Award Year: 2006

Marg Spina’s personal belief is that “everyone is given a gift in life, the challenge is to discover it, and to use it for the good of others.” A compassionate activist, Marg is committed to providing vital social services within her community through her strong leadership, innovation and fundraising. She founded the award winning Giant Steps West Therapeutic Society for autism, was President of the Thompson Crisis and Counselling Centre Board, and is currently the Executive Director of the Kamloops Food Bank, an organization to which she has successfully revitalized. Described as a highly respected member of her community and a person of integrity, Marg justly receives a 2006 BC Community Achievement Award.

For over two decades, Tom and Jean Leboe have fostered 58 children, mostly with special needs, providing a safe, loving warm home. Tom and Jean set a high standard of how to be a foster parent, love the children, and embrace the parents and in doing so heal the most vulnerable families in Prince George, one family at a time. They dedicate themselves to helping the children heal, grow and develop to reach their full potential. Their commitment to helping others extends to their community volunteerism with many organizations and various levels of forest parent associations. Tom and Jean Leboe truly give of themselves on a daily basis.

Matthew Low is an outstanding student and will graduate with 9 Advanced Placement courses – unusual for any high school student but especially unusual for a young man who also contributes so much to his school and community. Outside the classroom Matt is a member of the debate team, the Model United Nations Club, a major contributor to the Kids Help Phone, a mentor for grade 8’s, an after school tutor and a contributor to the YouThink newspaper. He is also an accomplished athlete, both as a competitor and coach, and a musician. In his spare time, Matthew has volunteered for Amnesty International and UNICEF. Although still in high school, his resume includes pages of volunteer efforts.

Artistic excellence combined with social relevance has been the hallmark of Judith Marcuse’s career as one of Canada’s most creative and innovative choreographers. One of her most profound accomplishments has been working with youth through her company, DanceArts, to create and present three important projects, ICE, FIRE, and EARTH which attempt to communicate the voice of young people, their critical issues and potential solutions. ‘Life-Changing and empowering’ is youth response to Judith’s collaborative presentations. She stands as an example of an artist who has given her best to her art form and to the society of which she is part, a citizen of originality, spirit, imagination and dedication.

Peter Pelton began with ‘a one man sawmill and a large dream’ nearly 15 years ago to utilize value added timber. This became his inspiration for Silver Dew Hardwoods which today uses white birch for the Japanese flooring industry. He built the mill one piece at a time from scratch. In 2004, fire destroyed his dream but he has rebuilt. Peter Pelton has generated employment opportunities in his community, has promoted entrepreneurial spirit among the young people and has been an outstanding example to his community living by these words: “With hard work and innovation, one can reach their goal. Even when it’s difficult and everything seems impossible, stay strong and don’t give up”.

Al Pullin is an inspirational teacher and leader who has been at the forefront of countless programs and activities in the Comox Valley that enrich the lives of children and impart important values for the future. Al intiated the highly successful ‘Adopt A Grand Parent Program’, enabling seniors in care facilities to come to the schools and spend time interacting with students. Al’s community involvement also includes coordinating Holocaust Symposiums at several schools, coaching local sports teams, fundraising for “Cops for Cancer” and 13 years of volunteering for the Comox Valley triathlon. Committed to ensuring that the children in his care become not only well educated, but caring, understanding and compassionate members of his community, Al goes above and beyond in his dedication and service to others.

A committed youth leader in his community, Monty Raisinghani’s community involvements know no bounds. While a student at Queen Elizabeth Secondary, Monty initiated a community Christmas dinner, which annually feeds Surrey food bank clients. Currently in engineering at UBC, Monty’s participation in the community has included developing a 10km fundraising run for the United Way, serving as the Surrey Foundation’s Youth Council President, speaking against violence in schools and organizing a telethon, which raised $16,000 for tsunami relief. His natural leadership qualities and dedication to community work make him a true role model for other youths.

Rob Reid is a rare combination of commitment, determination, caring nature, quiet leadership and modesty. As the driving force behind one of B.C.’s most successful running events, he has headed a team of Royal Victoria Marathon volunteers that has made it one of the premiere community events in Victoria. For Victoria’s 25th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, Rob was instrumental in raising a monument of Terry Fox at Mile Zero and organizing a National School Day Run to celebrate the event. Rob is dedicated to numerous other community organizations including Runners of Compassion, the United Way and the Values-based Business Network. He is a substantial community leader in Victoria, a person who leads by example.

Art Reitmayer’s keen business sense, straight-shooting approach and big heart have made him a valuable leader in his community. As past Board Chair of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Art was instrumental in creating a new vision and dynamic future for the organization. Art’s involvement with Variety – The Children’s Charity led to a revitalization of the Show of Hearts Telethon. He has been involved for many years both as a leader and active contributor to Arts Umbrella, and has been on the Boards of Volunteer Vancouver, the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, and the Seeton Woodward Foundation. Art’s efforts epitomize the vital role volunteers play in our society.

Dan Rodlie works tirelessly for the betterment of the City of Trail. Dan is best known as the chairperson and champion of the City’s Communities in Bloom program. The impact of the program has been widespread, beautifying the community both visually through floral displays and landscaping and also through the growth of community involvement and pride. Dan has also initiated a mural program, which has resulted in the production of one of the largest murals in BC. Dan’s boundless enthusiasm further extends to the Trail Historical Society, the Citizens on Patrol, the Trail United Way, and the Japan Twinning Committee.