Award Category: Community Award

Anjali Katta has an amazing ability to instill positive change and she serves her community with creativity and compassion. She has dedicated her time to empowering young women locally, nationally and internationally, to strive for equality by focusing on education. As a young grade nine student, Anjali founded GirlsCo, a not-for-profit which organizes women’s rights’ summits and workshops, and her community engagement continued to intersect all her high school activities through to her graduation. Service to others and taking action is a foremost priority for Anjali and she is a role model and inspiration to all.

Jack Keough is one of those special people who always looks for the positive. As Executive Director of Yellowhead Community Services, Jack’s vision over 20 years, has transformed the North Thompson Valley, delivering programs in six locations for individuals, children, families, employers and community groups. The development and implementation of a transit system, more support for adults with special needs, licensed childcare programs, literary programs and the formation of the North Thompson community Foundation, are just a very few examples where Jack has made exceptional contributions.

Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick is a pioneer in advocating for people with eating disorders and a leader in developing treatment resources. It was his single mindedness that in 1990 saw the establishment of the BC Eating Disorders Association, bringing together recovered individuals, families and advocates to take, head on, the challenges of the diseases. He has taught countless doctors, medical students and other healthcare professionals locally and provincially. His wisdom, experience and vast academic expertise has made a difference in our Province and allowed patients to access world class care.

Hidden as a child in the Netherlands during the Holocaust, acclaimed child and family psychiatrist and UBC professor emeritus, Dr. Krell deeply understands the necessity of Holocaust remembrance: learning from its lessons, providing education, supporting survivors and ensuring their stories are not lost. Dr. Krell founded the Holocaust Education Centre in Vancouver in 1994; tens of thousands of students have visited the centre to learn about the terrible consequences of racial prejudice and the ways to combat it. Dr. Krell also founded a group for child survivors, giving voice to their experience.

On behalf of the 580 residents of Sointula on Malcolm Island, between Northern Vancouver Island and the Mainland, we recognize Wanda for all of her many contributions to her community’s cultural, social and economic well-being. A founder of the Sointula Recreation Association, she served as its President for over four decades, overseeing the acquisition of its seven community buildings and its programs. Wanda has served on many committees including the Sointula Co-op Store Board and the Malcolm Island Local Services Management Committee. The message is clear…in Sointula…you go to Wanda to get things done.

Since 1993, Darren and Beth have reached over one hundred thousand junior and senior students, teachers, parents, and law enforcement with the objective of making youth aware of the perks and pitfalls of living online everyday. Through their company, Personal Protection Systems, they present programs about internet and social media safety. They also respond to individual young people who are facing cyber bulling or other online issues. With their exceptional knowledge of technologies and a gift of communication, Beth and Darren are powerful resources for youth and their parents in the internet age.

Donna Macdonald has had a profound impact on the city of Nelson and indeed on the entire Kootenay Region through her extensive public service. Serving 19 years on Nelson City Council, Donna spearheaded many beneficial initiatives. In addition to her municipal leadership, Donna was active in the establishment of the Cultural Development Commission to enhance arts, culture and tourism, affordable housing, social planning, recreation facilities and the development of Nelson’s waterfront pathway. Donna is a champion for all aspects of her community and she has created legacies to be enjoyed by countless citizens and helped shape a future for her region.

In the words of his nominator… “Reid Maxwell eats, drinks and breathes pipe band drumming”. Reid is the most influential pipe band drummer outside of the United Kingdom and a driving force behind the success of the pipe band movement in British Columbia. Reid has been a cornerstone of the SFU Pipe Band for over 20 years, helping the band win six World championships, overseeing the drumming side of its juvenile band program and now acting as its manager. He is a gifted teacher who has taught hundreds of students across the Province and at the annual Piping Hot Summer Drummer Camp he co-established in Vernon.

Throughout his 92 years, Tom Moffat has served his community in many capacities in a quiet and unassuming way. He was affiliated with the Cattlemen’s Association and connected to the forest industry. He supports the Quesnel and District Museum and Archives and is a 68 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. In September, he was chosen to represent Canada at the 200th anniversary of the Royal Netherlands Army in Holland. As a member of one of Quesnel’s pioneer families, Tom continues to be the keeper of memories in his community, ensuring that the history of the city and its residents is remembered.