Award Category: Community Award

Todd Wong is being honoured today for his devotion to community service, building bridges and cross-cultural understanding. A fifth generation Canadian, Todd is an avid promoter of Asian Canadian arts and literature and was one of the founders and leaders of the successful campaign to save the Joy Kogawa House. Todd created the annual celebration known as Gung Haggis Fat Choy which honours Chinese New Year and Robbie Burns Day. Todd has also contributed to the dragon boat community as a race organizer and coach and he has spoken at Terry Fox Runs since 1993. Wong exemplifies the impact one individual can have to inspire others to be creative, build bridges and span cultures.

Making Fernie a better place to live and ensuring those in need are well cared for motivates Evelyn Cutts’ commitment to her community. Evelyn has served as Mayor, School Board Trustee, Chamber of Commerce President, Victims services volunteer, regional district representative, Parent Advisory Committtee leader and currently Evelyn serves as a director of the Columbia Basin Trust. Known as someone who rolls up her sleeves and gets a job done, Evelyn could also be seen driving a peewee team to a hockey tournament or helping out as president of the local figure skating club. We honour Evelyn today for her unwavering support and many contributions to Fernie, the Elk Valley and the Kootenays.

Lynn Newbery is widely known in her community as a dedicated teacher and vice-principal. From the development of unique programs such as First Nations studies and peer counseling programs to coaching and supervising student teachers, Lynn has been an important contributor to life in New Hazelton. Always exceeding expectations and now retired, Lynn continues to serve by providing information and friendly support to those affected by cancer. Lynn presently provides leadership and enthusiasm to elders at the local college and she sits on the board of the seniors’ Roche View Lodge. Lynn Newbery is a cheerful presence who truly makes a difference and helps sew the fabric of her New Hazelton community together.

Darian Arman is an exemplary youth leader at Handsworth Secondary School and in district and provincial student organizations such as the District Student Council and Student Voice. Darian initiated a district bullying forum, volunteers for a local seniors’ program, and is the sole student representative on the Provincial Science Committee.

Pauline Arnouse is an inspiring role model to her community not only through her work with the Beacon Community Services and the Aboriginal Nation Educational Services, but also, through her extensive volunteer work. Pauline is an active and dedicated member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Kwagiutl Urban Society Prevention Program and Compassionate Friends.

Chuck Bailey is an outstanding volunteer for youth baseball. He has been a passionate leader and coach in the Whalley Little League for more than 46 years and has helped thousands of young people enjoy the game. Under Chuck’s guidance, the Challenger Baseball Program was established which provides children and youth with special needs the opportunity to play baseball with their peers.

Kuldeep Bains has made a significant contribution to the Indo-Canadian community as well as to British Columbia through outstanding service in the areas of multiculturalism, civic duty and community volunteerism. From his pioneering efforts to change federal immigration policies in the 1950s to his leadership of the Khalsa Diwan Society, Kuldeep has always led by example.

For more than 60 years, Ted Barsby has worked for the benefit of the citizens of the City of Nanaimo through participation on civic, education and healthcare boards. His environmental stewardship has made a positive difference throughout B.C. as he championed major conservation projects. Ted served as the founding President of the BC Wildlife Federation where he continues to be active as well as in the Nanaimo & District Fish and Game Protective Association.