Award Year: 2005

Chris Taulu is a respected, determined leader in the Joyce-Collingwood neighbourhood of Vancouver. Through her work with the Joyce Station Area Planning Association and as a founder of the Collingwood Community Policing Centre and the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Society, Chris has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to the betterment of her community. Chris speaks with passion and integrity about ensuring that her neighbourhood is safe and secure from crime. Chris is a role model for other volunteers in her community and is considered a community icon as she strives to make Joyce-Collingwood a better place for all.

Dr. Donald McKenzie, a sport medicine expert, has changed the lives of women after breast cancer. Through his groundbreaking research project, Don challenged a longstanding medical myth that women with breast cancer should not compete in strenuous upper body exercise. He launched a program in 1996 called Abreast in a Boat where Vancouver breast cancer survivors trained and competed in the annual Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival. The project showed that paddling improved not only the physical health of its participants but also the mental health. Today, over 2000 Abreast in a Boat paddlers in British Columbia and throughout the world participate, all as a result of Dr. McKenzie’s deep personal and professional commitment.

Laurae McNally has a long and distinguished history of dedicated service to the City of White Rock and the community of South Surrey. She has worked tirelessly in strengthening and building the community with her passion for people, education, sports and the underprivileged. She has volunteered on many community boards in the areas of civic improvement, arts and culture, health and child and family development. One of her major involvements is her over 20-year commitment as a trustee on the Surrey schoolboard where she has championed unique and innovative programs and promoted the well-being of students in the area.

Bill McNulty contributes not to one community but to many: the City of Richmond, BC High School Sports, BC athletics, Athletics Canada, Rotary Club and the University of British Columbia. A Councilor for the City of Richmond since 1993, he is a visible and approachable community leader whose door is always open. He is passionate about sport and his vision includes the value sport brings to the community. As a coach, official and administrator, his contributions have been, and continue to be immeasurable. Bill has served as a member of the UBC Senate for fifteen years and president of the UBC Alumni Association.

For over 30 years until his retirement in 2002, Bronco Moncrief served the community of Cumberland as Mayor. Bronco’s contributions have touched all aspects of the community including healthcare, seniors, arts and culture, recreation and economic development not only in Cumberland, but throughout the Comox Valley. Further, Bronco had dedicated 25 years as chair of the Cumberland’s special Empire Day celebrations. The mayor and council have said, ‘All of the citizens of the Comox Valley have benefited greatly from Mr. Moncrief’s tireless efforts’.

Patrick lives life with an uncommon generosity of spirit. He is there when others are in need. Retired from serving 35 years as a teacher, principal and administrator, Patrick O’Reilly has turned a passion about recreation into a lasting legacy for youth in the South Peace region through the development of the Pat O/Reilly Outdoor Environmental Studies Centre. He also initiated and built the Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Trails and serves on a number of boards including the Northern Lights College. He is called an inspiration to his community for his selfless contributions.

Jack Poole has contributed significantly to the province of British Columbia over many years. He has been nominated for this award and is honoured today specifically for his outstanding community leadership which resulted in a successful bid to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. Under Jack’s inspired leadership, the bid team built widespread community support for the Games and he fostered a cohesive and cooperative working relationship among the bid’s seven member partners. Jack has spent his life reaching out to all parts of the community whether it be in business or in BC’s Olympic bid. Jack lead a successful international campaign that included an “inclusivity statement” setting out social sustainability objectives for the bid. Jack, as Chair of the Vancouver 2010 Board, continues to be a visionary for the betterment of all British Columbians.

Gilbert Popovich has dedicated the past 35 years to public service in Alert Bay. His long record as mayor demonstrates an unfailing commitment to the wellbeing of his community. Gilbert has been a strong advocate for fairness and quality for the people he serves and the employees under his guidance. His leadership includes many significant milestones including the historic Alert Bay Accord which promoted a better standard of living for all residents of Cormorant Island. The marine research laboratory and other important initiatives to improve the community’s infrastructure in the areas of health, housing, recreation and safety are among Mayor Popovich’s lasting legacy.

Surinderpal Rathor has volunteered more than 52,000 hours to the City of Williams Lake, the surrounding areas and to his Indo-Canadian community . Currently a respected city councilor, Surinderpal has been involved in fundraising for community events, has been a member of the local health board, founded the Community Policing Committee and also assists new immigrants and the underprivileged whether it is preparing income tax returns or acting as an interpreter. Of Surinderpal, his nominator says, ‘he is a blooded soldier in our volunteer community service army. He stands very tall in our community and is held in high esteem. He carries a presence wherever he goes’.

The community of Cloverdale is richer because of Jacob Schuurman’s spirit of compassion for the underprivileged. He works tirelessly for the benefit of others and, on a day-to-day basis, making an significant difference in his community. Jacob established and continues to lead the local soup kitchen, he leads the Christmas Hamper program and he has been involved in the Big Brothers’ Association, the Surrey Emergency Services Society and has been active in his local Church and its program. He spends an enormous amount of personal time to help those who cannot help themselves without any expectations in return. Jacob is truly a community achiever.