Born in 1923, Alphonse Gerwing has devoted his life to bringing music appreciation to rural communities in Saskatchewan and Alberta. His teaching and enthusiasm for music have benefited both children and adults. In addition, Gerwing has advocated the cause of social justice for street kids in Brazil. Through the Alphonse Gerwing Charitable Foundation, he has worked tirelessly to raise funds, educate people about social justice, and liaise on behalf of two Alberta-based non-government organizations. Gerwing was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1989.
Canadian Plains Research Center