BACKGROUNDER 2007OTP0025-000244 Office of the Premier March 12, 2007 British Columbia Achievement Foundation
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BACKGROUNDER 2007OTP0025-000244 Office of the Premier March 12, 2007 British Columbia Achievement Foundation 2007 BC COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 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. - 2 - 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. - 3 - 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.