Forty years ago, Sister Geraldine MacNamara received the Order of Canada on the stage of the very place she founded in 1976.

October 14, 1983, (then) Governor General Edward Schreyer traveled to Winnipeg to present the prestigious honour to Sister Gerry who was too ill to make the trip to Ottawa. Staff, board, and a variety of grateful community members gathered at Rossbrook House to witness this deserving achievement.

Upon accepting the award, she reminded all to continue to provide sanctuary to children and youth and said ‘no child who does not want to be alone, should have to be’. Her words have been a guiding force at Rossbrook House since her death in 1984.

Watch a shortened version of the ceremony by clicking here.

Click to read more about Sister Geraldine MacNamara.