Award Category: Community Award

Cynthia Chen touches everyone she meets with her vitality, enthusiasm, and generosity as she contributes her time and experience to the city of Richmond. Cynthia, a past member of the Richmond City Council, has been at the helm of fundraising drives and social initiatives that positively impact her community. Cynthia’s leadership of the CHIMO Crisis Services and its success in raising funds and building a permanent transition house, together with her contributions to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, illustrate her commitment to the quality of life in Richmond. Cynthia Chen is highly regarded as a person with integrity and a deep passion for community.

Gordon Comeau is a voice for children in his community and in our province through his long and distinguished service as a school trustee. Since 1980, he has served first on the Princeton School Board and after amalgamation with the Nicola-Similkameen School District where he continues as Board chair today. Gordon also served both on the provincial and national school board associations. Gordon’s leadership in our public education system is marked by his tremendous support for teachers, principals, parents and particularly for student achievement and by his ability to lead in a changing educational environment.

Johanna Coughlin has made Hope a more caring, beautiful and healthy place to live. Her volunteer contributions have impacted youth, sports, local governance, business and cultural events, and the preservation of the environment. For over 43 years, Johanna has contributed her time and enthusiasm to such organizations as the Hope Outdoor Club, the Hope Mountain Centre, the Hope and District Recreation and Cultural Services Commission and the local Chamber of Commerce. Johanna has directed projects that benefit Hope and, in so doing, inspired others with her outstanding example.

British Columbia’s choral and music community is richer because of Morna Edmundson’s passion, energy, talent and commitment. Morna is best known for her 23 years of accomplishment as co-founder and co-conductor of the renowned Elektra Women’s Choir. As an exceptional collaborator and dynamic leader, Morna also lends her outstanding musical and administrative talents to such organizations as Festival Vancouver, UBC’s conducting mentorship program and the Coastal Sound Music Academy. Her dedication to the highest standards of performance has brought success to all the choirs and organizations she has served. Morna Edmundson is a treasured cultural leader in our province.

We are honouring Darren Entwistle today for his commitment to community involvement, demonstrated by the spirit of philanthropy and community volunteerism he has fostered within TELUS, the company of which he has been President and CEO since 2000. ‘We give where we live’… is the philosophy encouraged by Darren’s leadership and direction. Over $48million has been contributed by TELUS employees, past and present, in financial and in-kind contributions since 2000 to communities throughout BC. Darren exemplifies a true spirit of giving and corporate responsibility and serves as an inspiring role model to the BC business community.

Brad Field is an exemplary entrepreneur, volunteer and philanthropist in Kelowna who is focused on the betterment of his community. Brad consistently gives his time, business expertise and hands on service as a volunteer for many local organizations. Brad is a director of the Kelowna Economic Development Commission, the Cops for Kids Foundation, St. John’s Ambulance and the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, all examples of his broad commitments to Kelowna and the Okanagan. A major donor to the UBC Okanagan library and an innovator who has established businesses in the area, Brad Field makes an extraordinary difference in his community.

Paul Gauthier’s passion, commitment and perseverance to enable people with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the province of British Columbia is the reason that we are honouring him today with a BC Community Achievement Award. Paul is one of the rare individuals who is able to promote positive thinking in a way that affects us all, particularly in the area of social change. Paul is the Community capacity coordinator for the BC Paraplegic Association, working to provide people with disabilities more flexibility in independent living. Paul is a role model for others not only as a Paralympic gold medalist but also as a community leader, a progressive thinker and an advocate for positive change.

Janette Glover Geidt is a cornerstone of the community of Union Bay. Of special note is Janette’s leadership of the Union Bay Historical Society. She is the driving force behind the purchase and restoration of the Union Bay Post Office, thus saving an important heritage building in her community. Janette also spearheaded the restoration of the old Jail House which is now the Union Bay museum, thus preserving a legacy of the past for the youth of tomorrow. One of Janette’s nominators wrote the following: ‘a community is not just a collection of buildings. A community is people, people who are involved with their neighbours day to day, season to season’. Janette has helped to make Union Bay a community through her tireless efforts.

While a student at Maple Ridge Secondary School, Gordon Hall was well known for his commitment to the betterment of the student body and the community in which he lived. His efforts with literacy, environmental projects, student leadership and fundraising initiatives inspired younger students and served as an excellent role model. Always the first to volunteer, Gordon was an asset to all organizations in which he participated. Now a first year university student at the University of Northern British Columbia, Gordon’s excellent communication skills and his compassion will enable him to follow his goal to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Patrick Kelly is one of those unique people in our society who cares with such intensity that he is always involved and willing to help. A member of Leq:amel in the Sto-lo Nation, he applies the leadership lessons learned from his grandmother to all his community involvements:… think deeply…have humility… and patience. Patrick has a 34-year history of working in executive and board roles with community, non-profit, public and private organizations. Appointed a Lay Bencher with the Law Society of BC in 2002, Patrick has also served his First Nation community, the Mission area, the BC Buildings Corporation, United Way of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Community College.