Award Category: Community Award

Werner Heine is Mr. Soccer in the South Cariboo. His accomplishments are legendary – from coach to fundraiser. He believes in the power of sport for its effect on youth’s lifelong good physical health and mental well-being. He led the development of new tournament worthy soccer fields, realizing their importance to the community as a way to host provincial and regional tournaments. He is currently head of a very successful youth refereeing program for the 100 Mile House Soccer Association, has been an organizer of the Terry Fox Run since 2000 and is very involved with the United Way. Werner Heine is an invaluable asset for everything he does for his south Cariboo community.

Communities depend on business leaders like Debra Hewson to take a significant role in the guidance of the United Way campaign, such an important vehicle for supporting so many community causes. Debra served as Co-Chair of the Lower Mainland’s 2011 United Way Campaign that raised over 30 million dollars. Her community award today is in response to her volunteer efforts for United Way and other community organizations such as Music Fest Vancouver, an annual ten-day summer musical festival. An industry leader as President and CEO of investment firm Odlum Brown, Debra is also recognized for her encouragement of the company’s philanthropic endeavours. Her generosity of time, expertise and leadership is creating a brighter and stronger future for Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

Progressive individuals like Larry Jorgenson recognize that people and place are intimately linked. For over thirty-three years, Larry’s focus has been the integration of economic, environmental and social development in Bella Bella. Founder and Executive Director of Qqs Project Society, Larry has spearheaded dozens of collaborative partnerships that promote the stewardship of the Heiltsuk traditional territories and empower youth to reconnect with their cultural identity. The Heiltsuk Cabins Project, the Koeye River Valley youth camps and field science internships, the first all-ages community library, the Koeye Café, are examples of Larry’s tremendous legacy. Everyday, Larry brings strength to the Heiltsuk community through his vision and ideas.

Throughout his school career, David has shown exemplary leadership. He was recognized by the City of Nanaimo with the Junior Citizen of the Year Award for his wide-ranging school and extracurricular activities. Now at the University of British Columbia, he has been elected president of the Coordinated Science Program and has served as a student councillor with the Alma Mater Society. He was instrumental in setting up the UBC chapter of Students Offering Support, a national network of student volunteers. David was Chief Operating Officer of the World Model United Nations conference, held this past March in Vancouver, attended by over 2,000 student delegates. David is an outstanding ambassador for youth in British Columbia.

Kelly Klein makes a difference in her community for individuals and their families with special needs. A residential home administrator, Kelly has inspired her clients and cared for them with utmost compassion. As well, Kelly devotes an almost incomprehensible 50 hours a week volunteering for Special Olympics, now as the local coordinator overseeing 350 volunteers, athletes and coaches. She believes in enhancing the lives of her clients and athletes through healthy living, life skills and sport training. She is a fearless fundraiser, engaging businesses to support her basketball, bowling, track and softball programs. Kelly is truly a champion and a hero, going that extra mile to support each and every individual that she so tirelessly serves.

Since 1973, when he entered the profession as a field probation officer, Alan Markwart has devoted his life to youth issues. He is one of Canada’s foremost policy innovators in the fields of youth justice and youth mental health services. With a 40-year career as a public servant in Children and Family Development, he is particularly recognized for his work in both community-based alternatives to custody and restorative justice programs. He oversaw the implementation of Canada’s first provincial Child and Youth Mental Health Plan. He is regarded for his principled leadership, uncompromising integrity and commitment. Youth, victims and communities all over the Province have felt the impact of work pioneered by Alan Markwart.

In a nutshell, if it happens in Harrison Mills, Mary McGhee is involved. Her passion is her community. She doesn’t call herself a volunteer, rather it’s all about helping and being part of your community. She has served on every Board, club, association and society as President or secretary or treasurer or doer. From ensuring that every child learns to swim in her riverside community to supporting the Community Club, the Harrison Mills Recreation Commission, the annual quilt show and the Kilby Historic Store and Farm, Mary’s strong commitment has enabled Harrison Mills to prosper. She continues to serve today as a director of the Fraser Heritage Historical Society. Mary McGhee is a treasure.

Grace Elliott Nielsen is one of our Province’s great leaders. She is a pioneer in implementing programs to improve the quality of life of the urban Aboriginal community. As Executive Director of the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Society in Nanaimo for the past thirty years, Grace has established social service programs that serve and support 30,000 people each year. From education and training programs, health and counseling services, special cultural events, an elder and youth affordable housing project, and licensed childcare, Grace’s wise and gentle guidance has made a deep impact on her community. Her legacy will be felt for generations.

A recent graduate of the University of Northern British Columbia with a Master of Science in Community Health, Virginia Russell is honoured today for volunteering and working with agencies in northern British Columbia that focus on social justice, indigenous health and women’s issues. A recent initiative to understand why young Aboriginal women from northern locations experience higher rates of cervical cancer has generated valuable knowledge to inform health programming. As well, Virginia has co-ordinated efforts in HIV prevention and management in vulnerable urban populations. The Prince George New Hope Society and the Hospice Society are also beneficiaries of Virginia’s research, workshop presentations and support. It is individuals like Virginia who are the future of this Province.

Prince Rupert business leader Glen Saunders is a driving force in his community spearheading tourism initiatives and encouraging civic pride. When Glen calls, you respond by saying ‘yes’…I will help you’. He has inspired hundreds of volunteers to join him in the revitalization of the city’s downtown. It started with his vision for beautifying the Cow Bay waterfront, creating a retail hub out of an industrial area. Recently it was the ‘Paint Prince Rupert Forward’ campaign that saw 25 businesses being repainted by an army of weekend volunteers. Glen has served on the Tourism Prince Rupert Board and was instrumental in a group encouraging cruise ships to visit the area. Glen reflects a ‘can-do’ attitude and a commitment to the future.