Award Category: Community Award

Art Flaterud’s extensive volunteer efforts have impacted a wide range of community organizations in Vanderhoof. From spearheading seniors’ housing expansion to leadership in the local curling club, the credit union, the Vanderhoof Co-op, Crime Stoppers and Crime Watch, Art is an inspiration. He contributes his energy wherever he can as he makes a difference each day in the Vanderhoof community.

Dr. Kerry Jang is a contributing resident of the Renfrew Collingwood community, a volunteer on harm reduction initiatives and former President and Board member of the Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Dr. Jang has shared his expertise as a professor and psychologist by helping his community effectively address issues of homelessness, addictions and mental health.

Alison Leamy is a dedicated leader and volunteer with the Friends of the Government House Gardens Society. Not only has Alison served as President of the Society, she supervised the reclamation of the Terrace Gardens. Further, Alison plays an active role on the Government House programs committee helping organize activities at Government House grounds for the benefit of all British Columbians and visitors to the province.

Edna Mason is an inspiration to the youth and the community of Kitasoo. Driven by her vision to create a learning structure that would enable local students to complete their studies in their home community, Edna has worked tirelessly at Kitasoo community school to provide an encouraging environment for the betterment of children. As a teacher, principal and currently the administrator, Edna has positively influenced a generation of young people in her community.

George McLean, a World War II veteran, has demonstrated exceptional dedication in bringing the message of remembrance to the Canadian public. An active participant of the Memory Project, an initiative that brings veterans and students together, George also led the efforts to create B.C.’s special veteran licence plates. George’s legacy includes his contribution to the City of Burnaby including instigation of its parkland program.

Mike Murray’s leadership both as a parks and recreation professional and as a community volunteer has had a profound impact on the community of Maple Ridge. He has demonstrated his ability to build relationships. Mike is a highly regarded member of the Rotary Club of Haney and director of the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services Society and the Pitt Meadows Spirit of British Columbia Community Committee.

Frédérique Philip, the co-owner of Sooke Harbour House, is deeply involved in the community of Sooke through her bold initiatives and caring attitude. A supporter of unique opportunities for youth, an active member on many community boards, a strong advocate for the local cultural and arts community, Frédérique uses her endless energy for the best interests of her community.

Since moving to Mayne Island in 1993, Tosh Saito has made a significant contribution to the quality of life on Mayne Island. He has actively organized and directed a wide variety of public construction projects and, most notably, Tosh was instrumental in the creation and development of the island’s renowned Japanese Commemorative Garden where he continues to be an active volunteer in the garden’s upkeep.

Dr. Alex Yule spearheaded a free dental clinic for the poor and the homeless in Kamloops in the early 1990s and more recently established the East Side Walk-In Dental Clinic, which serves both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. With little seed money, Dr. Yule obtained donations of space, equipment and volunteer dentists and dental assistants to assist those less fortunate.