Twenty-one British Columbians, including Garry Benson of Kelowna, were honoured today at the 14th annual British Columbia Community Achievement Awards’ presentation ceremony held at Government House in Victoria.
“British Columbia is built on the strength of its communities, and that strength is rooted in the spirit, ideas and passion of the people recognized today,” said CM Foundation chair Scott McIntyre. “Their stories highlight the remarkable diversity of our province and the potential of each and every individual to truly make a difference.”
The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia along with BC Achievement Foundation Board members, Robert Louie, OC and Christopher Gaze, OBC presented each recipient with a BC Community Achievement Award certificate, medallion and citation. McIntyre hosted the presentation ceremony.
The BC Achievement Foundation introduced the inaugural Mitchell Award at the 2017 ceremony, which will be given annually to one of the BC Community Achievement Award recipients.
Named in honour of Keith Mitchell, QC, past Chair of the Foundation and its guiding light for over 13 years, the award recognizes leadership that empowers others to engage. The 2017 Mitchell Award was presented to George Laverock.
A list of the recipients follows and a brief summary of their achievements can be found on the foundation’s website.
The recipients honoured at the 2017 ceremony are:
Roger Bird, Nanaimo
Melanie Cadden, Nanaimo
Daphne Cole, Vancouver
Ravneet Dhaliwal, Surrey (2016)
Dorothy Durham, Jaffray
Sardul S. Gill, Victoria
Joanne Greenwood, Coquitlam
Gerry Juzenas, Burnaby
George Laverock, Vancouver
Krista Levar, Prince George
Tony Moore, Terrace
Dalvir Nahal, Vernon
Dr. Ralph Nilson, Nanaimo
Walter Paetkau, Abbotsford
Fred Robbins, Alkali Lake
Birgit Sharman, Tumbler Ridge
Barbara Stewart, Vancouver
Carol Todd, Port Coquitlam
Lin Wei (Henry) Tung, Sardis
Master Lian Tzi, Vancouver