Award Category: Community Award

Lori Fry serves her community with distinction. A member of the local community safety program and the Parents’ Advisory Committee, Lori also leads a vital program of Aquafit classes providing therapy and rehabilitation for her community. Lori is an active member of the regional White Cane Club where she has served in all executive capacities. Currently Lori is Vice President, BC and Yukon division of the Canadian Council of the Blind raising public awareness about vision loss and promoting equality for blind Canadians. Lori works in a respectful and kind manner, motivating others by her conscientious example.

For over 50 years, Jim Kojima has volunteered countless hours in roles that benefit the quality of life in his Steveston neighbourhood. From the Steveston Community Society, the Richmond Minoru Senior Centre, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, the Richmond Sister City Committee and most recently Richmond’s 2009 Senior’s Games Association, Jim’s contributions are diverse and far-reaching. Jim has made an indelible impact on Richmond youth and adults with his over 55 years of participation in the Steveston judo club. Jim epitomizes the strength and dedication of community spirit in Richmond.

Jim MacCarthy has given a lifetime of service to Vancouver’s North shore. Jim is a founding leader in the Coho Society and annual Festival, raising awareness and support for the protection and enhancement of the area’s salmon habitat. With the West Vancouver School District, Jim pioneered a partnership to provide environmental education and activities in the classroom. Jim has served with distinction in community celebrations, library initiatives, the historical society and with the chamber of commerce. Jim demonstrates a passionate commitment to his environment and to civic life and has leaves a legacy that will continue for generations.

Susan Maile has made extraordinary contributions to the health of her community. Whether it was serving on district or hospital boards, fundraising for the acquisition of a CT scanner, setting up blood donor clinics, or contributing for over 40 years to the hospital auxiliary, Susan’s leadership and work ethic are vital to her community. Susan has coordinated the Meals on Wheels program since its start-up in 1990, a program that is successful because of her dedication. In all her endeavours, Susan shares her extensive knowledge and expertise with generosity and grace.

Bill McMichael has been an inspirational catalyst for positive change in his Renfrew Collingwood neighbourhood. Bill helps marginalized groups give voice to their needs and attain tools to contribute to their community and society. The Four Pillars Advisory Committee, the City’s Drug Policy Committee, the Living in Communities Project, the Renfrew Collingwood Drug and Alcohol Committee and Collingwood Neighbourhood House and its programs are examples of Bill’s commitment. Bill continues to profoundly effect the health of his community by developing new initiatives to assist immigrants, refugees, youth, seniors and people living with addictions.

Don Montgomery has a long and illustrious history of working and volunteering in the service of multicultural appreciation, education and promotion. Through his work at the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival Society, Don has showcased hundreds of local enthnocultural artists in an effort to bring people together and to develop cultural harmony. Don is an active volunteer in civic and provincial committees that bridge cultures, create open dialogue and co-operation. Don’s work in bringing together British Columbia’s diverse cultures has been exceptional, invaluable and immeasurable.

Understanding and supporting the community’s needs through her outstanding leadership as nurse and administrator at Saanich Peninsula Hospital is the hallmark of Dawn Nedzelski’s contribution to her community. Her versatile and realistic thinking, ability to energize others, problem-solving skills and interpersonal communication are recognized as critical to the hospital’s community care, for example its acute care unit, its palliative care unit and the planning for its emergency room. Dawn has also volunteered on the Board of Directors for Community Options for Children and Families and is an active member of the Saanich 4-H club.

Nick Panos is a lifelong contributor to his community of Kitsilano in Vancouver. One of the founders of the original Greek Day celebrations in 1974, Nick was also instrumental in its 2005 revival and continued success. This family-oriented festival hosts close to 70,000 attendees and attracts both Greek and non-Greek participants from around the Lower Mainland. Nick has served his Hellenic community on local, provincial and national organizations and further represents West Broadway at the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce. Nick Panos has enriched and strengthened ties within his community and for that he is being honoured today with a BC Community Achievement award.

Known by her nominator as the most amazing volunteer she has ever known, Connie Peters supports her community of Abbotsford by providing care, outreach and services to young and old. As a natural team leader and a conscientious team player, Connie embraces those who need support in her community. Whether it is the weekly Open Door for single mothers and their children, the Wednesday Night Live for youth, the Dollar Dinner for local families, or offering her home as a refuge, Connie identifies a need and organizes a response. Connie Peters can always been counted upon to be dependable, productive and compassionate.