Award Category: Community Award

For over 30 years until his retirement in 2002, Bronco Moncrief served the community of Cumberland as Mayor. Bronco’s contributions have touched all aspects of the community including healthcare, seniors, arts and culture, recreation and economic development not only in Cumberland, but throughout the Comox Valley. Further, Bronco had dedicated 25 years as chair of the Cumberland’s special Empire Day celebrations. The mayor and council have said, ‘All of the citizens of the Comox Valley have benefited greatly from Mr. Moncrief’s tireless efforts’.

Patrick lives life with an uncommon generosity of spirit. He is there when others are in need. Retired from serving 35 years as a teacher, principal and administrator, Patrick O’Reilly has turned a passion about recreation into a lasting legacy for youth in the South Peace region through the development of the Pat O/Reilly Outdoor Environmental Studies Centre. He also initiated and built the Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Trails and serves on a number of boards including the Northern Lights College. He is called an inspiration to his community for his selfless contributions.

Jack Poole has contributed significantly to the province of British Columbia over many years. He has been nominated for this award and is honoured today specifically for his outstanding community leadership which resulted in a successful bid to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. Under Jack’s inspired leadership, the bid team built widespread community support for the Games and he fostered a cohesive and cooperative working relationship among the bid’s seven member partners. Jack has spent his life reaching out to all parts of the community whether it be in business or in BC’s Olympic bid. Jack lead a successful international campaign that included an “inclusivity statement” setting out social sustainability objectives for the bid. Jack, as Chair of the Vancouver 2010 Board, continues to be a visionary for the betterment of all British Columbians.

Gilbert Popovich has dedicated the past 35 years to public service in Alert Bay. His long record as mayor demonstrates an unfailing commitment to the wellbeing of his community. Gilbert has been a strong advocate for fairness and quality for the people he serves and the employees under his guidance. His leadership includes many significant milestones including the historic Alert Bay Accord which promoted a better standard of living for all residents of Cormorant Island. The marine research laboratory and other important initiatives to improve the community’s infrastructure in the areas of health, housing, recreation and safety are among Mayor Popovich’s lasting legacy.

Surinderpal Rathor has volunteered more than 52,000 hours to the City of Williams Lake, the surrounding areas and to his Indo-Canadian community . Currently a respected city councilor, Surinderpal has been involved in fundraising for community events, has been a member of the local health board, founded the Community Policing Committee and also assists new immigrants and the underprivileged whether it is preparing income tax returns or acting as an interpreter. Of Surinderpal, his nominator says, ‘he is a blooded soldier in our volunteer community service army. He stands very tall in our community and is held in high esteem. He carries a presence wherever he goes’.

The community of Cloverdale is richer because of Jacob Schuurman’s spirit of compassion for the underprivileged. He works tirelessly for the benefit of others and, on a day-to-day basis, making an significant difference in his community. Jacob established and continues to lead the local soup kitchen, he leads the Christmas Hamper program and he has been involved in the Big Brothers’ Association, the Surrey Emergency Services Society and has been active in his local Church and its program. He spends an enormous amount of personal time to help those who cannot help themselves without any expectations in return. Jacob is truly a community achiever.

Dennis Skulsky is synomynous with volunteering and enthusiasm. He is energetic and passionate about his community. He is someone who can take the germ of an idea ‘such as improving literacy’ and get everyone around him excited and turn the idea into a successful nation-wide program, called the CanWest Raise-a-Reader campaign for family literacy. In addition, Dennis is active in Vancouver with the 2005 Grey Cup Committee, the Vancouver Fireworks Society, the YMCA, the United Way, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver Public Library Foundation, the Vancouver Board of Trade, B.C. Business Council, and the UBC Faculty of Arts-Dean’s Advisory Board. All this, whilst publishing BC’s two largest newspapers and overseeing the Province’s biggest media operation. Dennis Skulsky exemplifies true all-around community service.

For over 40 years, Frazer Smith has made significant contributions to the Tsartlip First Nations Band and to the development of renewed relations between first nations and the non-aboriginal community. Frazer actively promotes his culture on behalf of numerous local and provincial First Nations programs. Frazer is a gifted organizer whose energy and leadership lay behind the immensely successful BC Aboriginal Elders’ conference in 2002 at which some 5000 people were present. He encourages people to come together to learn and share what is good and valuable. He works to draw on the efforts, skills and talents of others, regardless of race or creed for the betterment of his people and the good of us all.

Chris Taulu is a respected, determined leader in the Joyce-Collingwood neighbourhood of Vancouver. Through her work with the Joyce Station Area Planning Association and as a founder of the Collingwood Community Policing Centre and the Collingwood Neighbourhood House Society, Chris has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to the betterment of her community. Chris speaks with passion and integrity about ensuring that her neighbourhood is safe and secure from crime. Chris is a role model for other volunteers in her community and is considered a community icon as she strives to make Joyce-Collingwood a better place for all.

Mary Toynbee has devoted many volunteer hours to improving life for seniors on Salt Spring Island. She volunteered initially with the Salt Spring Island Community Centre and helped established a senior’s drop-in centre. In answer to the concerns that senior members of the Salt Spring Island community that had to leave the Island as they could not continue to maintain their home, Mary challenged her fellow seniors to join with her to create the Gulf Island Seniors Residence Association. Over the next 6 years, the Association conceived, developed and constructed Meadowbrook, a non-profit seniors’ supportive living facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Gulf Islands.