Award Year: 2025

With long-standing family ties to the history and development of Chinatown, Carol Anne Lee is dedicated to its revitalization and to strengthening the Downtown Eastside. She is the co-founder and chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, leading initiatives in affordable housing, cultural preservation, and community engagement, including the opening of Bob and Michael’s Place and the creation of the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. A business and community leader, Carol combines entrepreneurial success with a lifelong commitment to giving back. She has served on the UBC Sauder Faculty Advisory Board and the Powerhouse Project Fundraising Committee, and helped fund the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, honouring her family’s legacy. 

Carol currently serves on several boards including the National Coalition Against Anti-Asian Racism and the Harvard Business School Canadian Advisory Board. She is Chair of UBC Properties Trust and Honorary Patron of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society. Her achievements have been widely recognized, including the UBC Alumni Achievement Award, Business in Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award, and the King’s Coronation Medal (2024). In 2025, she topped Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list, marking her tenth consecutive year on the list. 

Robert Best dedicated his career to supporting children and youth through some of their most challenging transitions. After studying Child and Youth Care in Kelowna, he began working at the Boys and Girls Club, later moving to Vancouver to serve as a frontline worker at Browndale Care Society and as a foster parent to a teen with exceptional needs. Robert joined the Vancouver School District in the early 1990s, first with the Vinery Alternate Program and later at Windermere Secondary. There, he supported a diverse student body representing over 40 languages, building connection and leadership through initiatives like Link Crew, Peer Education, and one of the district’s first Restorative Justice programs—training 26 students as peer facilitators in conflict resolution. 

Robert founded the Oasis Club, a lunchtime refuge for Grade 8 students and those facing social, emotional, or physical challenges. He also created the Grade 7 Toolkit to support students and their families through the elementary-to-secondary school transition. His work spanned K–12, using creative tools—including puppets like Harold the Monster—to teach emotional regulation and build student resilience. Though Robert retired early due to MS, his warmth, mentorship, and innovation left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the lives of students across Vancouver. 

Serena Caner is a champion of local food producers, businesses, and community well-being. As the past President and Executive Director of the Shuswap Food Action Society (SFAS), she served as the driving force in strengthening local food systems and improving food security in her community. Serena transformed the region’s farmers market by uniting local farmers, artisans, the Downtown Improvement Association, and the City of Salmon Arm to create a thriving, successful marketplace. She also played a pivotal role in expanding school meal programs, securing grants and building a team to deliver nutritious, locally sourced meals at scale. 

In addition to her work with SFAS, Serena founded the Family Box Program in partnership with School District (SD) 83’s Indigenous Education Department, providing nutritious food boxes to families in need. Her efforts injected over $70,000 into local farms in 2022 alone, supporting a sustainable food system. Now, as the Feeding Futures Program Coordinator for SD83, she continues to champion local food initiatives, ensuring students have access to free nutritious meals. 

For over 50 years, Barbara Attig has been volunteering in communities across British Columbia, contributing her time and energy to a wide range of causes. Starting at the age of 16, she served as a candy striper at Royal Columbian Hospital and later held numerous leadership roles, including as a Brownie, Girl Guide and Pathfinders leader. Barbara coordinated fundraising efforts at KB Woodward School in Surrey, volunteered for the BC Lions Football team, and assisted with various community programs like the Mothers March of Dimes and the BC Cancer Agency’s driver program. Barbara’s commitment extended to roles in emergency services, including as Emergency Support Services Logistic Chief and Director, and she has actively contributed to local projects like the Shuswap Hospice and fire protection initiatives. 

Barbara’s contributions are ongoing, with recent efforts including the creation of over 800 COVID-19 masks for those in need. A long-term blood donor since 1972, she also created and donated pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa. Barbara’s consistent and selfless service has made a profound impact, and her dedication to helping others continues to inspire all who know her. 

Gwen Hansen’s 50 years of volunteer service have strengthened the culture, health, and well-being of Quatsino. As one of the founders and curator of the Quatsino Museum, she has worked to preserve the community’s local history and curated educational displays celebrating its heritage. Gwen has served on multiple community boards, including the Quatsino Residents’ Organization and the Quatsino Archives’ Association. Gwen is a strong advocate for emergency preparedness, securing resources for tsunami response, fire safety, and first aid training. 

Beyond her leadership, Gwen drives community upkeep through organizing work parties to maintain local landmarks such as both cemeteries, hiking trails, and St. Olaf’s Church. She is also a historian and author, publishing the Quatsino Chronicle (1894-2005) and contributing to regional historical publications. Her initiatives, like founding the Quatsino Fishing Derby and spearheading the ‘Trail to Colony Lake Project,’ have brought the community together. As a dedicated volunteer, she ensures Quatsino remains connected, resilient, and thriving for future generations. 

A volunteer pilot with Hope Air since 2016, Floyd Hill profoundly impacts the lives of individuals in rural BC who face long journeys to access critical medical care. Many remote communities lack regular air service, and Floyd’s contributions bridge this gap, ensuring that patients can reach medical appointments without the added burden of costly and time-consuming travel. With over 60 completed missions, Floyd has flown patients thousands of miles, donating his time, expertise, and personal aircraft to ensure safe, no-cost travel.  

Floyd is equally committed to strengthening Hope Air’s mission. He mentors new pilots to expand the organization’s reach and enhance the quality of patient care. Known for his flexibility and compassion, Floyd not only accommodates urgent travel needs but also provides emotional reassurance to those he serves. He is a vocal advocate for healthcare equity, spearheads fundraising initiatives, and makes personal contributions. His leadership continues to bring Hope Air’s vision to life: a Canada where access to healthcare is never limited by geography or financial means. 

Josephine Chauhan and Neera Vohra-Singh, co-founders of the Touching Lives Foundation, lift up marginalized communities across British Columbia. As immigrants to Canada, they understand the struggles of newcomers and vulnerable populations, which inspired them to establish a community-driven initiative. Since founding Touching Lives, they have worked to support individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, domestic violence, and mental health challenges. Their efforts go beyond financial assistance, providing mentorship, empowerment programs, and crucial resources to ensure long-term support and dignity for those in need. 

Through their annual fundraising events, Josephine and Neera have raised significant funds for organizations such as Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, Women at Harmony House, Coast Mental Health, SARA for Women, and Moving Forward Family Services—a nonprofit offering accessible counselling for underserved communities across Canada. Their events raise money and awareness for these essential services. In addition to fundraising, they organize food drives, mental health workshops, and deliver essentials directly to low-income families. As women of colour in philanthropy, Neera and Josephine have overcome challenges, inspiring others through their perseverance, compassion, and commitment to community service.