Award Category: Community Award

When an aunt’s death touched the life of eleven-year-old James Coyle, he decided he wanted to do something to stop the pain and suffering of losing friends and family to cancer. He joined the Relay Life Walk for Cancer in 2004 and shaved his head challenging others to donate and join him in this symbolic act. For the next three years, James continued with his mission to raise money and awareness by shaving his hair and encouraging others to join his team, “4 A Cause”. His fundraising efforts have been very successful and his remarkable spirit has inspired his town. James Coyle has helped change the lives of those living with cancer and has done so with infectious eagerness and willingness to be part of a team. He is a true champion.

Salina Dharamsi is a Grade 12 student who through her high school years has made significant contributions to her school and the wider community. She has organized fundraising events such as Legs for Literacy and her school’s first-ever 30 hour famine which raised almost $5,000. She has been a student council member and a peer counselor and tutor and she has been very active in her school’s partnership with an inner city school. An exemplary leader, Salina does not seek the spotlight with her actions but she naturally attracts it exuding an authentic compassion in all her pursuits.

He never played for the BC Lions but Jack Farley has the unique honour of having the Lions’ number 83 jersey retired in his name, a tribute to his exceptional service to the team. He was president of the BC Lions Football Club, the Canadian Football League and chairman of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum where his leadership and drive were instrumental in fundraising for the facility now at BC Place. Over the years, Jack has been active in a variety of educational and cultural organizations, serving on the board of governors of Simon Fraser University, and as a Director of the Vancouver Opera Association. Jack Farley continues to give generously of his time and remains passionate about preserving the history of sport in BC.

Ella Fraser has served Fort St. John and surrounding area with vision, commitment and energy. She has been a member of city council, president of the chamber of commerce, executive director of the Peace River Alaska Tourism Association, member of the Celebrate Canada committee, and an active volunteer at the Salvation Army soup kitchen. Her dedication exemplifies the personal contribution that is required to foster growth in our BC communities. Ella always found something positive in everything she did even when times were difficult. A holistic view of community and relentless efforts toward building pride in her fellow citizens are what makes Ella Fraser a true inspiration and mentor.

Anna Fung has a strong belief in community volunteerism. Her roster of public service includes president of the Law Society of British Columbia, chair of the People’s Law School, president of the BC Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals, president of the BC Autism Association and a director of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund. All of these underline her strong support of equality and diversity and her commitment to protecting the public interest in the administration of justice. A compassionate champion, Anna inspires both her peers and those she serves.

Since arriving in Canada in 1950, Mohindar Gill has devoted his life to assisting Indo-Canadians integrate into Canadian society. A loyal and proud British Columbian, Mohinder not only encourages the well-being of immigrants, youth and seniors in the Indo-Canadian community but also, has promoted multiculturalism in our province. His strong leadership skills have enabled him to bring community members together on a number of difficult issues. Mohinder Gill currently serves as a director of the Vancouver Chapter of the National Indo-Canadian Council and is a founding member of OASIS, an immigrant service centre. His welcoming and inclusive warmth to our country’s new comers has enriched both the immigrant experience and our cultural diversity.

Theresa Gladue is an outstanding volunteer in Dawson Creek and an advocate for the Aboriginal people in her community. The first Aboriginal person to receive Dawson Creek’s Citizen of the Year, Theresa co-founded the Aboriginal Women’s Awareness Resource Society and sits on the board of the local and regional arts councils and the Drug Free Dawson Creek committee. Theresa is especially well known as a playwright and producer of plays and concerts which address cultural diversity and dialogue. Theresa Gladue is an individual who strives to make positive changes in her community.

Pam Glass’s record of service to her community and province is outstanding. Her contributions include Board member, Kwantlen University College and its Foundation, trustee and Vice-Chair for the Surrey School District, Past President, South Surrey Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Pacific National Exhibition, Trustee for the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Co-Chair of the BC Seniors’ Games in 2001. As well, Pam has served as a Citizenship Judge and continues to promote good citizenship among elementary school students. Pam is a strong leader as well as a tremendous team player. Pam Glass is an excellent advocate for the community she calls home.

When Bill Hubbs retired to the Sunshine Coast, he began to volunteer for a number of community organizations. He was the founding chair of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and also served on the boards of the district library, its foundation and the Chamber of Commerce. He co-chaired St Mary’s Hospital’s fundraising campaign and his leadership united a community to successfully raise over $2.7million in 18 months. Bill Hubbs leads by example and his many achievements are testimony to his commitment, persistence and ability to focus on a vision or goal for the betterment of the community.

Terry Hunter and Savannah Walling are co-founders of the Vancouver Moving Theatre, a downtown eastside-based professional theatre company which collaborates with its home community to celebrate its artists, art forms, cultures, activism , people and great stories. Their projects always reflect values that support the renewal of the downtown eastside while demonstrating an immense respect for the community where they live. Terry and Savannah produce the annual “Heart of the City Festival” which brings together in stage performances and workshops professional actors and those who live in the area. Terry and Savannah are bridge builders and their work contributes to a lasting legacy of cooperation and hope for the downtown eastside.