Write to Read’s Leader Bob Blacker wins Service Award

Ottawa:

– August 2nd, 2017 – Robert (Bob) Cullimore Blacker was one of 36 Canadians to receive a medal from the Governor General on Friday, June 23, 2017. The Governor General’s Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. A recipient need to be innovative set an example or model for others to follow or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community. 

Governor General David Johnson presented the decorations at around 10:30 am in Rideau Hall.  36 Meritorious Service Medals, along with 13 Meritorious Service Crosses were distributed.  Created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to our country.  In 1991, both the cross and medal were introduced for civilians, rather than just for the military. 

From the GG website, it reads, “As the prime mover behind Write2Read, Robert Cullimore Blacker helped bring permanent and up-to-date libraries to rural First Nations communities across British Columbia.  His ability to connect volunteer organizations, social responsible businesses, and First Nations resulted in donations of trailers, books, computers and high-speed broadband connections used to increase literacy and Internet access in isolated communities.

“So very proud of my friend, my mate – congratulations on receiving a meritorious service metal from the GG Bob Blacker! I can not imagine anyone more deserving than you of this recognition.”
by Shirley-Pat Chamberlain

“Last Friday, I sat in Rideau Hall and watched the Governor General of Canada give my Dad a Meritorious Service Medal for his work with the Write 2 Read Project (https://www.writetoreadbc.com). My Dad, along with other ordinary Canadians at the ceremony, have done extraordinary things in their communities and abroad. It was amazing to listen to all of their stories and reasons for receiving this award, but most importantly, their dedication to their cause to make Canada and the world a better place.”

by Michelle Baril

“Congratulations Bob Blacker on your award MSM medal well done mate we are very proud of you.”
by Glenn Hunt

“This past Friday my Dad, Bob Blacker, was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his work on the Write to Read Project (www.writetoreadbc.com). He is an extraordinary man and I am so proud of all of the hard work he’s done over the years.”
by Kendal Blacker

“Further, myself and part of my family, were invited to witness my wonderful Dad Bob receive some very hard earned recognition for his tireless work in bringing libraries and learning centres to our most remote and pretty much forgotten First Nation communities in BC. This award ceremony was held at the very prestigious and amazingly beautiful Rideau Hall. We felt so totally important and were treated so wonderfully. The highlight for me was to see my Dad beam with pride and all emotion as only Bobby Blacker can.”

Andrea Blacker