Medal of Good Citizenship: A-B

Ray Abernethy

Ray Abernethy was honoured with the medal for his dedication to helping women in transition, single moms and dads on income assistance, new immigrant families, refugees, fire victims, seniors and others in Burnaby by providing basic household necessities to relieve the cost of establishing and maintaining a comfortable home.

From its humble beginnings over 35 years ago in Ray’s garage, the Helping Families in Need Society has blossomed into a local organization that operates out of a 585 square-metre (6,500 square-foot) warehouse and helps more than 1,300 families a year. At the time of recognition in 2017 more than 65 Lower Mainland agencies and government offices rely on the Helping Families in Need services by referring clients to the organization. As Ray himself says, "One person can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."    

• Year Awarded: 2016
• City: Burnaby
• Region: Mainland/Southwest

The People of Ahousaht First Nation Community & The Community of Tofino

The Community of Tofino and the People of Ahousaht First Nation Community were honoured with the medal of good citizenship for the selfless dedication demonstrated in October 2015 when coming to the assistance of the families and victims of the sinking of the Leviathan II in Tofino.

The community selflessly banded together to help the survivors and their families, the victims’ families and all those involved in the rescue and recovery effort. Despite the incident leaving the community shocked and in mourning, residents opened their houses to strangers, shared food and blankets, and stood in solidarity beside the victims’ families during the candlelight vigil organized by the community to honour and remember those who perished.

The two communities are the first communities ever to receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.

• Year Awarded: 2016
• City: Ahousaht & Tofino
• Region: Vancouver Island/Coast

Louise Allen

Louise Allen’s extraordinary vision and dedication have been the cornerstone of the Adanac Housing Cooperative (Co-op) in East Vancouver for nearly 50 years. In the early 1970s, Louise, along with her late husband Jack, tirelessly pursued a mortgage through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and secured land from the City of Vancouver. Their relentless efforts led to the creation of 160 affordable homes, providing a safe and supportive environment for countless families since the mid-1970s.

Louise’s commitment to the Co-op is unwavering. She has been instrumental in every aspect of its operations, from keeping housing charges low and making critical maintenance decisions, to fostering a sense of community through over 20 active committees. Her hands-on approach is legendary, whether it’s handling emergencies in the middle of the night or managing committees like maintenance, landscaping, and security, Louise is always at the forefront, ensuring the well-being of all members.

Louise has a remarkable ability to connect with each resident personally, creating a close-knit community where people support one another. Her efforts have allowed residents to live fulfilling lives, balancing work and family, volunteering, and aging in place with dignity and security.

Even at the age of 90, Louise continues to be a guiding force, offering wisdom and support to the new generation of leaders within the Co-op. Her legacy is evident in the vibrant, caring community she has nurtured, making the Adanac Housing Cooperative a model of affordable housing and community spirit.

• Year Awarded: 2024
• City: Vancouver
• Region: Mainland/ Southwest

Selen Alpay

Selen Alpay moved to Prince George just over a decade ago. Today it is difficult to find a good cause in our city that he has not contributed to or quietly supported, and the line of people who have been touched by his philanthropy, generosity of spirit or personal kindness is lengthy. He is known for his compassion and enormous heart, and one does not need to know him for long, before one realizes that Alpay is a man on a mission to make his world a better place.

As a person, Alpay models good citizenship and humanity to everyone he meets, giving generously of his time to multiple volunteer boards and organizations in the city and beyond; spending time with elders in care at Simon Fraser Lodge; and supporting and mentoring youth within his company and the community. A new branch of the Boys Club Network is being proposed by the Aboriginal Education Department in our school district, and already Alpay is engaged and involved. Any young man enrolled in this new program will benefit from his deep compassion, kindness and wisdom. 

In 2017, he was named a Citizen of the Year by the Prince George Community Foundation in recognition of how he goes above and beyond in volunteerism and philanthropy. As a lifetime volunteer, he has a deep appreciation for community members who give back, and he frequently endeavors to recognize their efforts. Last year's long and difficult fire season saw Prince George receive and host more than 10,000 evacuees from the Cariboo region. Alpay was a key supporter behind an event to recognize the local volunteers who helped during the crisis. 

