What Virginia Greene does best is to bring ideas and people together to advance community initiatives that are important to us all. Two organizations that have benefited greatly from Virginia’s bold and innovative leadership are the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Street – to – Home Foundation, a Vancouver-based project designed to address homelessness. Throughout her career as a successful entrepreneur, later as a dedicated public servant, and now as President and CEO of the Business Council of BC, Virginia has always focused on making our province immeasurably better. From the Salvation Army to the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project and mentoring young business professionals, Virginia is that rare individual in our community who is an extraordinary leader.
Award Year: 2010
Ann Meraw
Ann Meraw is an outstanding community contributor and a role model for active living. It is her mission to spread good health, her ability, her energy and her knowledge to others. The holder of many world-records in marathon swimming, she has volunteered her vast knowledge of water safety, rescue and survival with such organizations as the Vancouver Fire Department and Seniors’ Keep Fit Programs. Ann founded the first Canadian Water Babies Program and was the first woman lifeguard in Canada. Ann has been a member of the Royal Lifesaving Society since 1934. Ann is noteworthy not only for her formidable swimming achievements but also for her ongoing volunteer contributions. As a community policing volunteer, captain of her Block Watch, and the founder of the Maple Ridge Hall of Fame in 1997, her selfless personality makes her stand above the crowd. At 90, Ann continues to give back.
Gurdeep Sundher
A prominent pioneer, Gurdeep Sundher has devoted 50 years volunteering for her community of Victoria. She is a champion and pivotal resource for the Indo – Canadian community. She promotes muticulturalism and diversity; she fundraises; she organizes events and she is a role model for young Indo Canadians. The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, the Victoria Foundation, India Canada Cultural Association, the City of Victoria’s Citizenship Advisory Committee, the People and Police Projects Committee and the provincial seniors’ advisory council are some of the organizations that have benefitted from Gurdeep’s leadership and dedication. Gurdeep demonstrates a remarkable record of service and achievement.
Tseshaht Market
The Tseshaht First Nation has operated a Port Alberni service station since 1979. From the beginning, the Tseshaht First Nation made the decision to offer full service to its customers, providing employment opportunities to many band members. The station has managed to meet its social obligations to the Tseshaht First Nation and remain a viable, profit-generating entity, not to mention a station famous for its outstanding customer service. Located strategically on route to the Pacific Rim National Park, the station has become an important and convenient stop for both local travelers and tourists.
BC Achievement Community Award 2010
Marjorie Groberman
Marjorie Groberman is an enthusiastic, energetic and persuasive volunteer and a role model for active senior living. Now 90, Marjorie organized the first Hadassah Bazaar in Vancouver in 1952, an annual fundraiser so successful, she was asked to assist with setting up Hadassah bazaars in 14 other Canadian centres. Marjorie is honoured today for her leadership of programs for seniors at the Jewish Community Centre: an ambitious music program; a duplicate bridge club, and other initiatives that have substantially increased participation. Marjorie is a vibrant mentor to scores of adult and senior volunteers. Over Marjorie’s lifetime, she has dedicated herself to the service of others.
Paul Mitchell
There is no question that Kelowna and indeed the Okanagan is a better place because of Paul Mitchell’s professional and volunteer activities. A lawyer, he has provided leadership as a President, Trustee, Chair or founding director of organizations that effect athletes, both youth and adult, the disadvantaged, the severely injured, and the business and education communities. From the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Kelowna General Hospital, Coquihalla Connector Coalition, Brain Trust Canada, United Way, Memorial Cup Society, and Okanagan Innovation Fund to his tenacious advocacy to bring a university to the Okanagan, Paul has influenced the direction of his community and provided a significant legacy for the future.
Wilma & the late Thomas Wickham
We are today honouring Wilma Wickham and her late husband Dr. Thomas Wickham for their thousands of hours of volunteerism, their leadership of many community organizations and their generous financial contributions. Tom and Wilma supported the Ladysmith and District Historical Society and Tom was instrumental in establishing the Ladysmith Community Archives. For over forty years, Wilma has been actively involved with the Ladysmith Hospital Auxilary and led the planning for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2009. Together they donated land for a community park and they gave their waterfront property to the School Board to endow a scholarship for a Grade 12 student. In all of their actions and generosity, Wilma and Thomas Wickham have created lasting and invaluable legacies for their community of Ladysmith.
Michael Salto Salto Waterworks
As a young entrepreneur, Mike Salto has successfully launched a promising business. He is the founder and proprietor of Salto Waterworks based in Kamloops. After ten years in the underground irrigation business, Mike brought his management and hands-on experience to the ultimate test when he established his own company, Salto Waterworks. He supplies underground sprinkler systems and snow plough services to Kamloops and its surrounding area. Today it is known as a company that builds solid client working relationships and ensures customer satisfaction.