Award Category: Community Award

As CEO of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Aart Schuurman Hess strives to build self-efficacy in GVFB membership by providing access to healthy food, education and training. Thanks to his strong leadership, GVFB has significantly improved member experience and the quality of food they distribute by developing food guidelines and nutrition standards; providing a more dignified member experience; and fostering educational programs. Aart brings a tireless and positive energy to his work, successfully forging partnerships with businesses and playing a strong role in shaping food security policy on multiple levels. Under Aart’s leadership, GVFB has become one of the most innovative and leading organizations tackling food insecurity in North America, serving 27,000 members each week.

With 22 years of provincial government inner workings Min Sidhu has selflessly dedicated herself to the Vernon community. Serving on numerous community boards in the capacity of Director or President, such as the Okanagan Anti Racism Board, Multicultural Society of Vernon, Vernon Women’s Transition Board, ILearn BC and the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan. Min also founded the Vernon Punjabi Heritage Society, and now serves as its Honorary Chairperson. Her passion for her community and willingness to give and serve were recognized in 2011 when she was awarded the Vernon Woman of the Year Award.

During Staff Sergeant Jeff Swann’s six years of service to the Ucluelet RCMP detachment, the community’s crime rate has dropped by a staggering 60 percent. Deeply committed to his job and engaging with local youth groups and schools, Jeff has been honoured with the BC Youth Police Officer of the Year, Fort St. John Police Officer of the Year, and Ucluelet’s Citizen of the Year awards. He has also worked hard to forge positive relationships between the local First Nations and the RCMP in Ucluelet. Whether he’s fundraising, educating others or volunteering, Jeff is known for his selfless service and inspiring commitment to his community.

Deeply committed to women, Lisa Tallio worked with Minerva BC for the past decade, developing and delivering leadership programming for women across the province. Lisa believes that the most profound way to create positive change is by supporting opportunities for Indigenous women; a proud member of the Nuxalk and Heiltsuk First Nations, she has travelled the province in pursuit of this commitment. Thanks to her vision and leadership, Minvera’s ‘Combining Our StrengthTM’ initiative continues to grow and, in 2017, the groundbreaking ‘Indigenous Roots’ outdoor leadership program for urban Indigenous girls was launched – a dream realized for Lisa.

Kim van der Woerd was named the 2018 Mitchell Award recipient. Named in honour of Keith Mitchell QC, the Mitchell Award recognizes an individual who, through his or her work and volunteer activities, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to elevating the community in which they live, and those who serve it. The recipient has a unique and selfless leadership style that encourages and inspires the full participation of those he or she leads. Keith Mitchell served as the BC Achievement Foundation’s Founding Chair and guiding light for 13 years. A leader by example and a mentor at heart, Keith brought clarity to the role of the Foundation in its mission to celebrate excellence in British Columbia.

An active search and rescue volunteer with Vernon Search & Rescue for over 50 years, Pete Wise has played a key role in establishing the unit into one of the premier search and rescue organizations in the province. Whether he is dedicating his time to training others, advocacy or leading challenging rescues, Pete is known for his positive spirit, and depth of experience. A founding member of the British Columbia Search & Rescue Association, Pete has also served many years as Director of the British Columbia SAR Association.

Andy Yu served as President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia for seven years, and he has worked tirelessly for the inclusion of people living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Through his vision and leadership, Andy transformed the association, significantly developing the programs and services available, increasing the organizations revenue by 100 percent and earning the City of Vancouver’s Accessibility and Inclusion Award in 2013. As a person living with cerebral palsy, Andy serves as an inspiration and role model to many.

John and Sandra Barth are known as diligent, behind-the-scenes volunteers, contributing at numerous community events in Burns Lake. Over the past 40 years, and always side-by-side, John and Sandra have lent their positive attitudes and energy to countless organizations, including the Burns Lake & District Seniors Society, the BC Senior Games, Terry Fox Run, the Lakes District Arts Council, along with projects for youth and rural outreach programs.

Garry Benson believes that giving back and actively participating in your community is essential. He has volunteered his time and expertise to building a supportive community for businesses and advocating for sustainable economic growth through his role as Former Chair and Director of Kelowna’s Economic Development Commission and as Current Director of the Uptown Rutland Business Association. Garry can also be found in activities as diverse as organizing pig roasts and cooking hot dogs at community markets to donating over 1500 hours of pro-bono legal counsel to those in need.