Award Category: Community Award

Recognized as a local hero, Shirley Henry’s decades of service to Pemberton are widely acknowledged and appreciated. Shirley served on Council as Alderman and Mayor for a total of 19 years, during which time she also contributed to local youth, working as a teacher and Brownie/Cub leader. Her contributions to her community are vast and varied: from chairing the Canada Week Committee for 25 years, to chairing the Airport and Forestry Committee, and acting as Vice Chair to the Sea-to- Sky Economic Development Commission, Shirley truly does it all. Today, Shirley serves as Secretary and Treasurer for Tourism Pemberton, the Pemberton Community Endowment Fund, and the Spirit of BC Committee.

Geraldine Hinton is a longtime advocate for the lives and welfare of older people. As Director of the BC Government’s Office for Seniors, she helped develop a national framework on aging and a strategic plan for later life policy. Geraldine has also upheld a long-term association with Beacon Community Services Society, Veterans’ Memorial Lodge at Broadmead and the Alzheimer Society of BC. Recently, she was honoured to receive the Alzheimer Society of BC Clyde and Lanny Slade Memorial Leadership Award in recognition of her important hands-on work with the society over the past 20 years. Geraldine has also held numerous volunteer roles with St. John Ambulance and acted as Vice Chancellor of Community Services for the Priory of Canada.

In 2012, Doug Hopwood had a goal: to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize pollution of one of the biggest fossil energy users on Lasqueti Island – the school. Through his tireless fundraising, community engagement, and successful grant applications, Doug coordinated the installation of a large array of solar panels at False Bay School, greatly reducing dependence on the diesel generator. Doug’s dedication to the False Bay Energy Project has resulted not only in huge financial savings, but also in a reduction in fossil fuel use and the consequent GHG emissions from Lasqueti Island. His achievements are testament to his dogged determination and clear vision.

Sgt. Jag Khosa has worked tirelessly for many years to curb gang violence in his local community. Drawing on his depth of experience and through the support of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC), Jag developed an educational platform to reach vulnerable youth and their parents. Through articles, workshops and guest spots on radio and television, Jag is driven to shine a light on gang prevention by sharing CFSEU-BC’s End Gang Life messaging. He also volunteers his time to Students Against Violence Everywhere, SAHELI, Our Global Village and the Surrey Rotary Club. Jag’s commitment has resulted in hope restored to many families and young lives forever changed.

Spanning 45 years, Jim Lamond’s immense contributions to community sport have touched many lives. As co-founder of KidSportTM Richmond and as a founding member of the Richmond Sports Council, Jim has helped shape the sporting community in Richmond from the ground up. He has also dedicated countless volunteer hours to the BC Forester Games for disabled athletes, the BC Summer Games, and BC Senior Games. The calibre of Jim’s accomplishments are as significant today as they will be for future generations.

Paddy Macleod has dedicated the past 45 years to enriching Vancouver’s cultural landscape. As the General Manager of the Vancouver Cantata Singers (VCS) she leveraged her experience to not only obtain grant funding, but to assist the Director and choir in winning the Canada Council’s Healey-Willan Prize, three times. Paddy co-founded the Blackbird Theatre Company in 2004, and through her volunteer work and commitment to mentorship, she has helped shape the province’s arts scene. Today, Paddy is a board member and secretary of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and Vice-Chair of the Vancouver Concert Hall and Theatre Society.

As founder of the Metchosin Community Association, Jo Mitchell has played a pivotal role in developing a rich and vibrant community through their Community House – quite literally, the heart of Metchosin. Jo has also served as President of the Metchosin Equestrian Society, joint founder of the Neighbourhood Response Program and editor of the community’s local paper. She served as a Councillor for three terms and, during this time, she inspired support for the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre Association, and the Seniors’ Information Resource Centre. As a result of Jo’s vision and dedication, Metchosin was one of the first to be recognized as an ‘age friendly community’ by the BC Provincial Government.

Charles Newton has dedicated 28 years to serving the Granisle Volunteer Fire Department, and 26 years as a member of the BC Ambulance Service, volunteering as an on-call ambulance attendant to help those in need. During a blizzard in 2006, Charles took it upon himself to visit each home in the region, to ensure the residents were safe and able to withstand the storm. In a small town where many residents are older, Charles’ generosity and tireless service provides comfort and a strong sense of community for all.

As President of the Talitha Koum Society, Mary O’Neill, helps empower women with addictions by providing a home, a nurturing community, 12-step programming and life skills training. A former teacher, counselor, and principal, her career spanned almost 40 years and her dedicated committee work helped establish the Tri-Cities’ first restorative-justice program now known as Communities Embracing Restorative Action (CERA). Today, Mary opens up her home regularly for support and social gatherings for immigrant women.

Jerrilyn Schembri’s dedication to her Tumbler Ridge community is vast and varied, having contributed to the Tumbler Ridge Umbrella Committee, Museum Foundation and Emergency Planning Committee, in addition to the Red Cross Disaster Services. She also advocates for local youth through her work with the Tumbler Ridge Youth Services Society, and as Board Director of the Tumbler Ridge Arts Council and Board Chair of the Tumbler Ridge Library. Jerrilyn is a powerful force in her town and continues to immerse herself in community life.