Marjorie Phelps is a pillar of kindness and support in her community. The Food Bank, Girl Guides of Canada, the Christmas Hamper Appeal and the Canadian Cancer Society are just some of the organizations to which Marjorie gives her time, leadership and energy. As chair of the Citizenship committee in Kitimat, Marjorie ensures that new Canadians are prepared and warmly welcomed to Canada. Marjorie contributes to her community in a quiet and unassuming way, always ready with a helping hand, and always there to fulfil a community need.
Award Category: Community Award
Marylynn Rakuson
Marylynn Rakuson is an inspiration to her community because of her support for healthcare programs and organizations in her region. Marylynn has served on the Trail Community Health Council, the Trail Hospital Auxiliary, Interior Health’s Clinical Ethics Committee and several cancer-related groups. Marylynn, an area representative for the West Kootenay Boundary Hospital Auxiliaries for the Health Association of BC, is also a determined advocate for accessibility within the City of Trail. All these commitments are a testament to her desire to better the quality of life for her fellow residents.
John Ridley
John Ridley has been a constant champion of the BC Children’s Hospital fundraising initiatives both as a professional and a volunteer. John is instrumental in the production, promotion and success of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Miracle Weekend telethon, an annual event that has raised more than $100million over the past 11 years. John is also an active supporter of the Variety Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations. John is called an ‘unsung hero’ as he works quietly and effectively behind the scenes to ensure the success of all with which he is associated. John Ridley brings his outstanding leadership, positive attitude and unique brand of creative thinking for the benefit of children and families in BC.
Thomas (Arden) Robertson
In every community there are people for whom community service and caring are a way of life. Arden Robertson is an outstanding example of such a person. For 50 years as the volunteer chaplain at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, Arden has provided constant care to children, their families and the staff. And, for 30 years, Arden has been the organizer and the mainstay of a Chapel Volunteer group in the federal prisons of the Pacific Region. With dignity and respect, with a smile for everyone, Arden always has the time to listen and the time to support those in need.
Muriel Stanley
Muriel Stanley has an indomitable spirit that never stops giving. She is a ’24/7′ determined advocate for people affected by dementia. Muriel supports and educates patients, families, caregivers and health care professionals about the disease and the journey ahead. From helping to organize the first Alzheimer’s support group, now a model around the province, to her current role as the Support and Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Society, Muriel touches the lives of those from Dawson Creek to Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. Muriel has lived her life making a difference.
Joe Sullivan
If anyone should wonder why Hazelton was known in BC and around the world as a ‘hotbed of wrestling’, the answer is simple: the amazing coaching and remarkable dedication of Joe Sullivan. Not only has Joe coached two students who later went on to the Olympics, one of whom brought home gold in 2008, Joe built a wrestling program that was as much about developing the student as a person, as it was about competition. The legacy of this former teacher and wrestling coach is a tree that continues to bear fruit and nourish his community, the province and his former students.
Sian Thomson
Sian Thomson fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. In 1995, Sian established the Justice, Advocacy, Dignity and Empowerment Society, known as JADE, to develop positive solutions for individuals and families in crisis or struggling with such issues as homelessness, poverty and physical or mental challenges. Her tireless devotion in providing advocacy services of every description has assisted many thousands of individuals. Sian is a mentor, an organizer, a leader, a compassionate individual who works to ensure that Campbell River is a safe and kind place to live for all its citizens.
Elizabeth Wolak
Elizabeth Wolak is a pioneer in building the musical tradition within Vancouver’s Jewish community. Since arriving in Vancouver in 1963, Elizabeth has continuously directed choirs, showcasing the traditions and beauty of Jewish choral music. In 1981, Elizabeth founded The Shiron Singers, a folk choir that has performed at concerts and in hospitals and seniors’ residences entertaining Jewish and multicultural audiences. As cultural ambassador for the Vancouver Jewish community, Elizabeth has been called ‘one of Canada’s national treasures’ for her contribution to choral work.
Yosef Wosk
When Dr. Yosef Wosk speaks, people listen. As an educator, Dr. Wosk inspires and engages. As a scholar, Dr. Wosk’s influence and contribution to initiatives that enhance our intellectual progress is almost unequalled. As a philanthropist, Dr. Wosk’s generosity is enormous. Dr. Wosk is an integral force as a leader in Continuing Education at Simon Fraser University, establishing creative programs like the Philosophers’ Café, a popular series of discussion gatherings in which more than 60,000 people have participated. Every day, Yosef Wosk demonstrates his passion for preserving and enhancing the intellectual and cultural life of the university, his city and his province. We honour Yosef Wosk today for the visions he sees, the actions he takes and the legacies he establishes.
Martin (Marty) Zlotnik
For more than 40 years, Marty Zlotnik’s contribution to the University of BC’s athletic department as both a advocate for its programs and strategic fundraiser has directly impacted UBC Athlectics’ quality and success. Marty initiated both the Thunderbird Millennium Scholarship Breakfast which has raised over $5million for UBC Athletic scholarships and the UBC Golf Society which now has over $1million in endowment, Marty’s impact goes beyond UBC as he has served on the boards of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, Kids First Sports Foundation, BCIT Foundation and as co-chair of the Greater Vancouver Open PGA Tournament. Marty has served as a commissioner on the Vancouver Parks Board. A remarkable citizen who is dedicated to sport and the public good, Marty exemplifies the dedication and spirit of making a difference in the community.