Award Category: Community Award

We are today honouring Wilma Wickham and her late husband Dr. Thomas Wickham for their thousands of hours of volunteerism, their leadership of many community organizations and their generous financial contributions. Tom and Wilma supported the Ladysmith and District Historical Society and Tom was instrumental in establishing the Ladysmith Community Archives. For over forty years, Wilma has been actively involved with the Ladysmith Hospital Auxilary and led the planning for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2009. Together they donated land for a community park and they gave their waterfront property to the School Board to endow a scholarship for a Grade 12 student. In all of their actions and generosity, Wilma and Thomas Wickham have created lasting and invaluable legacies for their community of Ladysmith.

“If one person would help just one other person, what a difference that would make.” These are the words of Ray Abernethy and they define Ray’s absolute dedication to those who need help in his community. Whether a single mother, foster parent, new immigrant, refugee, low income family, Ray has volunteered his services for more than 18 years sourcing, collecting and distributing furniture, clothing and household goods. What began as a small backyard project has blossomed under his leadership and vision into a unique, charitable society called Helping Families in Need serving the needs of thousands of people in the lower mainland and Fraser Valley.

Tibor Baldauf, a positive mentor and gifted coach, has inspired and challenged youth on the Sunshine Coast to achieve excellence in their sporting endeavours and in their lives. For over 25 years, has volunteered as a coach with the Chinook Swim Club, instilling in each athlete a strong work ethic matched with a sense of confidence. With his background as an Olympic-level athlete, Tibor has motivated three generations of athletes on the Sunshine Coast where he is honoured and respected as an outstanding role model.

Pamela Beech has tireless energy, a very bright smile and most importantly, is always thinking, guiding and moving along ideas to make her community of Sicamous a better place. With special focus on youth and seniors, healthy living, addictions and mental health education, Pam directly effects the health and well-being of her Okanagan community. Pam has been an active member of the Eagle Valley Community Support Society, the Eagle Valley Sports and Leisure Association and the Shushwap Lake Hospital Foundation. We are honouring today Pam’s ‘can-do’ attitude, her spirit and her compassion for the quality of life in her community.

Roger Behn has quietly and continuously effected change and provided services to the community of Chase. Early on, he was instrumental in ensuring there was a full-sized and well-stocked public library in Chase through his leadership in establishing what is now called the Thompson Nicola Library system. Roger’s countless hours of organizing, fundraising, building, maintaining and planning for the future of the Chase and District Museum and Archives has provided Chase with an historical legacy that will be enjoyed and appreciated for generations.

Alex Bracewell is an Electoral Area director of the Cariboo Regional District. Alex saw in the 2010 Legacies Now’s Measuring UP Accessibility and Inclusion Fund, the unique opportunity to provide wilderness trail experiences for persons with disabilities. He organized a grass roots community committee to design and build an innovative trail at Tatlayoko Lake using recycled mining belts to create a surface suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and the like. With a goal of 210 kilometers by 2010, Alex’s leadership in building accessible-friendly trails is a role model for other communities and, more importantly, is part of his dream ‘to make the Cariboo Chilcotin one of the most attractive accessible tourism destinations in the world’.

Jack Carlisle is a true inspiration for those among us who have been affected by prostate cancer. Jack has been an advocate and donor in furthering prostate cancer research and treatment and providing support to families dealing with this diagnosis. From the North Shore Prostate Cancer Support Group, to the Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Initiative, the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation and the BC Foundation for Prostate Disease, Jack has positively impacted funding and awareness initiatives surrounding this disease. Jack has made a positive difference in many people’s lives through his personal contact and community service.

The residents of Powell River are proud that Joyce Carlson calls Powell River home and they are honoured that she cares deeply about the community and works tirelessly for its benefit. As a committed community volunteer and the publisher of the Powell River Peak, Joyce’s vision has contributed to Powell River hosting many events and festivals that have broadened and developed the city’s outlook and progress. Joyce’s leadership can be seen in the 2007 Powell River Disability Games Society, Powell River Festival of the Performing Arts, Powell River Ayjoomixw Spirit of BC Community Committee, and the Powell River and District United Way.

For the past 50 years, Dolly Cartwright has been an extraordinary volunteer on Vancouver’s North Shore. Her commitment to her community has touched the lives of those in need through the Red Cross, the North Shore Health Board, the Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary and her endless hard work and support of seniors’ organizations. Dolly is a member of the Board of Directors for the North Shore Volunteers for Seniors and Lionsview Seniors Planning Society, as well as a co-chair of the North Shore Adults at Risk. Dolly is an inspiration and a role model and we are pleased to honour her today.

Every community wants and needs a Carol Chapman. Passionate about giving back to her Campbell River home, Carol Chapman helps others while contributing to the betterment of her community. Carol always say ‘yes’ to helping with projects that support community health, education and infrastructure. Known as Campbell River’s quintessential fundraiser, Carol has spearheaded initiatives for burn victims, cancer patients and the local SPCA. Carol has been instrumental in reviving the annual Canada Day celebrations, now Campbell River’s most successful annual event. Carol’s positive attitude and heartfelt desire for her community inspire and motivate all those who support the growth and development of Campbell River.