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A Passion To Do Something Special | 2020 Recognition Medal

  • Aug 05, 2020
  • Celebrate
  • 5 minutes read
“At the core of humanity is the desire to help. In the most challenging times, we see people stepping up to do what they can for someone in need or for a greater good.” – Eva Kovacs, Royal Canadian Mint employee. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many incredible stories of kindness and sacrifice in the face of hardship. From essential workers to people helping their neighbours, there are heroes everywhere, heroes that deserve to be recognized, heroes that deserve a medal.
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“At the core of humanity is the desire to help. In the most challenging times, we see people stepping up to do what they can for someone in need or for a greater good.” – Eva Kovacs, Royal Canadian Mint employee. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many incredible stories of kindness and sacrifice in the face of hardship. From essential workers to people helping their neighbours, there are heroes everywhere, heroes that deserve to be recognized, heroes that deserve a medal.
Hundreds of employees took part in the process from the design, to production to package assembly with a passion to do something special Hundreds of employees took part in the process from the design, to production to package assembly with a passion to do something special

With a passion to do something special, something that would show appreciation to all the heroes amongst us, the idea of the 2020 Recognition Medal was ignited, and quickly came to life, thanks to the hard work, dedication, and benevolence of Mint employees.

Hundreds of employees took part in the process. From the design, to production to package assembly – which was on volunteering basis - employees rolled up their sleeves, and quickly got to work.

Passionate volunteers

Early on in the pandemic, the Mint’s facilities in Ottawa and Winnipeg were re-tooled to make medical-grade hand sanitizer for the Government of Manitoba’s COVID-19 response effort and hospitals in the National Capital Region. The Mint facility in Ottawa also produced more then 2,000 face shields for local hospitals.

The pride in those initiatives quickly spread. Employees in other departments wanted to get involved.

Early on in the pandemic, the Mint’s facilities in Ottawa and Winnipeg were re-tooled to make medical-grade hand sanitizer for the Government of Manitoba’s COVID-19 response effort and hospitals in the National Capital Region Early on in the pandemic, the Mint’s facilities in Ottawa and Winnipeg were re-tooled to make medical-grade hand sanitizer for the Government of Manitoba’s COVID-19 response effort and hospitals in the National Capital Region

When the call went out for volunteers to help package the Recognition Medals, hundreds of Mint employees signed up. With rubber gloves and a passion to make an impact, Mint volunteers, and their families, assembled thousands of packages - at home, by hand. In total, volunteers assembled an astounding 100,000 Recognition Medals!

With rubber gloves and a passion to make an impact, Mint volunteers, and their families, assembled thousands of packages - at home, by hand. In total, volunteers assembled an astounding 100,000 Recognition Medals! With rubber gloves and a passion to make an impact, Mint volunteers, and their families, assembled thousands of packages - at home, by hand. In total, volunteers assembled an astounding 100,000 Recognition Medals!

More than a “Thank You”

In addition to being a token of thanks to honour Canadians, all net proceeds from the sale of the medals are going to the Breakfast Club of Canada’s COVID-19 emergency funding. The money raised is supporting children and families facing increased food insecurity. In only a few weeks since the medal’s launch, we have raised over $100,000 dollars for this important initiative.

Minting with pride

Jean-Paul, Die Production Operator at Royal Canadian Mint, Winnepeg Jean-Paul, Die Production Operator at Royal Canadian Mint, Winnepeg
Susan Aubry, Manager of marketing Services at Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa Susan Aubry, Manager of marketing Services at Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa
Chris Bruneau, Coining Operator at Royal Canadian Mint, Winnepeg Chris Bruneau, Coining Operator at Royal Canadian Mint, Winnepeg
Yannick Cormier, Research and Design Project Engineer at Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa Yannick Cormier, Research and Design Project Engineer at Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa

Thank someone that has impacted your life during this challenging time with the 2020 Recognition Medal. With all net proceeds going to the Breakfast Club of Canada to support children and families who are facing food insecurity, this medal is the perfect way to show your appreciation. Purchase the 2020 Recognition Medal at participating Canada Post and TD Canada locations.