Award Year: 2010

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.

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.

A councilor for 17 years and Mayor for six, and a community volunteer for 40 years, Jack Collins has contributed to raising the quality and character of Qualicum Beach for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Infrastructure initiatives including a Civic Centre, a long term care facility, parks and recreation venues, a youth centre, the new Town Hall, airport improvement, and downtown revitalization are examples of Jack’s strong, steady leadership. Most recently, Jack chaired the fundraising committee for the Qualicum Beach Museum Expansion. His nominator says of Jack, ‘All of us can learn from his example, making our communities and the lives of others better.’

In the community of Fort St. James, Melinda is called an ‘Angel.’ The spirit of her smile and decisiveness of her actions speak louder than words. She showed the entire community that with imagination and co-operation, the people could accomplish anything. From raising money for important community initiatives and emergencies, to organizing events such as the Cottonwood Music Festival, the 200th birthday of the town and the Fort St. James Fishing Derby, Melinda exemplified the true spirit of a community contributor. Melinda saw what her community needed, and was the first to step up and lend a hand.

Everyday, Jeff Vaughan lives his belief that the community can be more caring, more beautiful, more litter-free and healthy. Jeff is the PE teacher at Sullivan Heights Secondary School in Surrey where he inspires his students, his colleague and the parents by his example. He makes it ‘cool’ to volunteer, to give back, to think about others and consider the environment. He organizes school-wide activities that enhance his student’s appreciation of their school, their community and their place in both. He encourages students to take responsibility for their health, their physical activity and their community, which makes them better citizens. Jeff is a gifted teacher who translates his passions into action in the school community and beyond.

Jagat Uppal is a remarkable pioneer of the lower mainland having devoted his lifetime to promoting the well-being of Indo-Canadians and all British Columbians. A respected businessman in the lumber industry, Jagat’s door is always open to support cultural events, sports, education, public service, and multiculturalism. Early on, Jagat was President of the Khalsa Diwan Society where he helped new immigrant Sikhs to integrate into Canadian society. He helped to establish the Ross Street Temple and assemble the land for multiethnic religious centres in Richmond. He promotes harmony among all cultures and encourages youth to uphold the social values of equality and justice. He is regarded as an historian of his Sikh community and a generous supporter of many local charities.

Jeannette’s six terms as mayor of Valemount are a powerful testament to her commitment to the community and region. Responsible management during her time in office has left a legacy for generations to come. She has played a major role in knitting together a wide range of community and regional interests with positive and lasting results. Jeannette was involved in such ground-breaking developments as the Columbia Basin Trust and the realization of the University of Northern British Columbia. A Director of the Fraser Fort Regional District, a former trustee of the Valemount Health Planning Society and a former director of the Valemount & area economic development commission, Jeannette has been a strong advocate and ambassador for her community and region.

Donna May has been quietly serving the community of Okanagan Falls for over 65 years. The entire community is her extended family. She instituted the Breakfast program at the local elementary school, she leads the Emergency Social Service Team, she ran the local Red Cross shop for over 20 years, and she is essential to the Heritage Society, its museum and thrift shop. Donna May has served as Recreation Commission Director and has held all executive positions with the Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary. She was the forestry coordinator during the Vaseaux Lake fire in 2003 and she volunteers for dozens of events and programs that help her community.

Donna has given a lifetime of volunteer service. She has advocated for the rights of women and children, affordable housing and accessible community resources. She never misses an opportunity to speak publicly in favour of inclusive, affordable and livable neighbourhoods and as her Mayor says, “she keeps the City Council aware of all of these goals.” Donna has volunteered countless hours with North Shore Community Resources dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in need. She was instrumental in creating a housing society designed to provide reasonably priced rental housing on the North Shore. Playing an active role and caring for her community is simply a fact of life for Donna Stewart.