Award Category: Community Award

BC Hands & Voices is a parent-driven organization that serves families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH.) It’s thanks to Teresa’s unwavering and inspired leadership that BC Hands & Voices has been able to support hundreds of families, providing them access to networks, resources, information and community. Teresa’s philosophy of ‘we can’t do everything, but we can do something’ helped to grow BC Hands & Voices into the sustainable, strong organization it is today. As an advocate, volunteer and leader, Teresa’s efforts mean that families across BC have consistent access to parent-to-parent support. Known for her patience, her valiant work ethic and her infectious enthusiasm, Teresa is a much loved figure in the DHH community.

 

At just 24-years old, Zeba is an inspiring example of young leadership, vision and generosity. While studying for her Bachelor of Neuroscience at UBC, Zeba dedicated countless hours towards causes that resonated deeply. A staunch believer in equal access to healthcare for all, Zeba advocates for free access to menstruation care supplies. As the founder of Free Periods Canada, Zeba and her team have distributed over 20,000 menstrual supplies across Canada. Zeba is a research assistant at the Contraception & Abortion Research Team (CART) at UBC and a board member of Options for Sexual Health and is working with these two groups to evaluate sexual and reproductive health care access needs of immigrant youth in BC. Through her World Awareness Initiative Foundation, Zeba provides a platform for young leaders and activists to work together. It’s through this initiative that she will inspire the generation to come.

With tenacity and a clear sense of purpose, Norah has spent over two decades, working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to education, social services, employment and opportunities for recreation and socialization. Focusing her efforts on youth and young adults with disabilities, Norah has served multiple organizations, volunteering her time generously and effectively. Since 2014 Norah has worked towards increasing financial freedom for people with disabilities through her leadership role with the BC Registered Disability Savings Plan Action Group. She has also volunteered her time to Community Living BC, the Canucks Autism Network, BC Partners in Workforce Innovation, the BC Ministers Council on Employment and Accessibility, and many more. Whether she’s volunteering in an advisory role, as a committee member, representative or leader, Norah advocates to increase opportunity and accessibility for the people she serves. A guiding light for those who work to support diversity and inclusion, the scope of Norah’s work is truly inspirational.

Cheryl is the founder and Executive Director of the Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation, an organization that she initiated in the absence of any organization or group focused on people with Fibromyalgia. An often-misunderstood disease, Fibromyalgia can be emotionally and physically debilitating. An incredibly determined woman, Cheryl typically donates 2000 hours annually to the cause while battling Fibromyalgia herself. Her biggest accomplishments for the organization include a Supportive Work Program and the Supportive Living Program; two initiatives that support sufferers by giving them flexible work opportunities and secure living arrangements. Cheryl also led the Walk to Banff, a significant fundraising endeavour in 2016, and met with community leaders, supporters and sufferers in an effort to raise the level of awareness about Fibromyalgia.

 

Harbhajan Singh Athwal has been a pillar in his community since his arrival to Canada in 1968. After retiring from his role as a sawmill laborer, where he worked for over 38 years, Harbhajan Singh took on a volunteer position as President of the non-profit Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara Sukh Sagar in 2006. Through this society, Harbhajan Singh contributes to the spiritual, educational, and social services available to the New Westminster community. In 2007, he spearheaded the creation of the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen program, providing meals for the homeless community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Over the past 14 years, volunteers have been preparing and distributing meals to this community and others every week. Harbhajan Singh has helped to create many youth-oriented programs, services and workshops, including scholarships for high school and university students. A devout Sikh, Harbhajan Singh follows the service to humankind path, this ethos underscoring everything he does. Over the years, Harbhajan Singh has extended his home to many new immigrant families, and he continues to offer community and friendship where it is needed most.

A retired poultry and cranberry farmer, Ann worked incredibly hard alongside her husband to achieve tremendous success. Grounded by family, noble values and a tireless work ethic, today Ann is equally dedicated to her philanthropic work. Ann’s generous gift to support the new Sunny Hill Health Centre’s patio at BC Children’s Hospital will enable children access to fresh air and nature as they heal, both physically and emotionally. Her support of Langley Memorial Hospital’s new emergency department and Langley Hospice Society’s new residence will impact the community for generations to come. Ann nurtures meaningful partnerships. None more so than that with Trinity Western University. Together they have created the Blaauw Eco Forest, preserving a pristine conservation area for Langley visitors and residents to enjoy and learn from. With purpose, integrity and quiet modesty, Ann continues to enrich and improve life for her Langley community.

 

The quintessential good neighbour, Bob is the kind of person who is always willing to lend a hand. It was through his work at the Optimist Club of Victoria that Bob recognized a need to assist Victoria’s youth by  repairing bicycles and donating them to families at the inner city schools. Bob understood that receiving a new bicycle is a memorable moment in a young person’s life and made it his goal to put as many refurbished bikes as possible into the hands of young students. Over the past 25 years, Bob has repaired and placed almost 2,500 bicycles to families in need, bringing joy, and normality to many young lives. All year round Bob can be found with his garage door open restoring bicycles with purpose and determination. The Optimist Club supports Bob’s efforts by providing funds to purchase bike helmets and bike parts when needed. A much admired member of his community, Bob works with humility, humour and heartfelt generosity changing lives one bicycle at a time.

As a Detective with the Vancouver Police Department, Kal has spent considerable time serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside area. During patrol duties Kal was exposed to the challenging realities faced by the community. This experience led him to create the Kids Play Youth Foundation, a non-profit that gives kids the opportunity to become involved in sports and other recreational activities. By creating constructive outlets, building a sense of belonging and self worth, Kids Play steers kids away from a lifestyle of drugs, gangs and violence. The Foundation has also developed after school mentorship programs with the Surrey and Langley school districts. Since its launch in 2015, more than 60,000 kids have accessed Kids Play. Without question Kal’s vision is helping to reshape a community while building and lifting up a generation.

Anita, a member of the Haíɫzaqv Nation, believes wholeheartedly in the ability of those around her to succeed. As the Elementary Principal at Bella Bella Community School, she has created a place where students feel safe and included. Anita exemplifies what a decolonial and community-rooted approach to education can look like. Through her vision, students thrive both academically and personally. Under her leadership, in spite of the challenges COVID presented, Anita has shaped a school community to which Bella Bella youth want to belong. Anita also serves as the Director for the Heiltsuk Emergency Operations Centre, and volunteers her time on local boards including, Heiltsuk Káxlá Society, and Kunsoot Wellness Society, who are working towards the opening of a collaborative, land-based healing centre for the Haíɫzaqv Nation. As an educator, an advocate, a volunteer and a leader, Anita is a powerful force for positive change.

 

 

John and Joyce have been residents of the Salmon Arm community for 57 years. As medical professionals, John, a doctor and Joyce, a registered nurse, their path was always one of service. But it’s so much more. They volunteer their time and energy to many organizations, including: Shuswap Community Foundation, Shuswap Theatre Association, Okanagan University College, Good Food Box, First United Church Ghana Project, Salmon Arm Minor Hockey, and City of Salmon Arm Council to name a few. Through donations to the Shuswap Community Foundation, they support local projects and students at UBCO who are involved in international community development projects. In every aspect of the Salmon Arm community, from arts and culture, to healthcare, education, and the environment, their contributions can be felt.