The Governor General of Canada has announced that John Howard, founder and retired director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Canada, is one of 24 individuals who will be presented the Meritorious Service Medal in the fall at a special ceremony in Ottawa.

Queen Elizabeth II created the award to recognize individuals whose achievements have brought benefit or honor to Canada. Since 1985, ADRA Canada has implemented humanitarian efforts worth more than CA$36 million dollars. The agency has met the needs of more than 2 million people in more than 80 countries through 1,400 projects, including dental clinics in the Dominican Republic, housing programs in Mongolia and China, and water projects in Zimbabwe.

“ADRA Canada was formed as a result of John Howard’s vision; and through his energy, leadership, and tenacity, the agency more than doubled in size by the time he retired,” says Oliver Lofton-Brook, country director for ADRA Canada. “The great staff and strong financial foundation that he left has enabled ADRA Canada to expand its development and disaster services around the world.”