Award Category: Community Award

Judy Dix is an extraordinary volunteer: knowledgeable, professional and an outstanding problem solver. Judy served as the Mayor’s executive assistant until 2007 and during that time was an invaluable resource for her community. Retiring, Judy has been actively involved with Volunteer Prince George, the Seniors’ Activity Centre, Canadian Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Prince George CrimeStoppers. Judy is a founding member of the Prince George Community Foundation and has organized the Prince George Cerebral Palsy Sports Association for 30 years. Judy is appreciated for her team spirit, humour, kindness and sense of responsibility. She truly characterizes “community” by both her attitudes and her actions.

Of Wayne Duzita it has been said…“There could be no better model of how to serve vigorously but modestly to achieve great community results”. The Roundtable for the Richmond Christmas Fund is a prime example. Now its Chair, he took a vision of creating an army of volunteers and brought it to reality. The result…$200,000 raised…for Richmond families. He founded the YVR Golf for Kids Fundraiser which has raised more than $3million dollars for children’s charities. He has also served as chair of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and its Foundation. He is on the board of the Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation, Tourism Richmond and Trinity Western University Advisory Council. Wayne is one of British Columbia’s great community contributors and his efforts will be felt for many, many years.

The BC Mountaineering Club, the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia and the citizens of our Province are grateful for Michael Feller’s efforts over the past 50 years. Associate professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry, Michael has dedicated a lifetime to the preservation and enjoyment of our forests. For the BC Mountaineering Club, he has been archivist and author, editor and publisher. From his initiatives regarding land use policies along the Sea to the Sky corridor to his academic research work to designing a forest conservation course for fourth year students at UBC, Michael has relentlessly advocated for the alpine environment and the responsible and respectful use of wilderness resources.

Keith Gibson, known to all as “Gibby”, is a true champion for the communities of the westcoast of Vancouver Island. From his extensive fundraising for a multitude of community efforts to the time and energy he gives to promoting sport and supporting youth, he is a leader and an inspiring example. His annual charity golf tournament in support of Ucluelet Secondary School, raises more than $20,000 to fund the school’s athletic programs. Gibby is chair of the West Coast Multiplex society, which will see the dream of a regional multi-generational facility become a reality in the future.  Through his ownership of a local golf course, Gibby finds ways to support countless community activities. He is a true westcoaster and makes a strong difference in his community.

Daphne Goode exemplifies community spirit through her professional career in media, community broadcasting and communications and through her countless volunteer initiatives. She is full of energy for Victoria and its residents and it shows: she has impacted a wide variety of fields: arts and culture, environment, healthcare, business, philanthropy, education, women’s issues, seniors and youth. For twenty years, Daphne has worked with Shaw Communications where as Program Director and as Community Relations and Access Coordinator, she has interacted with many community organizations. Her volunteer years have been tallied – 150! Daphne constantly contributes to the public good.

An accomplished student up to and including his current medical studies, Lawrence Haiducu is dedicated to his community through volunteerism and innovative ideas to meet the needs of the community. Chair of UBC Medicine's Wellness Initiative Network, founder of a project to educate Grade 10 students about sun protection and a past leader of Harmony in Action, a cultural support group, Lawrence makes a positive impact on the community.

Deanna Hamilton is honoured today for her initiatives in the fields of First Nations governance, finance, and property tax. She was responsible for establishing the Westbank First Nation’s property tax program, a system that has become a model for First Nations across Canada. Deanna was instrumental in the development of the First Nations’ Finance Authority and was its first President and CEO. This initiative supports the financial stability of First Nations communities. She served as a Councillor of the Westbank First Nation, was a board member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, a director of All Nation’s Trust Company and the BC Assessment Authority. Deanna is a leader, a visionary and a mentor and we recognize today her strength and integrity.

Jill Hayward has infinite pride for the community of Barriere and its surrounding area. Editor of the North Thompson Star Journal, Jill has never backed away from a challenge and has never failed to gather a team together that will succeed. North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association, McLure Wildfire Monument Society, Rural Crime Watch, and Learning and Literacy have all benefitted from Jill’s leadership. But it is her commitment to the North Thompson Agriplex that is exceptional. This state of the art facility attracts agricultural and trade show events and serves as a community centerpiece. Jill was critical to its development and she continues to grow its reputation.

Carol Hunt has made a tremendous difference in the Cowichan Valley with her positive attitude, her outstanding ability to communicate, to mobilize, to unite and to connect with people. She has been a strong advocate for seniors, launching initiatives in supportive housing and transportation. She served as executive director of Cowichan Seniors Community Foundation and the Valley’s Hospice Society. As well, Carol has contributed to the wider community through her board membership in organizations such as the Duncan Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Cowichan and the Cowichan Community Health Network. She is recognized as a trusted advisor and a catalyst who makes positive things happen in the Cowichan Valley.

This is a story about caring for animals and of a community’s well-being. Valerie Ingram has dedicated herself full time to improving the lives of domestic animals along the Highway 16 corridor and the Burns Lake area. She works tirelessly, without compensation, to educate as many people as she can. Through school visits she has taught students to treat animals with respect and to be responsible animal stewards. She builds and distributes dog houses; she works with animal shelters to find homes for animals in need; she coordinates fundraising; and she organizes free spay and neuter clinics. Valerie’s community contribution is helping to build a community of care…one animal…one student and…one family at a time.