As a corporate citizen, he sets an exceptional example of social responsibility for other organizations through his wide ranging support of youth, sport, arts, culture, healthcare and social causes. His quiet personal philanthropy extends to his belief in corporate philanthropy, and his company is his most visible way of giving back to the community through sponsorship of, and donations to, countless organizations and events.

As an employer, he truly believes that good culture starts at the top. In recognition of this, in 2017, his Canadian Tire store was presented the award for Outstanding Corporate Culture at the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

• Year Awarded: 2018
• City: Prince George
• Region: Cariboo

Judith Armstrong & Nicholas Marsden

Judith Armstrong and Nicholas Marsden, both Victoria residents, received the medal for their decades of dedication to British Columbians with developmental disabilities. They have helped create joy and life enhancing experiences for people with disabilities and inspired hundreds of volunteers to work alongside them.

The seeds of volunteerism began early with Judith when she assisted a Kiwanis-supported Oak Bay high school club that helped people with disabilities followed by work with the Easter Seal Camps. Observing that there were limited opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in events fueled Judith to launch a large, annual track and field event in Victoria where every competitor is matched with a counsellor for the entire duration of the event. She also founded the Handicapped Recreation Society, again with a goal of increasing access for persons with disabilities.

Her volunteer contributions reach beyond the national borders as she serves on the board for the Canadian Foundation for the Children of Haiti which provides funds, materials and expertise to two orphanages, a home for children with disabilities, three schools and a hospital in Port au Prince. She regularly travels with a team to Haiti to deliver supplies to the Hope Home for young people with disabilities.

Nicholas’ volunteerism extends to many arenas. He is part of an army of volunteers who band under the District of Saanich’s Pulling Together Volunteer Program to remove invasive plants and restore ecosystems, and for years he served on the Gordon Head Soccer Association board. For more than 15 years he has helped co-ordinate the annual Math Challengers Contest held at Camosun College, opening the door for participating students aged 13 to 15 to discover the wonder and fun of mathematics.

For more than 45 years, Judith and co-recipient Nicholas have organized Operation Trackshoes, a volunteer-run sports festival geared towards British Columbians with developmental disabilities. Under their leadership, the festival has grown to become a highlight on the provincial calendar that welcomes some 500 competitors between the ages of six and 80. Operation Trackshoes fosters comradery among the participants, who look forward every year to a weekend of races, games, social activities and giving representation to their home communities. Approximately 600 volunteers, including counsellors, nurses and officials, work to make the event a success.

Judith takes charge of counsellor recruitment and competitor care for the event, while Nicholas is the track and field administrator, ensuring events run smoothly by taking care of a myriad of details including writing the computer programs that assist the efficient scheduling of the hundreds of participants and recording their scores.

• Year Awarded: 2016
• City: Victoria
• Region: Vancouver Island/Coast

Pat Ashton

Pat Ashton was honoured for the incredible mark he has made on Slocan, improving its vibrancy, physical landscape and economic health in the 12+ years he has resided there.

Starting at town hall meetings, Ashton created community enthusiasm and built a 40-member volunteer squad to paint and renovate a former school to include a community gym and install new landscaping. He oversaw the relocation of the village cenotaph to the square and is now involved in planning the landscaping around the cenotaph and grounds. The beautification of the village is an ongoing part of Ashton’s volunteering and includes litter pick-up around the information site and repairs and painting of the village sign.

Pat also devotes energy to improving the area’s economic health, serving for four years on the Slocan Economics Committee where he oversaw the contract to create a plan for a sustainable future for the Slocan.

His service to community and countless hours of volunteering include serving on the Spirit of Slocan Committee. Many community celebrations have benefited from his ongoing involvement. He plays Santa at Christmas events, helps organize Halloween Hoot fireworks, and every Boxing Day he organizes a family skating party.

As president of the Slocan Valley Legion Branch 276 and as part of his support for the legion he organized renovations for the village-owned legion/community hall and researched grants that helped complete them. He does the yearly Poppy service at the school and officiates the community Remembrance Day service.

• Year Awarded: 2017
• City: Slocan
• Region: Kootenay

Troy Becker

Troy Becker, a resident of West Kelowna, was honoured for contributions to making his community a safer place and helping to create life-enhancing opportunities that build confidence for people with disabilities.

