Award Category: Community Award

At the impressive age of 84, Lorne Atkinson is an Olympic athlete, a mentor, a coach and a dedicated small business owner. As the owner of Ace Cycles in Kitsilano for the past 58 years, Lorne’s name is synonymous with cycling in British Columbia. He has voluntarily trained and coached more cyclists in BC than any other person involved in the sport. He is always available to athletes of all levels for advice and training tips. Lorne has been inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award. He is truly a leader and a legend.

Alvina Berggren has worked tirelessly to lend a hand to a neighbour in need, be it across the street or across the continent. Her giving spirit knows no boundaries or borders. Working with the Red Cross for over 16 years, from a local to an international level, Alvina has completed disaster response assignments in Puerto Rico, New York 9/11, Manitoba and New Orleans. Closer to home Alvina assisted with recovery efforts during the 2003 BC forest fires and continues to make an outstanding contribution to Fort Nelson as a member of the Fort Nelson Emergency Operations Committee offering food, shelter, clothing, whenever the need, in a kindly and compassionate manner.

Elspeth Bowers is truly making a difference in literacy within the Mission community. She has worked with children in libraries and schools for more than 30 years and is renowned and sought after as a legendary storyteller. Elspeth has inspired generations of young children to love reading and literature. She mentors children and adults on what literature and art can encompass. She can never say no to being asked to speak to groups. She has impacted literacy among families at risk and young aboriginal parents. She has been the driving force behind Mission’s annual Literacy Fair. Her nominator says ‘her contribution to literacy has give this community a legacy that will grow from the roots she has planted.

John Brink, President and CEO of Brink Forest Products, has been in the business of secondary or value added wood manufacturing and remanufacturing for more than 30 years in the Prince George region. He brings to this industry the kind of optimism and leadership that is inspiring. He has contributed significantly to the economic development in the area. John has supported a diverse array of community, arts, social and athletic projects. However, it is his belief and in a skilled workforce and his financial support of the College of New Caledonia’s leading-edge wood technology program that will be his legacy for a lasting diversified wood industry in northern BC.

Stephanie Carlson is a community leader who embraces community service wholeheartedly. She brings her energy and time, her care and imagination to organizations serving the needs of children, women and families. Stephanie has a long and active association with the BC Children’s Hospital and its Foundation serving on committees and in leadership roles. She has also been actively involved in the Pacific Riding for the Disabled and the Avalon Women’s Centres. She currently serves as Co- Chair of the 2006 United Way of Lower Mainland Community Campaign. For Stephanie, active participation in the priorities of her community are both a responsibility and a privilege.

Dr. Christilaw has made a significant contribution as a highly regarded obstetrician-gynaecologist not only to the community of White Rock, but to the women of British Columbia and Canada. She is a caring physician, a skilled surgeon, superb mentor and strong social activist and a leader in her medical community. Her efforts to raise awareness of fundamental human rights, her active interest and support for preventative health care and her involvement in reaching out to the underprivileged and disadvantaged are examples of her passion and focus for helping others not only in her community but across Canada and internationally.

“Our school is a better place because of Amy Cunningham” writes her nominator, the principal of Dease Lake School. An exceptional young woman who leads quietly by example, Amy has served for three years on her Student Council while achieving honour roll status. She has spearheaded fundraisers, dances and theme days, and has been a Girl Guide leader where she devoted her time and energy to helping young girls become better citizens. She rolls up her sleeves and gets right down to work whenever there is need. Her courtesy and respectfulness set an example for other students. We commend Amy for her leadership and wish her well in her future endeavours.

Anita Dadson has worked tirelessly for more than 30 years advocating for the development of community services for people with developmental and severe physical disabilities. She was instrumental in the establishment of the first children’s group home in BC. and helped found the North Shore Disability Resource Centre where she has held numerous positions. She is President of the Board of the Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society, working on housing and transportation issues relating to seniors and the disabled community. She is a past president of the BC Association of Community Living and is current President of BC Family Network. Anita is a caring and committed individual who has worked and continues to work hard for the betterment of her community.

Kate Dearden and Samantha Doney have been nominated for this award for the difference they have made in their community of Oak Bay High School and in the broader community of Greater Victoria. As the co-coordinators of the Oak Bay High School Cops for Cancer campaign, Kate and Samantha have helped to raise more than $30,000 for cancer awareness and research. The have displayed a tireless and infectious work ethic throughout the planning and implementation stages of the campaign challenging themselves each year to come up with more creative ways to fund raise. Their ability to inspire a community to is second to none. These girls leave a legacy of strong social responsibility for younger students as they move on to university.