Award Year: 2005

Dennis Skulsky is synomynous with volunteering and enthusiasm. He is energetic and passionate about his community. He is someone who can take the germ of an idea ‘such as improving literacy’ and get everyone around him excited and turn the idea into a successful nation-wide program, called the CanWest Raise-a-Reader campaign for family literacy. In addition, Dennis is active in Vancouver with the 2005 Grey Cup Committee, the Vancouver Fireworks Society, the YMCA, the United Way, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver Public Library Foundation, the Vancouver Board of Trade, B.C. Business Council, and the UBC Faculty of Arts-Dean’s Advisory Board. All this, whilst publishing BC’s two largest newspapers and overseeing the Province’s biggest media operation. Dennis Skulsky exemplifies true all-around community service.

For over 40 years, Frazer Smith has made significant contributions to the Tsartlip First Nations Band and to the development of renewed relations between first nations and the non-aboriginal community. Frazer actively promotes his culture on behalf of numerous local and provincial First Nations programs. Frazer is a gifted organizer whose energy and leadership lay behind the immensely successful BC Aboriginal Elders’ conference in 2002 at which some 5000 people were present. He encourages people to come together to learn and share what is good and valuable. He works to draw on the efforts, skills and talents of others, regardless of race or creed for the betterment of his people and the good of us all.

As principal of W. J. Mouat Secondary School in Abbotsford, Des McKay provided creative programming and options for students that led the school to be recognized as one of the top ten in Canada in 2004. Des strengthened the links to the general community in innovative ways: he established school service projects that benefited the community at large and he established an advisory council of community leaders to brainstorm future directions for the school. Des McKay is not only a visionary educational leader but also is a dedicated volunteer in his community where his warmth, compassion and quiet strength of character help him ‘see opportunity where others see obstacles’.

Mary Toynbee has devoted many volunteer hours to improving life for seniors on Salt Spring Island. She volunteered initially with the Salt Spring Island Community Centre and helped established a senior’s drop-in centre. In answer to the concerns that senior members of the Salt Spring Island community that had to leave the Island as they could not continue to maintain their home, Mary challenged her fellow seniors to join with her to create the Gulf Island Seniors Residence Association. Over the next 6 years, the Association conceived, developed and constructed Meadowbrook, a non-profit seniors’ supportive living facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Gulf Islands.

In the late 80’s, John Van Spronsen determined that the youth of Dawson Creek needed a recreational facility. He took it upon himself to make this a reality and now ‘the Ark Christian Youth Centre’ provides leisure opportunities to all youth regardless of financial situation, ethnicity or religion. The Centre has become a valuable amenity, fostering understanding and tolerance and providing a refuge for the community’s youth. John continues to fund the Arc personally. He is described as an “inspiration to his community” and one whose vision and commitment has made Dawson Creek a better place to live.

In the late 80’s, John Van Spronsen determined that the youth of Dawson Creek needed a recreational facility. He took it upon himself to make this a reality and now ‘the Ark Christian Youth Centre’ provides leisure opportunities to all youth regardless of financial situation, ethnicity or religion. The Centre has become a valuable amenity, fostering understanding and tolerance and providing a refuge for the community’s youth. John continues to fund the Arc personally. He is described as an “inspiration to his community” and one whose vision and commitment has made Dawson Creek a better place to live.

For forty years, Garry Watson has been an integral part of Whistler’s community. He is a man whose efforts have enhanced the experience of Whistler as a place to play, and a place to reside. Considered a founding father of Whistler, Garry Watson served three terms as a councilor, as well as on the Board of the Squamish – Lillooet Regional District, the Whistler Health Care Foundation, the Community Foundation of Whistler, the Board of Variance and the recent School Tax Initiative. Garry has been part of every Whistler Olympic bid committee since 1961. Garry continues to serve with energy and distinction for positive change in the resort community of Whistler.

Although still a senior in high school, Travis Wong has already proven to be an accomplished role model and leader. Travis has been active in his Burnaby South school community and at the district level. A volunteer since the age of 12, he has given his time to coach at the Burnaby Barracudas Swim Club, at camps with Burnaby Parks & Recreation and SFU, and at the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World. He has helped at a senior’s care home and most recently, Travis has volunteered extensively with the British Columbia Youth Parliament. Travis is an outstanding young British Columbian who makes a difference in so many ways.