A professional firefighter and volunteer search and rescue member since 2001, Troy created the Community Recreation Initiatives Society to benefit people with disabilities wanting outdoor experiences like kayaking, zip lining, bicycle riding and mountain climbing. He and his organization also run annual camps throughout the province for various groups like Spinal Cord Injury British Columbia and families with children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

His creativity and dedication to his community help people of all ages and disabilities, including some with life-threatening illnesses, gain confidence. As well, his passion has inspired many others to volunteer and bring joy to the lives of individuals and their families.

• Year Awarded: 2016
• City: West Kelowna
• Region: Thompson/Okanagan

Richard Bergen

Richard Bergen was honoured with the medal for his deep capacity to serve the Forest Grove community that benefits many of its citizens.

His service to community and countless hours of volunteering include a myriad of every day chores done with enthusiasm. His volunteerism includes helping with fire hall operations, mowing lawns and clearing snow for seniors and in public spaces, and volunteering at community activities. He is a regular volunteer at school track-and-field events and he helps coach students in shot put.

Richard, who has limited use of his right hand and arm and requires a brace on his right leg following a devastating motor-vehicle accident at age seven, is a powerful role model for exemplary citizenship, making meaningful contributions throughout the community and supporting citizens of all ages.

Always willing to lend a hand, he helped found the Forest Grove 94 Lions Club, is involved with the Forest Grove Community Centre and helps organize a senior walking club, providing social time to a group of seniors. He is also an invaluable volunteer at the Forest Grove Fire Department, looking after dispatch, keeping the hall clean, preparing reports and ordering supplies.

• Year Awarded: 2016
• City: Forest Grove
• Region: Cariboo

Ruth Billmann

In the heart of Kimberley and Cranbrook, Ruth Billmann stands as the driving force behind Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society. As the founder, Ruth's commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming domestic animals has transformed her into the indispensable “heart and soul” of the organization.

Since its inception in 2019, Ruth’s dedication has shone brightly. Whether it's voluntarily caring for challenging cases like Max, a hard-to-place hound, or spearheading trap, neuter and release (TNR) programs to control the feral cat population, her unwavering commitment extends beyond routine efforts. In 2023, she dedicated two weeks to rescuing and finding homes for 60 kittens.

When wildfires threatened the ʔaq'am community, Ruth swiftly organized an emergency animal shelter, prioritizing the safety of scared and disoriented dogs. These selfless actions underscore her resilience and determination to protect animals in need.

Balancing a full-time job, Ruth miraculously saves hundreds of animals annually, often surviving on minimal sleep. Her dedication doesn't stop at the big moments; she invests time in the little things too, from ensuring fosters have what they need to visiting classrooms and participating in fundraisers.

Ruth's compassionate approach inspires countless individuals to join the demanding yet rewarding world of animal rescue. Despite rarely taking time for herself, Ruth's impact resonates throughout Kimberley/Cranbrook, Fernie, Jaffray, Wasa, Fairmont and Creston.

• Year Awarded: 2023
• City: Cranbrook
• Region: Kootenay

Alberta "Wadzeed" Billy

Alberta Billy is an Elder of the We Wai Kai. One of four tribes of the Laich-Kwil-Tach First Nation . We Wai Kai is a large sea worm that lives in the ocean and can never be destroyed. Her given name is Wadzeed meaning “Precious One”.

Alberta showed leadership at a very young age. In 1981, her and colleagues Thelma Davis and Stan McKay were invited to the General Council Executive of the United Church of Canada. This is when Alberta asked the United Church for an apology for their role in residential schools. This led to an historic moment for Canada when, in 1986, the United Church of Canada became the first religious organization to apologize to Indigenous peoples for its part in colonization. Her request for the apology and the delivery of that apology set the stage for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Alberta has dedicated her life to helping and teaching others and has gained the respect and admiration of everyone who meets her. She trained to help those who have experienced trauma and helps many on their path toward healing.

She is a mentor and a role model to many people and inspires Indigenous women to use their voices to speak out against injustice.

Carrying on and sharing traditional knowledge has been a lifelong commitment for Alberta; it has guided her life.

She has travelled across Canada co-facilitating the Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village experiential workshop. This teaching circle shows how all of us are connected and interconnected and is a transformational experience that helps healing and reconciliation. Alberta's co-facilitation and mentorship of The Village has led many to stepping fully into understanding and reconciliation.

