Award Category: Community Award

Al Pullin is an inspirational teacher and leader who has been at the forefront of countless programs and activities in the Comox Valley that enrich the lives of children and impart important values for the future. Al intiated the highly successful ‘Adopt A Grand Parent Program’, enabling seniors in care facilities to come to the schools and spend time interacting with students. Al’s community involvement also includes coordinating Holocaust Symposiums at several schools, coaching local sports teams, fundraising for “Cops for Cancer” and 13 years of volunteering for the Comox Valley triathlon. Committed to ensuring that the children in his care become not only well educated, but caring, understanding and compassionate members of his community, Al goes above and beyond in his dedication and service to others.

A committed youth leader in his community, Monty Raisinghani’s community involvements know no bounds. While a student at Queen Elizabeth Secondary, Monty initiated a community Christmas dinner, which annually feeds Surrey food bank clients. Currently in engineering at UBC, Monty’s participation in the community has included developing a 10km fundraising run for the United Way, serving as the Surrey Foundation’s Youth Council President, speaking against violence in schools and organizing a telethon, which raised $16,000 for tsunami relief. His natural leadership qualities and dedication to community work make him a true role model for other youths.

Rob Reid is a rare combination of commitment, determination, caring nature, quiet leadership and modesty. As the driving force behind one of B.C.’s most successful running events, he has headed a team of Royal Victoria Marathon volunteers that has made it one of the premiere community events in Victoria. For Victoria’s 25th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, Rob was instrumental in raising a monument of Terry Fox at Mile Zero and organizing a National School Day Run to celebrate the event. Rob is dedicated to numerous other community organizations including Runners of Compassion, the United Way and the Values-based Business Network. He is a substantial community leader in Victoria, a person who leads by example.

Art Reitmayer’s keen business sense, straight-shooting approach and big heart have made him a valuable leader in his community. As past Board Chair of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Art was instrumental in creating a new vision and dynamic future for the organization. Art’s involvement with Variety – The Children’s Charity led to a revitalization of the Show of Hearts Telethon. He has been involved for many years both as a leader and active contributor to Arts Umbrella, and has been on the Boards of Volunteer Vancouver, the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, and the Seeton Woodward Foundation. Art’s efforts epitomize the vital role volunteers play in our society.

Dan Rodlie works tirelessly for the betterment of the City of Trail. Dan is best known as the chairperson and champion of the City’s Communities in Bloom program. The impact of the program has been widespread, beautifying the community both visually through floral displays and landscaping and also through the growth of community involvement and pride. Dan has also initiated a mural program, which has resulted in the production of one of the largest murals in BC. Dan’s boundless enthusiasm further extends to the Trail Historical Society, the Citizens on Patrol, the Trail United Way, and the Japan Twinning Committee.

A resident of Prince George for almost 60 years, Noreen Rustad is a proud advocate for her community and its issues. Among her many achievements, Noreen is a founding director of the Prince George Community Foundation, an organization which fosters philanthropy to build permanent endowment funds to support community projects. An original supporter of UNBC, Noreen also played an integral role in helping to establish the University and providing students in the North better access to education. Through her generous, community minded citizen, Noreen puts endless energy, enthusiasm and organization into projects and turns them into brilliant successes that improve opportunities for Prince George and the North.

As a business leader in his community, John Ryan’s strong vision has led to the revitalization of the Terrace economy and has provided a significant boost to its citizens. After a four-year mill closure in Terrace, morale in the community and employment were very low. Through his vision and belief in Terrace, John was able to inspire a plan to purchase the sawmill. John was successful in uniting former employees and business investors, developing a working relationship with First Nations neighbours, and rejuvenating an entire economy. He is today recognized for his tenacity, vision and sincere desire to see the citizens of the Northern communities proper and grow.

Geordie Salle serves her community in creative and caring ways. Geordie provided volunteer medical support for the region of Barriere for 23 years – treating everything from pneumonia to infections, delivering babies and buying a station wagon which she and her husband used as a local ambulance service. As a charter member of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association, Geordie has dedicated thousands of hours over the past 56 years to ensuring its success. She has helped to build homes for people in the area, has organized and fundraised at the Chinook Cove Hall, volunteered for the Barriere Curling Club and tutored in a Children’s Literacy Program. She is a role model for future generations of her community.

Marg Spina’s personal belief is that “everyone is given a gift in life, the challenge is to discover it, and to use it for the good of others.” A compassionate activist, Marg is committed to providing vital social services within her community through her strong leadership, innovation and fundraising. She founded the award winning Giant Steps West Therapeutic Society for autism, was President of the Thompson Crisis and Counselling Centre Board, and is currently the Executive Director of the Kamloops Food Bank, an organization to which she has successfully revitalized. Described as a highly respected member of her community and a person of integrity, Marg justly receives a 2006 BC Community Achievement Award.

For over 30 years, Linda Tanaka has promoted arts and culture in the community of Salmon Arm. Under her guidance, the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival has expanded from a five- act show in a concert hall to the largest multicultural festival in the interior, fostering tourism and providing tremendous economic opportunities for local business. Linda has also participated in the Salmon Arm Spinners and Weavers Club, the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society and the Salmon Arm Children’s Festival. Linda’s singularly strong vision has enriched not only the cultural but also the economic fabric of her community.