Award Category: Community Award

Since 2012, Carol Todd has been an active and dedicated advocate raising awareness on the dangers of cyberbullying. Building on the tragic suicide of her daughter, Amanda Todd, Carol promotes her daughter’s message of hope and strength. Her platform reaches parents and children alike and, by sharing her personal experience of losing a child, she engages her community on mental health awareness while delivering valuable education and resources to those in need throughout British Columbia and beyond. Carol created the Amanda Todd Legacy Society in honour of her daughter’s memory to recognize the uniqueness within each person and, by doing so, empowering their individuality.

Motivation, work ethic and a commitment to community define Henry Tung’s contributions to his high school and community. Originally from Taiwan, Henry and his family immigrated to Chilliwack, via PEI, and he was determined to give back to his new home. As a consistent honour roll student, Henry also volunteered for a wide variety of school clubs and community organizations while volunteering with the Red Cross, Fraser Health, and Interact Club to name a few. Now a second year scholarship student a Queen’s University, Henry has left a lasting impact on his hometown school and community and is an example for other students to follow.

An accomplished Buddhist master, lecturer, writer and yoga master, Master Lian Tzi stands out for her dedication and quiet leadership to promote the values of peace, compassion and selfless community service. As President of the Lotus Light Charity Society, Master Lian Tzi has guided its humanitarian missions to help Vancouver’s most vulnerable through the Hot Meal for the Homeless Program, Winter Charity Drive, Annual Rice Donation Program and Children’s Backpack Program to name a few. The Society’s inspired goal, “through caring and learning we help build a better tomorrow” drives Master Lian Tzi’s commitment which comes straight from the heart and her caring dedication has made her community a better and brighter place.

Tom Whipps’s volunteer commitment stands out as a much beloved member of the Lantzville community. Lantzville relies on volunteers and ‘neighbours taking care of neighbours’ and Tom embodies this ethic in everything he does. He served for two decades as a Scout leader and continues to help the organization, even though his sons are long since grown up. Active in the community’s sports, its seniors’ group, as well as a dedicated volunteer firefighter, Tom’s efforts are legendary and represent the lifeblood of his town. An ambassador for the community and a good citizen who has made a difference, Tom is a true leader whose example is an inspiration to all.

Community volunteering began early for George. He was still in high school when he first dedicated himself to improving his community and making life better for his fellow citizens. Volunteering at his local hospital, participating in the BC Youth Parliament and raising money to send children to camp are a few of his earlier activities. Not long after graduating, at just 20 years old, George was elected to Nanaimo’s city council where he was a strong voice for community and youth engagement. During his term of office, George demonstrated his leadership on the Transportation Committee making a lasting impact on the City of Nanaimo.

What began for Kathleen Barnard as a diagnosis of skin cancer became a “call to action”, and a mission to change the attitudes and policies around the disease. As the founder of the ‘Save-Your-Skin Foundation’, which now reaches and impacts the lives of patients throughout North America, Kathy is an advocate for everyone whose life she touches. Working one-on-one with patients, their families and the people who care for them ensuring they receive the financial and emotional resources needed to fight the disease Kathy is viewed as their mentor and their friend. Her leadership raises awareness around skin cancer while making British Columbia a better and more sun-safe community.

Ask anyone in Saanich about Haji, and they’ll likely tell you he’s the heart and soul of the community. He’s worked to improve life there for 45 years. The organization he founded, the North Quadra Community Association, influences many municipal improvements. His retirement has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of his community and Haji has volunteered for numerous causes and programs, serving on the Saanich Police Board, Victoria Airport Authority and the Saanich Volunteer Services Society, to name a few, for more than four decades. His consistent leadership demonstrates his passion and commitment to the people he serves.

Ravneet Dhaliwal has served her community with inspiration and impact. As the co-founder of a unique mentorship and tutoring company, Ravneet made her mark as a youth leader who contributed to a program that not only helps students in school but also offers opportunities to lead them to their passions in life.

Kamal Dhillon’s leadership and dedication in raising awareness about domestic violence locally and internationally is inspiring. Kamal has courageously told her story, time and time again, to inspire bravery in those who are living in the shadows of abuse and has captured her own experiences in her memoir, Black and Blue Sari. She truly makes a difference, as the voice that breaks the silence, speaking to students, police recruits at the Justice Institute of BC and numerous other organizations about the issue. She has also advocated for women suffering domestic violence to protect the lives of others at the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC.