A long-time volunteer is encouraged after receiving the Governor General's Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers at a ceremony earlier this month in Ottawa. 

"It kind of tells you (that) it matters what you're doing and you keep going, especially when the Governor General whispers in your ear 'keep up the good work' ", said Angelika Stoesz who was one of 8 people Canada to earn the medal.

In total, forty people were presented medals that day at Rideau Hall with backgrounds ranging from military to RCMP. 

"It was tremendously humbling," said Stoesz, adding there are so many ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the country. 

Stoesz said that she accepted the award on behalf of the many people that work behind the scenes to make things happen.

"None of these ships sail just because there's a captain, it all needs a crew and without a good crew you go nowhere," she said. 

The Altona Christmas Day Dinner, Rhineland and Area Food Bank, and Challenge for Life Walk are some of the organizations Stoesz been a part of, some for over 20 years.