Award Year: 2019

As founder of the first Secondary Black Student Committee in western Canada, Beth Applewhite promotes awareness and understanding amongst all students while fostering pride, dignity and inspiration in those who directly identify with Black/African heritage. As Vice-Principal at Pine Tree Secondary, Beth builds strong, strategic relationships with other community-based groups and coordinates annual youth events that have a profound impact on the lives of those she touches. Her energy and passion have reshaped cultural and racial understanding in her community.

Don Bassermann is a dedicated leader and an active member of the Prince George community. An educator and school administrator, Don served six terms as a city councillor, retiring from office in 2011. During his tenure, Don’s committee work oversaw construction of many important civic facilities including the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, the CN Centre Arena and the Two Rivers Art Gallery. An avid gardener, outdoorsman, and advocate for sustainability and food security, Don is known for his enthusiastic commitment to his community.

For nearly three decades, Neil Brewer has gone beyond the call of duty as a member of the Kent Harrison Search and Rescue (SAR) team. Known throughout the province by other SAR teams for his determination, skill and exemplary leadership, Neil has been involved in more than 600 SAR tasks. As a board member of the BC SAR Association, Neil volunteers his time helping secure vital funding for essential equipment for provincial SAR groups. His efforts led to the establishment of the new Kent Harrison SAR headquarters in Agassiz.

Evelyn (Eve) Corlett has cared for children on the Sunshine Coast for almost 40 years, providing around-the-clock childcare services to families over multiple generations. As owner of a family-run daycare, Eve has significantly contributed to the “quality of life” for hundreds of people in the community, and created an extended family by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. The essential service Eve provides has enabled many community members to continue to live and raise their family on the coast while handling the daily demands of work and family life.

Katherine Dodds is known for her highly effective transmedia campaigns and efforts in raising awareness around social justice, Indigenous rights, sexual health education, LGBTQI2S solidarity and international development, to name a few of her engagement areas. As founder and creative director of Hello Cool World, Katherine has inspired a generation of writers, artists, activists, filmmakers and media strategists across the province. She is a frequent public speaker and leader in her community who continuously uses her own resources to support other initiatives and campaigns.

For over seven years, Polla Eid has volunteered four days a week, six to seven hours daily, at the Kelowna General Hospital. As someone who believes deeply in the ideals of quiet public service and in the transformative power of volunteering, Polla embodies what passion and commitment can achieve. Hospital staff and visitors know Polla to be an energetic and enthusiastic volunteer who greets and assists anyone needing help around the hospital. She leads by example and is an inspiration to her community and fellow volunteers.

Owner of the Common Loaf Bake Shop, Maureen Fraser is a dedicated community leader. A two-term councillor, Maureen has served on the board of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and Tofino Arts Council. She played an important role as a provincial member of the Clayoquot Sound Central Region board for seven years and was instrumental in securing a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation for Clayoquot Sound. A true trailblazer in reconciliation, Maureen’s proven ability to bridge divides between diverse interests is legendary in the region.

Jessie Ann Gamble leads the crusade to preserve her community’s history. A founding member of the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Museum & Arts Society, she has served as its president and become the “go-to-person” for local historical information. Armstrong- Spallumcheen’s 2003 Citizen of the Year, Jessie Ann is a life member of the Okanagan Historical Society ensuring that future generations do not lose the treasures and stories of the past. Her efforts to educate all community members are an extension of her teaching career and reflect her passion for documenting history.

Ming Gin has devoted over 30 years to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation making him one of its longest-serving volunteers. He has given more than 20,000 hours of his time and played an integral role in establishing several signature events including the RBC Race for Kids (formally, Child Run) and the Miracle Weekend telethon. A generous donor, Ming has been a Circle of Care member for 18 years and a member of the Legacy Circle. His ardent leadership, unwavering commitment to volunteering and philanthropy all serve as an inspiration to others.