Alberta continues to guide and mentor by serving as an Elder on the Board of Laichwiltach Family Life Services, the Elder Advisory Circles for MCFD Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health and the John Howard Society's Elders Council.

• Year Awarded: 2018
• City: Quathiaski Cove
• Region: Vancouver Island/Coast

Joan “Bays” Blackhall *

The historic village of Fort Langley is regarded as a charming reminder of a gentler age and a slower pace of life, evoking a time when neighbours supported one another and worked for the common good. That Fort Langley has built and sustained this enviable reputation is largely due to the efforts of a single person, Bays Blackhall.

Fort Langley was Bays’ passion; promoting, enhancing, and protecting the village’s character was her mission. Whenever there was a need, Bays was there: developing strategies, soliciting resources, and building partnerships among diverse interest groups.

Bays was resourceful, doing whatever it took to get the job done. Elected officials knew that to resist her was futile. She was always respectful and respected in return. She would suggest, request, coax, and more often than not, her advocacy succeeded.

Although Bays’ involvement in community-building began as a school girl, her innate interest in environmental stewardship, the arts, and heritage conservation took hold and blossomed in Fort Langley.

She mobilized the community to halt the development of a sanitary land fill at the historic Derby town site. She successfully lobbied for the relocation of a planned Fraser River crossing to protect the site of the original Fort Langley. She led community opposition to B.C. Hydro’s plan for a high voltage transmission line along the village’s southern boundary. Bays was a creator as well as a critic, helping to organize the Derby Reach-Brae Island Park Partnership Association and managing the construction of the Houston Trail at Derby Reach Regional Park. She was an original member of the Fraser Valley Eco Museum Steering Committee and the local liaison for the construction of the Trans-Canada Trail Pavilion in Fort Langley.

Bays was active in both heritage and the arts, creating and managing the Fort Langley Grand Prix and Summer Fair and the Fort Festival of the Arts and Summer Strings program for youth. She served on the boards of the Fort Langley Legacy Foundation, the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society, the Langley Heritage Society, and the Langley Community Music School and its capital campaign committee.

Bays’s devotion to Fort Langley was legendary. She worked as a docent and exhibit assistant at its community museum. She was a fervent supporter of Fort Langley National Historic Site: founding the Friends of the Fort, establishing and fostering the site’s volunteer program, and developing the gift shop. She raised funds to construct the site’s reproduction York boat, a bastion, a gallery, and a squared-log building. She founded and administered the Fort Langley Tourism Information Centre and oversaw the ongoing restoration of the Fort Langley Community Hall. She chaired the C.N. Station Committee, coordinated its volunteers, and masterminded the acquisition of an historic rail car and caboose to complement the site.

Bays was one of a kind; a mentor and team builder – visionary, determined, hardworking and caring. She anticipated needs, seized opportunities, and built capacity in others. She laboured long and hard for many endeavours, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the community. She was, in short, an extraordinarily good citizen.

• Year Awarded: 2018
• City: Langley
• Region: 
  Mainland/Southwest

Suzanne Bolton

Philanthropist and dedicated hands-on volunteer Suzanne Bolton has, for over five decades changed the way British Columbia’s communities operate through her compassion and generosity. 

A summary of her dedicated work includes:

• 40 years with YWCA Metro Vancouver, as a lead donor and former board member, key member of the single mother’s bursary selection committee, and volunteer at Focus@Work where she delivers inspirational support and guidance to women job seekers
• 15 years with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver where she served on the board and mentored young women exiting prison to re-enter the work force.
• 23 years of support to children and families suffering from loss and trauma through her role on the board and volunteer of the PACE Child and Family Society.
• Support to at-risk youth through Covenant House Vancouver through raising awareness, contributing financial resources, and volunteering in the clothing room for 14 years
• 23 years of involvement in the hiring and retention of every PACE employee, contributing to the organization’s exceptionally skilled and caring team
• After 17 years serving on the Board of the Greater Vancouver Community Service Society she has moved on to the board of the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC

Both Suzanne and her husband have donated generously towards numerous capital campaigns, but she always insists on naming the facilities after individuals who have inspired her. The Maida Duncan Centre — serving marginalized women and children — was named after a long-time volunteer. More recently the second floor of YWCA Cause We Care House was named in memory of Linda Mitchell who was at the forefront of literacy across Canada. Suzanne has also established several bursaries for single mothers and named them after long-time friends who are active in not-for-profits.

