Award Category: Community Award

Following a distinguished career in policing, Bob Stewart has dedicated his life to serving others. He is a longstanding leader of Variety – The Children’s Charity and has contributed to the Mt. St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, Special Olympics BC, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver and the Motor Dealer Council of BC. Bob was the founding chair.

Nettie Stupnikoff has been a leader in supporting and improving health care in Castlegar for many years. As president of the Castlegar & District Hospital Auxiliary, she personally oversaw the building of a new facility for the auxiliary’s thrift shop, thus providing increased funding for health care equipment and services.  She currently chairs the Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation that raises funds for the Community Health Centre & Talarico Place.

The impact of Tom Weegar’s volunteer leadership of the Literacy Alberni Society is significant. He has established funding, a group of volunteers to serve on the board and tutors to support its many literacy programs. The results of his work are measurable: many new Canadians and literacy-challenged individuals are receiving much needed help in reading and writing, therefore improving their opportunities for employment and further education.

Sheryl Williamson works to improve the downtown neighbourhood of Vancouver’s West End. As chair of the West End Citizens’ Action Network (WECAN), Sheryl seeks solutions to social and neighbourhood issues through problem solving and community cohesion. She has also worked with Our House West Coast Society, Friends of St. Paul’s Hospital and currently serves on the Vancouver Police Board.

Dr. Cecilia Benoit is an outstanding researcher, communicator, community activist and advocate for social change. As a scientist and sociologist at the University of Victoria, Cecilia’s community-based research has influenced the delivery of programs for at-risk youth, pregnant women with substance use issues, and sex workers. Two Victoria organizations, the Child and Family Counseling Association and ‘Her Way Home,’ among others, have benefitted from Cecilia’s research and volunteer activity. She has served on the BC Advisory Council on Women’s Health and her work has provided a wealth of information now in use by health practitioners and social agencies in BC and throughout Canada.

Alan Boyd’s nominator calls him an unsung British Columbia hero. He never says ‘no’ to a community project. From the Lone Butte Historical Society, to restoring the Lone Butte water tower, now a tourism attraction, to building a community hall and to raising funds for the Green Lake fire hall, Alan has served his south Cariboo community with dedication. Alan shows his passion for good healthcare for the South Cariboo by not just talking about it but by being involved. He has served on the community, regional and provincial health boards and was instrumental in facilitating the construction of the South Cariboo Health Centre in 100 Mile House.  Alan Boyd is passionate about his community and its welfare.

The arts and culture of mid Vancouver Island is greatly enriched because of Gary Brown’s leadership of the Bard to Broadway Theatre Society, a community-based semi-professional summer theatre company. Gary is called the living heart of the theatre that he co-founded ten years ago and which he continues to serve as artistic director. Gary’s contribution to his community can be measured by the theatre’s significance to the tourism and local economy and by the over 100,000 residents and visitors who have been entertained by its high quality productions. The Bard to Broadway Theatre is a resounding success thanks to Gary’s vision, passion and determination.

Alan Chell plays a critical role in sports, education, culture and community development in the City of Revelstoke. Alan has been involved as the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation or as a committed volunteer in nearly every sports and community event, festival, celebration and theatre production for the past 28 years. What is also exceptional about Alan is his commitment to education. For more than 25 years, Alan has been a trustee on the Revelstoke Board of Education, and is the current chair.  Alan’s clear priority is ‘students first’ and he ensures that the district is focused on high expectations. Alan is a true champion of the local community and a valued community resource.