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| Original News Release |
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| Original News Release |
An independent advisory
council selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement
Awards. The 2007 advisory council members are Brenda Binnie, President of the
Union of BC Municipalities and councilor of Castlegar, Jack Talstra, mayor of
Terrace; May Brown, Member of the Order of British Columbia; and past Community
Achievement Awards recipients Rob Reid of Victoria and Grace Wong of Vancouver.
Garry Anderson, Cranbrook
Garry Anderson has shown
outstanding commitment to heritage projects and the arts and culture in the
City of Cranbrook. Under his direction, the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel has
developed into one of the world’s finest collections of passenger rail cars.
Garry has been instrumental in the revitalization of the downtown area, the
restoration of many Cranbrook heritage homes and the restoration of the Royal
Alexandra Hall.
Darian Arman, North Vancouver
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, Victoria
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, Surrey
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, Vancouver
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.
Edward (Ted) Barsby, Nanaimo
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.
Don Benson, New Westminster
Don Benson has given decades
of service to New Westminster in sport, culture and leadership. Early on, he
founded the Queens Park Youth Soccer Association and under his leadership the
Royal City Minor Lacrosse Association flourished. He initiated the city’s
successful bid for the Canada Summer Games, co-founded the Royal City Musical
Theatre Society, and is currently the city’s Poet Laureate Emeritus and the
chair of Royal City 2010 Sports Olympic Task Force.
Wayne Carlick, Atlin
A renowned carver, Wayne
Carlick, Yaandak’in Yéil, is an inspirational role model for his community. He
encourages the Taku River Tlingit First Nation to be proud of their culture and
language. He is a respected artist who has used his talents around the world
and at home to tell the stories of his culture. Wayne returned to Atlin in 2006
and is teaching others to carve, paint, dance and create. For 13 years, Wayne
worked enthusiastically at the Capilano Suspension Bridge showcasing First
Nations culture.
Lois Carson Boyce, Richmond
Age is no barrier to Lois
Carson Boyce, a vibrant and energetic 88-year-old whose community activism has
benefited the people of Richmond for the past 40 years. She has been committed
to meeting the challenges of social and environmental issues in her community
through such organizations as the City Centre Community Association and the
Safe Communities Alliance. Lois continues to work for the benefit of seniors’
health care, specifically in the area of falls prevention.
William (Bill) Christie, Prince George
Nelson, Duncan, Golden,
Mackenzie and most recently, Prince George have all benefited from Bill
Christie’s commitment to helping in his communities. With more than 23 years as
an elected school trustee in Nelson and Prince George, including the last six
years as chair of the Prince George School Board, Bill has contributed to a
wide variety of civic activities, sports, education and community
organizations.
Isabelle Diamond, Vancouver
Isabelle Diamond is a
generous philanthropist and an extraordinary volunteer who has contributed to
arts, education, her faith and especially children’s healthcare. Isabelle has
changed the face of philanthropy for the British Columbia Children’s Hospital
Foundation, where she has inspired others with her diligent efforts and
innovative leadership in board, event and fundraising activities.
Art Flaterud, Vanderhoof
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.
Margo Fryer, Vancouver
Under Dr. Margo Fryer’s
leadership, vision and commitment, the University of British Columbia
established the Learning Exchange, a nationally-recognized community engagement
initiative which fosters community building and outreach. In addition to its
Downtown Eastside storefront programs, the initiative provides students with
community service learning opportunities in inner-city communities and prepares
these students to be exceptional global citizens.
Christopher Gaze, Vancouver
Christopher Gaze founded
Vancouver’s Bard on The Beach, an extraordinary Shakespearean festival, which
is now enjoyed by more than 80,000 attendees annually. An energetic leader,
consummate actor, caring director, mentor and generous community leader,
Christopher successfully promotes an appreciation for theatre, literature,
reading and history.
Lois Godfrey, Burnaby
Lois Godfrey continues to be
a central guiding force for the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion,
which she helped found 50 years ago and which today supports 600 individuals
with developmental disabilities. Active on BACI committees and the BC
Association for Community Living, Lois advocates for the right of all citizens
to be respected, contributing members of our communities.
