Morning Star Staff

A Vernon resident is being recognized for her contributions to the community.

Helen Sidney is among 24 people who will receive the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award from Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon at a ceremony in Victoria today.

A retired teacher, Sidney is the dessert and pastry chef at  the Schubert Centre for seniors, where she has volunteered for more than 18 years.

She arrives early five days a week to bake the  breakfast muffins and pastries, and she never leaves without  giving a hand with the dishes and the clean-up.

“Helen Sidney gives  nourishment and inspiration to her community,” states a press release from Guichon’s office.

Created in 1995, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award  recognizes living Canadians and permanent residents who have made  a significant, sustained, unpaid contribution to their community,  in Canada or abroad.

Often working behind the scenes, these  individuals volunteer their time and efforts to help their fellow  citizens.

Sidney was a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.