Award Category: Community Award

Howard Blank uses his talents as a superb auctioneer raise funds for charity initiatives in our Province. Howard has a way of telling a story and motivating an audience. Over the past thirty years, Howard has helped raise over one hundred million dollars benefitting organizations such as Coast Mental Health, Variety, Canuck Place, Honour House, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Greater Vancouver Jewish Community. Exceedingly generous with his time not only as an auctioneer but also as a community board member, Howard is passionate about philanthropy and community well-being for British Columbians.

We honour Thomas Budd today for extraordinary philanthropic support for charitable organizations in the Central Okanagan. From his success in the Alberta investment sector, Tom gives back to his chosen community of Kelowna in a big way and has done so, often quietly, for many years. Through the Thomas Allan Budd Foundation, he supports the BC Cancer Agency Sindi Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, the SPCA, Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, and the ‘Be An Angel Campaign’ among many others. Tom believes in Kelowna, and he believes in giving. Through his generosity, he inspires others in his community to do more.

Sandy Burpee works tirelessly to ensure that those in the Tri-Cities of Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody affected by homelessness and poverty are receiving the assistance they greatly need. He is their champion and through his leadership, identifying goals and finding solutions, he has made a tremendous difference. Food Bank Depot, Tri-Cities Housing Coalition, Homelessness Task Group, Metro Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness are examples of organizations which have benefitted from Sandy’s commitment. Sandy is a one of a kind volunteer dedicated to the less fortunate in his community.

Pam Craig carries on the traditions of four generations of her family for volunteerism and commitment to Port Alberni. Leader, visionary, mentor, advisor, history buff and literacy advocate, Pam has volunteered thousands of hours for activities and events. She is current chair of Literacy Alberni and a long serving member of the Alberni Valley Museum and Heritage Commission. Pam spearheaded the Port Alberni Centennial celebrations and volunteered at all four BC Games held at Port Alberni. Pam is a fifteen-year veteran of the School Board. She gives back to the community at every opportunity.

Mavis De Girolamo is a shining beacon for her community. For the Inter Cultural Association of Greater Victoria that offers services for immigrant and refugee newcomers, Mavis has completed eight terms as Board chair. She teaches adult language classes and works to create a supportive and friendly environment enabling students to excel. Of particular note is Mavis advocacy for all those seeking to become Canadian citizens and all that citizenship entails. Mavis builds bridges and promotes cross cultural awareness and respect for all throughout many organizations in Victoria. Volunteering for Mavis is not just an activity, it is a way of life.

Vicki Dobbyn is honoured today for her work in social services on the Sunshine Coast. During her 24-years as executive director of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, the organization grew from a smattering of services to a multi-service agency offering 38 diverse programs. An innovative thinker, with a strong awareness of community issues, Vicki provided visionary leadership, leaving an enduring legacy of a caring community. Now in retirement, Vicki sits on the board of the Sunshine Community Foundation and continues to be actively involved in the community.

SFU Professor Emeritus Dr. Louis Druehl was a founder in 1972 of the world-class Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. While he is acknowledged as a renowned researcher and educator, we honour Louis today for his contributions to Bamfield. His energy is focused on fostering positive progress. The community hall association, the school, historical society, Memorial tree pavilion, community garden, local newsletter are just a few areas in which Louis has made a difference. As well, his business, Canadian Kelp Resources provides local employment. Members of this community are so thankful that Louis chose Bamfield as his retirement home.

Tanya immigrated from the Ukraine in 1996 to Vancouver’s West End. She began volunteering at Gordon Neighbourhood House to learn more about Canadian life. Gordon Neighbourhood House has learned so much more from Tanya. Through hard work and a strong sense of responsibility, she took an “occasional clothing sale in the lobby” and turned it into the Attic Thrift store, a neighbourhood hub where everyone is welcome. It’s a wildly successful enterprise thanks to Tanya and a valuable source of funding for the organizations’ programs. We thank Tanya for her outstanding community contribution.

Per Gjerde has made lasting contributions to his community, particularily the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby, an organization that promotes the culture, heritage and sports of Scandinavia. Per helped to establish the centre by bringing five countries together to fund a single Scandinavian building. He does any job no matter how difficult, tedious or messy. He is elected to everything. From chairing the board to maintenance, carpentry and the annual MidSummer Festival, mowing the grass and cooking the salmon, Per is the glue that holds the centre together for its over three thousand members.

Prince George is fortunate to have Judy Jackson. For over 55 years, Judy has dedicated her life, both professionally and as a community volunteer, for the betterment of her city. Her energy is contagious and her loyalty is unquestionable. The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, the College of New Caledonia, the Prince George Community Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, the University of Northern BC, Northern Medical Trust have been profoundly impacted by Judy’s association and leadership. She is respected for her keen intuition on what will move the community forward and the best way to get there.