogs was coming to visit.” As a result, Captain Lavigne increased the number and duration of her visits. Furthermore, she went to great lengths to ensure that holidays were a memorable experience. On Mother’s Day for example, she would present each of the ladies at the care centre with a rose and box of chocolates. This small act of kindness had a profound, positive effect and restored some dignity to those who were otherwise alone and lonely.
Parenthood has always been an important life goal for Captain Lavigne and she envisioned having numerous children. Now as a mother of four and after completing the adoption cycle, she realized that it was occasionally a very intimidating and extremely emotional ordeal. Cognizant of the trepidation many potential adoptive parents felt, she volunteered her time as a guest speaker for panel discussion groups organized by the Children’s Aid Society of Ontario. She spoke to the aspects of this life-changing process and answered all of the questions with patience and honesty. She acknowledged her fears of not knowing what to expect, however emphasized the elation she felt when she discovered that she and her husband were matched with a sibling group who eventually became her children.
Captain Lavigne has been heavily involved with supporting military families since her arrival in Kingston in 2011. She has supported the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre in a variety of aspects, but most notably, on the Les Petits Amis Childcare Centre’s Parent Caring Committee. In this capacity she helped to completely overhaul and rejuvenate the outdoor daycare playground facilities. She was directly involved with the project design, development of the statement of requirements and review of submitted bids. Captain Lavigne has also volunteered countless hours of personal time assembling play structures, building gardens, reading stories to the toddlers and finally serving Thanksgiving dinner to the daycare staff and children.
On February 28, Captain Brenna Lavigne was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
“I was genuinely surprised when I received a call from Rideau Hall advising me that I had been nominated and awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers,” Captain Lavigne said. “I am truly humbled by my selection and am extremely grateful to the Kingston MFRC for taking the time and effort to submit my file for consideration.”
“The ceremony was magnificent and although I was nervous, it was a once in a lifetime experience. During the reception that followed my family and I were given the opportunity to speak with the Governor General Julie Payette and RCAF Commander Lieutenant-General Hood.”
“I truly feel blessed for the opportunity and thoroughly enjoy my experiences as a volunteer. Although I take great pleasure and pride with my contributions to my community I believe that my life has been enriched by each and every one. I hope that my experiences can inspire others to take opportunities to get involved with their communities.”
Captain Lavigne has been an exemplary officer who has demonstrated exceptional devotion to improving the quality of life for all of those around her. Most impressive is the positive effect she has instilled across the spectrum of Canadian citizens, from young children through prospective parents to the elderly.