Award Category: Community Award

Imagine this…10,590 men and women from 56 countries competing in Metro Vancouver at the 2009 World Police and Fire Games. It started as a dream – two Burnaby firefighters believed that the Games could successfully be held in British Columbia. So, Jeff and Miles began the successful bid process with a deposit of $2,500 each on their personal credit cards. Jeff and Miles then worked countless hours to organize first the bid process and then the event – 64 sporting events at 40 plus sites using 3400 volunteers. The economic impact was significant to the local economy and as well over $100,000 was raised for the Burnaby Firefighters charitable society. We honour Jeff and Miles today for their foresight, determination and passion in bringing these Games to BC.

For over 25 years, Trevor Day has been a volunteer extraordinaire with the St. John Ambulance in Kelowna. He began at age 12, and now has logged over 4,000 volunteer hours of service as part of a highly skilled, essential medical first response team serving the community. He is a strong leader; he mentors younger members and is always willing to share his knowledge and experience. Whether it is responding to medical emergencies or disasters like the recent Kelowna fires or delivering patient care at major events, Trevor shows a steadfast commitment to his community and a dedication to saving lives.

During her 26 years of volunteer service, Jane Dickson has touched many hearts and inspired many others to join her in making Terrace a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and welcoming community. Jane volunteers with the Terrace and District Multicultural Association that delivers many cross cultural events and workshops that benefit community and school groups in Terrace and surrounding areas.  She has been the Terrace representative to the umbrella organization for multicultural groups in BC and participates in the Skeena Diversity Society, the Terrace Art Gallery, Terrace Women and Development and was one of the founders of a forestry/agricultural initiative designed to help women with training.

At one hundred years of age, Edgar Dunning stands before us as the cherished voice of the Delta community. Long associated with the Delta Optimist newspaper and still contributing a weekly column called ‘Rambling,’ Edgar’s words have influenced the development of Delta. His nominator says ‘Edgar’s fingerprints are all over what’s good about the municipality.’ From the Delta Museum and Archives, the Delta Concert Band, the Kinsmen Club, the Ladner Business Association, to the Delta Heritage Advisory Commission and the Burns Bog Conservation Society, almost every community organization and event has benefitted from Edgar’s wise counsel over the many years he has been an active and dedicated citizen.

It is her purpose to stand up for what she believes; it is her courage that has brought positive change, and it is her many accomplishments for her community that we are here today to honour. A leader in the Westbank First Nation, Mary Anne Eli has worked courageously for her community from healthcare to elders’ support to education to advocacy.  Mary Anne has built bridges of understanding between First Nations and the broader community. She is a precious resource of her language and native practice. Mary Anne is an esteemed elder in her community and in the words of Chief Robert Louie, ‘we are proud of what she has accomplished, what she represents and we will be eternally grateful.’

Generosity is Yuri Fulmer’s outstanding contribution to his community of the lower mainland. A successful entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry, he gives back by sharing his business expertise, his time and his financial resources. At the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Yuri co-chaired its 2008 thirty million dollar campaign. He is now Board Vice Chair with responsibility for major donations. At the Surrey Food Bank, Yuri was an invaluable board member and President, instilling a professional approach to the delivery of its services. Also a board member of the Vancouver Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, Vancouver Opera and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Yuri demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the community.

Charan Gill’s dream and vision is to make the community a better place to live, work and raise a family. Charan established the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society, known as PICS, a multicultural organization that serves thousands of South Asian immigrants, newcomers, farm workers, and homeless persons. Under his leadership, PICS offers programs and services such as job mentoring, youth programs, settlement services, drug and alcohol counseling, and ESL training. Among his many projects, Charan developed a groundbreaking multicultural seniors housing facility. His nominator writes…“Charan is a man who is known for doing more for his community in one single day than most will do in an entire lifetime.”

What Virginia Greene does best is to bring ideas and people together to advance community initiatives that are important to us all. Two organizations that have benefited greatly from Virginia’s bold and innovative leadership are the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Street – to – Home Foundation, a Vancouver-based project designed to address homelessness. Throughout her career as a successful entrepreneur, later as a dedicated public servant, and now as President and CEO of the Business Council of BC, Virginia has always focused on making our province immeasurably better. From the Salvation Army to the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project and mentoring young business professionals, Virginia is that rare individual in our community who is an extraordinary leader.

Marjorie Groberman is an enthusiastic, energetic and persuasive volunteer and a role model for active senior living. Now 90, Marjorie organized the first Hadassah Bazaar in Vancouver in 1952, an annual fundraiser so successful, she was asked to assist with setting up Hadassah bazaars in 14 other Canadian centres. Marjorie is honoured today for her leadership of programs for seniors at the Jewish Community Centre: an ambitious music program; a duplicate bridge club, and other initiatives that have substantially increased participation. Marjorie is a vibrant mentor to scores of adult and senior volunteers. Over Marjorie’s lifetime, she has dedicated herself to the service of others.

Ron Hadley and Corinne James are the backbone of cultural life in the Town of Qualicum Beach. It all happens at the The Old School House Arts Centre, affectionately known as TOSH. Corinne is the coordinator and oversees the art programs, classes and galleries while Ron leads the music series, which includes his popular Tuesday evening Jazz Club, Music on Sunday and the annual Harvest of Music. Ron and Corinne have revitalized this historic arts centre and strengthened the accessibility to art and music for the community and visitors alike. Whether it is taking art classes or world class music into the schools, entertaining seniors or engaging local artisans, Ron and Corinne show exemplary dedication, integrity and spirit, sharing the joy of the arts with others.