Grosse Isle’s Paige Pearl-Anne Procter, M.S.M., travelled to Ottawa this week to receive one of the country’s highest civilian honours, accepting the Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Procter was presented with her medal on Dec. 11 by Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, in recognition of her exceptional leadership in establishing and growing the Coffeehouse to End Cancer — a community-driven fundraising concert that has become a powerful force for cancer advocacy and support in Manitoba.
“It was incredibly humbling to be in the room surrounded by a very impressive group of Canadians who have dedicated their lives to incredible causes,” Procter said. “It was an honour to stand with them and accept our medals.”
She admitted to being nervous walking onto the Rideau Hall stage, worried she might misstep, but said a lighthearted moment helped ease the tension.
“The Governor General said she liked my dress, so that was pretty cool,” Procter said with a laugh. “I was able to relax after that affirmation.”
According to the Chancellery of Honours, Procter’s nomination was submitted based on her leadership in creating an event that has raised more than $265,000 for CancerCare Manitoba since 2016. The Meritorious Service Decoration recognizes a specific deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner that brings honour or benefit to Canada.
Procter said she is still unaware of who nominated her but remains deeply grateful.
“It is an incredible honour to be recognized, and I want to send a heartfelt thank you to whoever took the time to submit the nomination on my behalf,” she said. “For me, this recognition is more than personal because the Coffeehouse is more than a personal effort. It is a community event and a community effort.”
She said accepting the medal felt like accepting it on behalf of the entire Interlake region.
“Receiving this award on behalf of the generous spirit of the Interlake community filled me with immense pride,” Procter said. “It felt like I was putting our little but mighty community on the map on a national scale.”
Rideau Hall requested supporting letters outlining the scope and impact of Procter’s work prior to the award decision. In one submission, it was noted that “life with cancer is complex — for those living with a diagnosis, as well as those caring for them. Closing the cancer care gap requires collective action. And collective action is what Grosse Isle’s Paige Procter has built with the Coffeehouse to End Cancer.”
To date, Procter has raised more than $350,000 for cancer research in Manitoba through the Coffeehouse to End Cancer concerts, rallying volunteers, musicians, families and community members around a shared purpose. Funds raised support CancerCare Manitoba’s internationally recognized team of health professionals, enabling research, clinical trials, patient-experience programs and equipment initiatives.
Procter said the purpose of the Coffeehouse has remained steadfast, reinforced year after year by lived experience.
“The year I held the first concert, two of my loved ones were diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “Rather than dwell in sadness, it motivated me to take action and find purpose from the devastation.”
She said each passing year brings new reminders of why the event matters.
“Our community is still hit hard by those being forced into battle with this terrible disease,” Procter said. “Much like my original motivation, that reality continues to drive people to support the Coffeehouse.”
She also pointed to the progress made in cancer research and early detection over the past 16 years.
“It’s remarkable to think that in part, the Coffeehouse to End Cancer and the Interlake community played a role in making that progress possible,” she said.
Procter grew up in Grosse Isle and learned early the importance of community service. She has long credited those around her — particularly former teacher Monica Baldwin — for encouraging her to launch the Coffeehouse when she was just 16 years old, after two close friends, a father and son, were diagnosed with cancer months apart.
Each year, Procter continues to honour families who share their cancer journeys by speaking at the event, while working alongside a committed circle of family, friends and volunteers.
“To the Coffeehouse community — the volunteers, local businesses, performers and audience members — this recognition is an honour to receive on your behalf,” Procter said. “The Coffeehouse would be nothing without the ongoing support, philanthropy and generosity of our community.”
She said the collective effort has carried the event far beyond what she ever imagined.
“You have lifted me up and carried the Coffeehouse to new heights through the past 16 years,” she said. “I am so unbelievably proud of what we have built together.”
Looking ahead, Procter said the national recognition only reinforces the importance of continuing the work.
“It just goes to show that the show must go on,” she said. “Even though we are small, our impact remains mighty.”
She said future fundraising efforts will continue to support cancer research in Manitoba while celebrating local talent and strengthening community connections.
“We are stronger together,” Procter said. “And together, we are truly making a difference in the lives of Manitobans living with cancer.”
Her medal presentation this week marks national recognition of the impact one young Manitoban has made through determination, empathy and an unwavering belief in the power of community.
