Date of issue: June 3, 1983
Printer: Ashton-Potter
Design: Louis Fishauf
St. John Ambulance
The Order of St. John is one of the world’s oldest humanitarian groups. It originated in the Middle Ages when it was known as the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of Malta). At that time, it provided care to the sick and injured and, as Christian soldiers, fought against the Muslim empire. Although its war activity eventually stopped, its chivalrous goals persisted and the organization was “resurrected” as the St. John Ambulance Association in Britain in 1877. In 1883, it started its first North American activity in Quebec City in a series of first aid courses. Since that time, the organization has grown to include almost 25,000 members in many communities across Canada.
The organization is non-profit, with most members being volunteers. It offers a variety of services, particularly training in life-saving skills such as CPR but also provision of home/institution care such as therapy dogs. In Canada, teams are often present to provide emergency service at public events.
The Stamp
The stamp depicts a white, eight-pointed Maltese cross with interspersed lions and unicorns, paying homage to the badge worn by original members of the Order of St. John. The number 100 is printed to signify the milestone anniversary of the organization. The first-day cover includes a photograph of several caregivers and two patients (with leg and shoulder/arm injuries). The Maltese cross can be seen on the nurse’s aprons and the doctor’s bag in the photograph, as well as in the ceremonial post mark.
