Award Category: Community Award

Steve Little is well known as a DJ at CFNR-FM. He has donated his time and talents to support and raise funds for the Terrace and District Community Services Society, the Salvation Army and the Kidney Foundation to name a few. A guitar teacher, musician and mentor to many, Steve’s leadership inspires his fellow community members to give back and make their local community better.   

As the President of the Tri Cities Female Ice Hockey Association since 2015, Larissa Lapierre elevates female hockey. Her leadership has improved opportunities for female hockey players while addressing the needs of individual players and their families. Thanks to Larissa’s vision, the association continues to grow in all aspects of its program delivery, offering enriched sport experiences for hundreds of youth.   

At 91 years, Gloria Kravac inspires seniors to connect with others and enjoy life as a Citizen Support Services volunteer. Gloria served as the first Chair of the Voices of Burnaby Seniors Task Force and later as Co-Chair of its Seniors’ Transportation Committee. Gloria’s volunteer commitment stems from her past service as a member of the Better at Home Advisory Committee and Dementia Friendly Communities for the City of Burnaby. 

A champion for the Ktunaxa First Nation, Bonnie Harvey is committed to ensuring its language and culture live on. Serving as its Education Ambassador, Bonnie also has supported governance, community and cultural programs as an active volunteer for the past 20 years. An advocate within the school system, Bonnie shares her knowledge, allowing others to learn more about the Ktunaxa people.  

For two decades, Julie Fowler has provided leadership in the arts, not only in her home community of Wells, but throughout the province. As executive and artistic director of Island Mountain Arts and founder of the ArtsWells Festival, Julie has worked to establish her community as a nationally recognized centre of artistic excellence while committing resources and time to empowering contemporary Indigenous artists.  

 

As founder of the Canadian Route 66 Association in 1996, Lorrie Fleming has generated a harmonious legacy to connect the corridor between the famed Route 66 (USA) collectively with Route 97 and 99 (BC Heritage Highways). A champion for rural communities, Lorrie’s cross border initiatives in popular culture and arising economic strategies have given a voice to the stories of those who live and work in her region.   

 

Carolyn Duerksen has been a leader in the musical community of Prince George for over 25 years. As founder of the PRINCE GEORGE Tapestry Singers, Carolyn has built a community-based chorale ensemble that ranks among the top youth choruses in BC. Her collaborations with other organizations and local groups reflect her dedication to community engagement through music and song.  

At the age of 105, Dr. Mary Anne Cooper is a champion of heritage preservation and celebration. Mary Anne works to ensure that her community maintains a deep appreciation for its public green spaces and supports the Ioco Townsite revitalization project. Mary Anne is a regular participant at city council meetings and actively advocates for the challenges seniors face today. 

Morgan Churchill is the Children’s Services and Program Coordinator for the Fort St. John Public Library. A mentor to colleagues and parents, Morgan inspires achievement in early childhood education and has successfully built relationships with other organizations, newcomers, and the School District while working diligently to ensure the library and community at large is a safe and educational space.   

Duncan Bernardo is the co-founder and president of BC Newcomer Camp – a free annual summer camp program for refugee children. His efforts provide a fun and engaging environment enabling refugee children to feel more welcome in their new city while building their confidence. As a youth leader, Duncan’s vision has helped change and direct the lives of the camp participants.