Award Year: 2011

For over fifty years, Sheila Gilmour has significantly contributed to her North Vancouver community. She was a founding member of the North Shore Community Foundation and the Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. Sheila was also instrumental in the establishment of the forerunner to the North Shore Disability Resource Centre and volunteered with the Capilano Community Services Society where she was the first co-ordinator.

Tanveer Gill, a first-year student in Nursing at UBC Okanagan, is committed to community activism and social justice. From founding diversity clubs to coaching to mentoring students to supporting worldwide initiatives addressing hunger and poverty, Tanveer is a positive role model for youth in British Columbia.

John deCourcey Evans is a successful businessman, community leader and volunteer who has a passion for the arts, education and for improving the social welfare of British Columbians. He has served on the boards of the University of Victoria, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Canadian Craft Museum. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Dr. Peter Centre and serves as the chair of its foundation, ensuring its continued service to the community.

Ron Emerson has volunteered hundreds of hours to the Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon Division. Past chair of the board, Ron has contributed his leadership abilities, his fundraising skills and his business acumen for the benefit of the 600,000 British Columbians living with arthritis. Ron is an exemplary role model, serving the society with integrity and commitment.

Alia is a first year student at UBC Medical School who is passionate about helping others in the community. From more than 500 hours of service at Canuck Place to tutoring and mentoring high school students to developing a wellness conference for inner city youth, Alia continually finds ways to empower others and to improve communities. Also, Alia has led UBC’s Meal Exchange program that sources contributions to local foodbanks.

A lifelong resident of the Bulkley Valley, Jim Davidson has worked to enhance the economic viability and sustainability of the town of Smithers and the regional district. Former mayor and councillor, he initiated significant infrastructure projects, improved the region’s dairy industry, created positive working relationships with First Nations communities in the area, and was instrumental in establishing the Happy Valley School for the education of special needs children.

Peter Couldwell has served his community of Quesnel as a councillor for more than 20 years. He has also personally helped to raise close to $3million through his skills as a volunteer auctioneer for scores of events and organizations, including local charities, the Quesnel Community Foundation and the Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Tim Cormode founded the Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society in 1998, an organization that provides outdoor education programs that enrich the health and quality of life for youth, families and adults facing significant life challenges. As executive director, Tim’s skills as a visionary, leader, motivator and fundraiser have created the opportunity for over 5,000 British Columbians with disabilities to experience the therapeutic values of nature.

A world-renowned artist, Professor Chow has contributed significantly to the artistic and cultural mosaic of British Columbia. He is the founding president of the Chinese Canadian Artists Federation in Vancouver, and a dedicated teacher and mentor who has taught at UBC and advised many in the community in the techniques of classical painting. Many social and charitable causes have benefited from his generous donations of his artwork.

A visual arts teacher and youth arts advocate in Surrey, Marc Pelech has created innovative programs to enhance his students’ experience of art. As a community volunteer, he has dedicated over 17,000 hours to civic arts policy and civic youth-focused arts programs (Spirit of Youth Mural Project) and emergent website technology (Youth Visions), which empower youth and instil values of good citizenship.