Surrounded by family members, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa’s very own Executive Director, Kathleen Provost accepted the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in honor of her significant achievements and contributions to this country.

The commemorative medal is awarded to Canadians who have built, and who continue to build, a caring society and country through their services and achievements. The medal was presented on December 10th 2012 by the Honorable Senator Jim Munson in a private ceremony.

Kathleen has had a long career in the charitable sector as both a professional and a volunteer. Was her nomination secured because she chaired the Fundraising Committee of “L’oeuvre Soupe Maison” in Montreal that helped acquire a building and build a brand new kitchen that would serve more meals in her community? Or maybe it was because she accepted the volunteer role of Deputy National Commissioner,

Development with Scouts Canada and helped restructure the Foundation to maximize the organization’s fundraising capacity. During the ceremony, Senator Munson highlighted Kathleen’s incredible tenacity when she founded and built the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA). Calling her a “bundle of energy,” The Honorable Senator also outlined how Kathleen played an important role in shaping today’s federal agenda on autism-related policies.

Humble and committed, Kathleen continues to be an active community leader in a number of volunteer roles alongside her current role as BBBSO’s Executive Director. Please join us in congratulating her for the significant contributions she has made – and continues to make – in our community here in Ottawa, and across Canada.