A Belleville woman has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her exceptional service to Canada.
Bev Bannister was one of 17 individuals from across Ontario recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in Toronto on Saturday.
Cory MacKay, Program Coordinator, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program Loyalist Branch, Quinte Division nominated Bannister for the prestigious recognition.
“Bev, is one of those individuals who goes above and beyond while doing so in a quiet manner,” MacKay said. “Bev does not ask for and does not expect recognition for her commitment.”
Bannister joined the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program almost ten years ago and includes regular visits with her canine partner Sheldon to Hastings Manor, Hospice Quinte, Loyalist College, various area high schools and other organizations. As a team, they are also Child Therapy tested and visit a local public school on a weekly basis to provide the PAWS reading program. She has also assisted with evaluations that are held in the spring and fall.
The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Partner organizations like St. John Ambulance present medals to individuals who meet the medal’s eligibility criteria. The list of partners was developed by the Government of Canada. Nominations from the general public were not accepted. To be eligible for this honour, a person must have made a significant contribution to the country, a province, territory, region or community, or made an outstanding achievement abroad, or has made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
