Award Year: 2014

Dr. Bonnie Ledbeater, Professor of Psychology at the University of Victoria, is being honoured today for her work on anti-bullying programs for primary and middle school children. She is well known for her part in enhancing W.I.T.S., a program that means: WALK AWAY; IGNORE, TALK IT OUT AND SEEK HELP. Launched in Victoria, WITS is now in 170 schools around the Province and 500 schools across Canada. The program trains students, law enforcement, teachers, parents and families to be responsive to children’s requests for help. Bonnie and her team have also made inroads into the challenges of cyber bullying. Bonnie’s evidence-based research and dedicated leadership make our communities stronger and healthier.

Don has had a long and distinguished career with the RCMP in Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Nanaimo, Richmond, Burnaby and Sooke.  He has been a lifelong community leader wherever he has served. In sports and recreation, from youth to seniors, he has volunteered as a coach or referee…for soccer, curling, baseball, and track and field. For 45 years, he has been associated with the sport of lacrosse. On the civic side, Don has been a school trustee and a parks and recreation commissioner. He continues his service to the community as the Manager of the Capital Regional District Bylaws and Animal Care Services. Don is recognized today for his community service across the Province and over his lifetime.

Helen Clifton is the Matriarch of the Blackfish Clan, Gitga’at Nation. She is a teacher, a communicator, a protector of the environment, an adviser, a map maker, social worker, midwife, preserver of language and a bridge between communities. She is revered for her teachings of traditional and sustainable practices of food gathering and preservation. She believes that these must continue to be a living activity. Importantly, Helen has shared her knowledge with academics and students from across BC and Canada. Helen is an extraordinary elder and leader, a keystone in the arch of her community, who injects positive energy into all community projects, keeps on eye on everyone’s welfare and ensures that traditions are alive and passed along.

Lynnette Cobb is a true community treasure. Her positive spirit, kindness, sunny disposition and selflessness help make her community a better place to live. Lynnette has volunteered countless hours with the Crisis and Counselling program for the Canadian Mental Health Association as a support counselor, crisis line support worker and volunteer supervisor. She takes on the most challenging situations and she does so with compassion. Lynnette has worked as a volunteer Court Supporter for RCMP Victim Services, helping victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system. Lynnette also helped to establish Baker Manor, a supportive housing facility in her area. We applaud Lynnette today for giving over 50,000 volunteer hours to her community.

We honour John D’Eathe for his continuous community leadership over the past 45 years. John’s expertise in business, urban land economics and real estate has made a difference to many lower mainland organizations. From the United Nations Habitat Conference in 1976  through to the 2012 Mayor’s Task Force for Affordable Housing, the Foundations of the Justice Institute of BC and The Arts Club Theater, and the Chesterfield House Society, John’s influence has been pivotal. He also served as a mentor, instructor and supporter for UBC’s Sauder School of Business and is currently a member of its Urban Land Economics Advisory Board. John is passionate for his community and for his Province.

These are just a few words that describe Allan De Genova: visionary<, tenacious, creative, and responsive. We honour Allan today for all of these qualities. A five-term Vancouver Park Board Commissioner, Allan made a difference. Saving Nat Bailey Stadium, advocating for affordable housing, restoring Victory Square, and rebuilding Sunset Community Centre are just a few of his initiatives for the City of Vancouver. His proudest achievement, however, is the dream he fulfilled to open Honour House, a temporary home away from home for Canadian Forces personnel, veterans, First responders and their families who are receiving medical care and treatment in the metro Vancouver area. Allan has shown remarkable leadership and his legacies will be felt for generations to come.

Judy Dix is an extraordinary volunteer: knowledgeable, professional and an outstanding problem solver. Judy served as the Mayor’s executive assistant until 2007 and during that time was an invaluable resource for her community. Retiring, Judy has been actively involved with Volunteer Prince George, the Seniors’ Activity Centre, Canadian Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Prince George CrimeStoppers. Judy is a founding member of the Prince George Community Foundation and has organized the Prince George Cerebral Palsy Sports Association for 30 years. Judy is appreciated for her team spirit, humour, kindness and sense of responsibility. She truly characterizes “community” by both her attitudes and her actions.

Of Wayne Duzita it has been said…“There could be no better model of how to serve vigorously but modestly to achieve great community results”. The Roundtable for the Richmond Christmas Fund is a prime example. Now its Chair, he took a vision of creating an army of volunteers and brought it to reality. The result…$200,000 raised…for Richmond families. He founded the YVR Golf for Kids Fundraiser which has raised more than $3million dollars for children’s charities. He has also served as chair of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and its Foundation. He is on the board of the Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation, Tourism Richmond and Trinity Western University Advisory Council. Wayne is one of British Columbia’s great community contributors and his efforts will be felt for many, many years.

The BC Mountaineering Club, the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia and the citizens of our Province are grateful for Michael Feller’s efforts over the past 50 years. Associate professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry, Michael has dedicated a lifetime to the preservation and enjoyment of our forests. For the BC Mountaineering Club, he has been archivist and author, editor and publisher. From his initiatives regarding land use policies along the Sea to the Sky corridor to his academic research work to designing a forest conservation course for fourth year students at UBC, Michael has relentlessly advocated for the alpine environment and the responsible and respectful use of wilderness resources.

Keith Gibson, known to all as “Gibby”, is a true champion for the communities of the westcoast of Vancouver Island. From his extensive fundraising for a multitude of community efforts to the time and energy he gives to promoting sport and supporting youth, he is a leader and an inspiring example. His annual charity golf tournament in support of Ucluelet Secondary School, raises more than $20,000 to fund the school’s athletic programs. Gibby is chair of the West Coast Multiplex society, which will see the dream of a regional multi-generational facility become a reality in the future.  Through his ownership of a local golf course, Gibby finds ways to support countless community activities. He is a true westcoaster and makes a strong difference in his community.