Sister Christine Leyser, C.M.

I love going to Rideau Hall for the Order of Canada investiture ceremonies. Aside from the sheer inspiration of hearing fascinating stories of individuals and being a witness as they are recognized for their personal impact on a national scale, you never know how people will react in this highly prestigious ceremony.

And as a photographer you are a witness to many, many wonderful moments along with the more formal moments. Take Sister Christine for example. While others are solemnly escorted to the front of the great room and bow to the Governor General, she did away with this protocol, as the recipients are instructed to do, and just rushed up to Madame Jean and gave her a big hug and kiss. It was a sweet, honest display of emotion. A wonderful moment I believe.

Sister Christine Leyser, C.M.
Guelph, Ontario
Member of the Order of Canada

For more than 25 years, Christine Leyser has served as a pillar of her community and a beacon of hope for those marginalized in our society. She founded a network of facilities that provides social services, accommodation and a sense of community to those in need. Beginning with the Drop-In community centre, she expanded the organization to include the Dwelling Place, a long-term, shared support housing centre, and the Stepping Stone and Elizabeth Place, emergency shelters for men and women respectively. With seemingly boundless energy, she remains the inspiration and drive behind all of these projects.