Judith A.E. Irving

Judith is the founder and inspiration of Rise & Shine ‘Joy Comes In The Morning’. Rise & Shine was inspired by Judith’s belief that a child’s formative years are critical in helping a child define his or her future.

As a tireless advocate for children, Judith’s humanitarian work is boundless. Locally, Judith provides ongoing support and guidance to Saint John the Baptist King Edward School, the Saint John Family Resource Centre and serves as Director of Netherwood Chapel Kids Club. These efforts have enabled many families and children to benefit significantly from her contributions to programming, daily essentials and other identified needs. Her other charitable efforts include many humanitarian trips with the charity OnexOne to Rwanda and Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquakes, assisting President Bill Clinton in the UN Special Envoy to Haiti, past member of New Brunswick Child & Youth Advocate & Champions for Children, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, previously served on the Telus Atlantic / National Community Boards and currently serves on the board of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Judith enjoys close ties with the Canadian Military. In June 2012, she was appointed First Patron of the Royal Canadian Regiment and Honorary Colonel of 1st Battalion The Royal New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton and York). Judith has also served with the True Patriot Love Foundation, which is a national charity that honours the sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Judith is the recipient of many accolades including the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian Award (2010), The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law from Saint Mary's University (2014), Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow (2015).

Judith is married and a proud mother of four. Along with her faith, she cherishes the moments of love, laughter and inspiration shared amongst all.