Longtime volunteer and event organizer Gemma Raeburn-Baynes has been honoured with the National Assembly Medal.
Brigitte B. Garceau, MNA for the West Island riding of Robert-Baldwin, presented the award to Raeburn-Baynes during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association on Friday. The not-for-profit organization promotes Caribbean culture.
“Receiving this prestigious recognition in the presence of our community, family and friends was a truly emotional moment,” the Dollard-des-Ormeaux resident and longtime president of the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association said in a social media post.
“This honour is not mine alone, as it belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me: the volunteers, artists, students, mentors, sponsors and community members who continue to make Playmas Montreal a beacon of culture, creativity and empowerment.”
The medal inscription reads: “In recognition of your visionary and philanthropic leadership for more than 60 years and your dedicated service as the founder of Playmas Montreal Cultural Association, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the GemStar Circle of Excellence.
“You have created an enduring and inspirational legacy. Your unwavering commitment to creating Caribbean culture, nurturing artistic talent and empowering Black youth has profoundly enriched our society.”
The mandate of the GemStar Circle of Excellence program is to provide mentorship and scholarship opportunities for deserving Grade 11 Black students. Part of the mandate is to assist them by facilitating their pursuit of higher education through scholarship awards of $1,500 each.
The program, organized by the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association, was conceived by Raeburn-Baynes, a retired senior auditor with the Bank of Montreal.
National Assembly awards, including the National Assembly Medal, are given to recognize individuals and groups for exceptional commitment and contributions to public service, community development and the well-being of Quebec society.
sschwartz@postmedia.com
