Award Category: Community Award

Community leader Sing Lim Yeo is an outstanding example of a volunteer who cares deeply for his community. He is a philanthropist and skilled fundraiser, he supports cultural and educational events and he strives to bring cultures together. Among his community involvements, Sing is on the board of the Tapestry Foundation for Healthcare and the SUCCESS Foundation and is vice-chair of the Chinese Cultural Centre and the St. John’s Ambulance Richmond Branch. He also served on the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board and the Chinese New Year Parade and the SUCCESS Walk with the Dragon. Sing is ever present with his enthusiasm, energy, initiatives and leadership.

Joe Martin is an ambassador for the Clayoquot Sound, promoting cultural practices and cross-cultural education. A master carver of dug-out canoes, Joe shares his ecological knowledge, traditional stories and foods and his gentle wisdom to build strong relationships. A founder and board member of the Tonquin Foundation, he is concerned with the coast’s maritime heritage including the development of a maritime museum. He is very active in arts and culture in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas, most recently with the launch of the Carving on the Edge Festival bringing together First Nations and Non First Nation carvers to share their skills. His nominator says…’Joe is one of those people who simply enriches the world by being here’.

Strongly rooted in his community, Ron Antalek is known for his enormous generosity and genuine compassion. Volunteer, philanthropist, hospital board vice-chair and initiator of many acts of kindness, Ron is an example to all citizens. His major donation to Ridge Meadows Hospital and willingness to have the funding directed to mental health…an area of great need…was an inspired gift. The resulting expanded Psychiatric Unit has reduced the pressure on the emergency department and allowed the timely treatment of mental health patients. His gift was also a visible incentive to other potential donors. Ron is one of those rare individuals whose big heart, positive spirit and enthusiasm touch his entire community.

British Columbia and the city of Kamloops owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Roger Barnsley, retired President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University. Dr. Barnsley oversaw the transformation of the institution known as Cariboo College into a university for the 21st century. With its Open Learning Division, international partnerships, innovative Aboriginal learning program, and its positive impact on the social and economic development of the Kamloops region, Thompson Rivers University under Dr. Barnsley’s leadership, has attracted students locally, from across Canada and from 85 countries worldwide. His tremendous contributions are based on his belief that education is fundamental to hope and progress – for students, parents, communities and nation. We honour Dr. Barnsley, today, for the legacy he has created for our Province.

“If children are our future, then we are in good hands with Catherine Belleau’s dedication,” says Esk’etemc Chief Fred Robbins. A First Nations elder, Cathy has enriched the lives of three generations of her First Nations community. It was thirty-five years ago that Cathy began her work with the daycare centre, serving the community’s infants, toddlers and youth with gentle loving care. She has been instrumental in keeping the Day Care Centre open in some of the most challenging times. She has mentored the child care workers who have followed in her footsteps. Cathy has supported her work with educational upgrades such as receiving her Infant and Toddler Certificate at the age of 60. When asked how long she will continue, she replies…”as long as I feel young, I’ll keep going”.

Jerome Bouvier, executive director of the award-winning PoCoMo Youth Services Society, is celebrated today for his dedication to the youth of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. He is particularly known for an innovative program that reaches out to troubled youth. The concept is brilliant…take a vehicle…known as the youth bus…to areas where young people naturally congregate. Then engage and build relationships in a nurturing and non-judgmental environment. The program called Project Reach Out works because youth respond positively to resources that establish a relationship first and an intervention second. Thousands of young people have been affected by the program. Jerome Bouvier’s contributions of innovation and determination have made his community a better place.

Romi Chandra Herbert’s advocacy and passion have created amazing ripples of change in the community. It started early – when Romi formed the first Gay Straight Alliance in his Maple Ridge high school, a model of peer support that has been replicated all across the Province. Romi continues his leadership in the community through his work as a coordinator, trainer and facilitator at such organizations as PeerNetBC, Qmunity, the Northshore Multicultural Society and the Justice Institute of BC. He has led countless training sessions educating businesses, schools, labour and youth about issues of diversity, anti-oppression, homophobia and anti-racism. Romi is an inspiration to youth and the community for his advocacy for and commitment to an inclusive and caring society.

Business leader Michael Chiu raises the quality and character of his community through his spirit and volunteerism. He has played an active role in Richmond for more than 30 years both through community organizations and community events. He serves on the boards of Volunteer Richmond Information Services, Richmond Chinese Community Society, Richmond Community Foundation, Tourism Richmond and the Strathcona Employment Assistance Services – all are enriched by Michael’s unfailing dedication. Seniors, new immigrants, youth and cross-cultural understanding are some of the areas in which Michael has made a difference. His commitment to the community is from the heart – he is a team player when a team player is needed; and a leader when a leader is needed.