BACKGROUNDER 2007OTP0025-000244 Office of the Premier March 12, 2007 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 .

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.

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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 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. 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. - 4 - 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.

- 5 - 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. - 6 -

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. -30-

Media Mike Morton Nora Newlands contact: Press Secretary Executive Director Office of the Premier British Columbia Achievement Foundation 250 213-8218 604 261-9777

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