A local woman is getting the country’s highest honour for volunteers.

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is highlighting Patient Family Advocate Mona Hardy, who received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General this April.

Over the past decade, she has given her time at the hospital and organizations like NorWest Community Health Centres.

“Volunteers play such a crucial role at our Hospital, and Mona exemplifies the essential link volunteers fulfill to help ensure patients have the best experience possible when at our Hospital,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC, and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Mona has been an extremely dedicated, long-serving volunteer, tirelessly contributing her time, gifts, skills, and energy to improving the lives of many people. I’m thrilled that she is receiving this well-deserved recognition.”

Hospital officials say Hardy has played an important role advocating for concerns of the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender patients.

“It is truly a privilege to work with someone who is so dedicated, competent, hardworking, and professional in all of her interactions with patients, staff, and fellow volunteers,” said Bonnie Nicholas, Manager, Patient and Centred Care at TBRHSC. “Mona’s positive, outgoing personality, kindness, and generosity have an immense impact on so many people in our hospital and the wider community.”

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is a national award recognizing the volunteer achievements of Canadians.