Sandra Heydon, Chemainus
Chemainus has benefited from
more than 50 years of volunteering by Sandra Heydon. She has brought leadership
and energy to the Health Care Auxiliary, the Hospital Task Force, the Seniors’
Drop-In Centre and the local Tour de Rock campaign. As well, Sandra has devoted
thousands of hours to the Chemainus Mural project which has transformed
Chemainus into a world class tourist destination.
Kerry Jang, Vancouver
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.
Martin and Esther Kafer, Vancouver
Martin and Esther Kafer have
been central to British Columbia’s mountaineering community for more than 50
years. Leaders and participants in almost all aspects of the BC Mountaineering
Club, they have led mountain safety and rescue education programs, organized
the construction of huts and emergency shelters for climbers and have been
actively involved in lower mainland and Whistler mountain rescue groups.
Barbara Kaminsky, Vancouver
Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the
Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon Division, is committed to health care
and the prevention of cancer and other diseases. She has been instrumental in
changing the way government agencies, health care professionals and individuals
view their role in preventing these diseases. Barbara has led the BC Healthy
Living Alliance in developing the Winning Legacy, a plan to assist the province
realize its dream of being the healthiest host of any Olympics.
Gilbert Lam, Vancouver
As president of Vancouver
Technical Secondary School, the largest inner city school in Vancouver and one
of the most ethnically diverse schools in Canada, Gilbert Lam is a natural
leader. He is the founder of the Assembly Theatre Company, a school group that
deals with student issues such as bullying, stereotyping, school safety, school
pride and self-esteem. When faced with challenges he seeks solutions and
although constantly active within his school, Gilbert also finds time to
volunteer in his community.
Lily La Mer, Vancouver
Lily La Mer’s determination
to raise the image of PADS, the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, is remarkable.
Now able to use her camera because of her own PADS-trained service dog, she
works selflessly on behalf of PADS raising funds by producing calendars,
brochures, newsletters and preparing successful grant proposals. It was Lily
who approached her MLA to have 2006 proclaimed The Year of the Working Dog.
Alison Leamy, Victoria
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.
Ben Wah Lee, Kelowna
Ben Lee has served the city
of Kelowna and the community of Rutland for more than 34 years. Ben served 12
terms as a Kelowna city councillor; he founded the Kelowna Multicultural
Society and the Kelowna Folkfest, and is a champion of heritage preservation,
regional parks development and health care.
Bill Lynch, Prince George
This forward-looking,
community-minded leader has done much to promote the long-term economic and
social development of Prince George. Bill played an important role in
encouraging the establishment of a medical health initiative at UNBC and in the
formation of Initiatives Prince George. He also helped secure funding to
establish a $30-million major sports facility for the university and the city.
Munro MacKenzie, Vancouver
Munro MacKenzie is a
dedicated member of the Science World team where he has personally volunteered
nearly 10,000 hours serving as an interpreter, guide, mentor, donor,
Ambassador, and the first member of the volunteer maintenance team. As well,
for 18 years, Munro has volunteered with the Health and Home Care Society of BC
as a Meals on Wheels food courier.
Gordon Mackie, Sicamous
Through a lifetime of public
service, Gordon Mackie has contributed to the overall prosperity and well-being
of Sicamous and Eagle Valley. Gordon's remarkable civic involvement includes
participation in the Sicamous Chamber of Commerce, the Sicamous Waterworks
District, the Eagle Valley Arts Council and Citizens on Patrol. Gordon served
with distinction as the first mayor of the District of Sicamous after its
incorporation.
Edna Mason, Klemtu
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.
Sharon McCoubrey, Lake Country
Dr. Sharon McCoubrey has
enthusiastically spearheaded the appreciation, promotion and enjoyment of public
art in the District of Lake Country. Since its inception in 1995, Sharon has
chaired the Public Art Advisory Commission and has been instrumental in the
commission’s art fairs, symposia, events and ArtWalk, one of B.C.’s largest art
shows.
George McLean, Burnaby
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.
Jim McMynn, Midway
Jim McMynn served the Village
of Midway with distinction as its mayor from its incorporation in 1967 to his
retirement in 2005. His leadership contributed to the development of Midway’s
economy and its necessary services and its amenities. His leadership and
involvement in the well-being of the community set an example for others to
follow and has made Midway a better place to live.
Mike Murray, Maple Ridge
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.
Dr. John Nightingale, West Vancouver
During his 13 years as
president of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Dr. John Nightingale
has moved the aquarium to a focus on conservation, increased attendance,
advanced scientific research and embarked on a new expansion and revitalization
while at the same time ensuring the aquarium’s self-sufficiency. As important,
he has developed strong relationships between the business sector and the
public, including serving as a member of the Board of the Vancouver Board of
Trade.
Doris Paul, North Vancouver
Doris Paul, Xelem’th, is the
founder and chair of Caring for Our Youth Committee, a community organization
formed to protect youth from drug dealers, violence, and suffering and pain
caused by addiction. Her undaunted spirit has brought together both native and
non-native partners to achieve the restoration of a sense of safety, security,
health and community pride.
Frédérique Philip, Sooke
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.
Hitoshi (Tosh) Saito, Mayne Island
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.
Audrey Salahub, Pitt Meadows
Audrey Salahub has been so
instrumental in the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder that her
influence has spread from its small beginnings in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows to now
reaching throughout BC. Audrey’s vision, determination and advocacy lead to the
opening of the Asante Centre for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Maple Ridge in 2000,
which is provincially recognized for its assessment, diagnosis and preventative
education of FAS.
Baljit Sethi, Prince George
Baljit Sethi is the founder
and executive director of the Immigrant and Multicultural Services of Prince
George, which provides settlement services to communities in northern B.C. She
is committed to improving the lives of immigrants and refugees, and she has
contributed greatly to the community’s cross-cultural understanding of
diversity, racism, family violence and seniors’ issues.
Phyllis Simon, Vancouver
Phyllis Simon is the founder
and driving force behind Vancouver Kidsbooks, a nationally recognized specialty
bookseller. She has spread the joy of reading quality children’s literature
among two generations of young Lower Mainland readers. She is involved in
numerous literacy programs and freely shares her knowledge and expertise with
educators and librarians.
Jim Taylor, Mission
Over the past 25 years, Jim
Taylor has worked diligently and with integrity towards the preservation and
restoration of Mission’s watercourses and wetlands. His leadership and broad
visionary skills were important in the area’s recent purchase of the Silverdale
Creek Estuary Wetlands. As a teacher, he has introduced the salmonid
enhancement program to elementary students in his district and raised awareness
of environmental stewardship.
Steve Tuck, Kelowna
Steve Tuck gets involved,
shows leadership and inspires others in his community. Steve has played a vital
role in the creation of the Okanagan University College Foundation, serving as
the founding president and overseeing the building of a $6.5-million endowment.
As well, Steve is actively involved as a director and former president of the
Sunshine Dreams for Kids, BC Interior Chapter, delivering dreams to sick
children.
Ellen White, Nanaimo
Ellen White, ‘Kwulasulwut’
from the Snuneymuxw First Nation is a strong voice for issues affecting her
community, province and country. She promotes cross-cultural relations and is
an advocate for education. She is a teacher, author, activist, language
specialist, storyteller, herbalist and elder. Ellen has served as
‘Elder-in-residence’ at Malaspina University College and also at UBC’s high
school youth programs.
Liza Wolf, Fort Nelson
For the past 29 years, Liza
Wolf has served the Prophet River First Nation. Chief Wolf has delivered stable
government, been instrumental in the successful relocation of her community,
and under her leadership, provided steady improvement of the welfare of her
people. Chief Wolf is active in the regional governance of six northeastern BC
First Nations through the Treaty 8 Tribal Association.
Alexander Yule, North Vancouver
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.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
Executive Director British Columbia Achievement Foundation 604 261-9777 |
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