Suzanne envisioned a supportive and viable program for women aimed at changing the arc of the lives of their young children. Through her vision and financial support, the YWCA Futures in Focus project was launched in 2014. As a long-time committee member of the YWCA Single Mothers bursary program, Suzanne and her husband created the YWCA Futures Bursary program in 2017 that provides single mothers access to post-secondary education. Unlike other bursaries, the Futures Bursary provides a wrap-around service until individuals complete their education and reach their employment goal. 

Suzanne and her husband have been funding YWCA Focus@Work in its entirety since 2014. It is the only employment program of its kind in Vancouver. Hundreds of women have successfully found employment and financial stability for themselves and their families through this program.

• Year Awarded: 2018
• City: Vancouver
• Region: 
  Mainland/Southwest

Trudie BonBernard

Trudie BonBernard was honoured with the medal for her leadership and compassion benefiting children, vulnerable citizens including long-term care residents, hospice and hospital patients, youth at risk, and comforting families under stress.

Her service to community and countless hours of volunteering have helped to promote and significantly expand the service provided by the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program to Kamloops residents facing a variety of challenges. At the time of recognition, 66 dog-therapy volunteers contribute more than 8,000 hours annually at more than 26 facilities in the Kamloops area. Dog-therapy teams attend community events, join library and school reading programs, visit group homes, university students, and long-term care and mental health facilities. Most recently they are visiting patients at a community dialysis unit.

Under her leadership and work on the volunteer executive of the program, Trudie has developed and implemented a plan for program growth, member retention, community awareness and greater diversity of facility assignments and community events.

She has also inspired a volunteer to do a master’s thesis on the benefits of therapy dogs for at-risk youth in schools and has created learning and educational opportunities for all therapy dog team members.

• Year Awarded: 2016
• City: Kamloops
• Region: Thompson/Okanagan

Daniel Brown

Daniel Brown was honoured with the medal for his service to Campbell River and his countless hours of volunteerism.

Daniel uses his passion for history and his experience from 39 years of working in the forest industry to educate and entertain people of all ages. At the museum in Campbell River, Daniel gives public school students lively presentations on pioneer, fishing and logging history. When the museum’s 1930 Hayes-Anderson logging truck appears in parades and at local events, it is because Daniel has taken on its care and maintenance.

The narrator for historical boat tours, Daniel has produced several presentations on the local history of the area. These presentations are given at the museum, Elder College and around town and it is his voice narrating an episode of Canada Over the Edge about the Ripple Rock explosion on the Knowledge Network. Local senior groups have been enthralled by his presentation of the Yorke Island West Coast defence site (1939-45) that he created for the Year of the Veteran.

Daniel has been a steadfast member of the Knights of Columbus since 1963, serving as financial secretary and on its Community Christmas Hamper Project Committee. He organizes ushers for special celebrations and co-ordinates student bursaries and participates in fundraisers that help the less fortunate. He is also assembling a 50th-year historical book that to tell the story of the Campbell River Knights of Columbus.

Daniel is active in other community groups including the St. Patrick’s Parish, Employee and Family Assistance Program (now known as the Upper Island Assessment and Referral Service), the City of Campbell River Parks and Recreation, the Age-Friendly Committee and the Multicultural and Immigration Services Association.

• Year Awarded: 2017
• City: Campbell River
• Region: Vancouver Island/Coast

Daniel Brown

If you said, “Thank you” to Daniel Brown he’d be quick to defer such accolades to his volunteer team. As the driving force behind a free meal program, Daniel has selflessly volunteered innumerable hours to make an undeniable impact in the lives of underprivileged, marginalized and street people within Vancouver’s West End.

In 2018, Daniel saw that many living on the streets of his local community rarely had a decent meal. Beginning by recruiting a few friends to make and deliver sandwiches, soon he was spending hours pursuing food donations from local businesses and coordinating a larger team of volunteer help to deliver bi-weekly hot meals.

Daniel's service always came without judgment, full of compassion with the simple gift of hot, delicious food for those in need. “We don't judge,” was his mantra driven by his goal to get food from those who had it to those who most needed it. He never expected reward or recognition.

When fall weather worsened in 2019, he re-envisioned the meal program, taking it inside the Central Presbyterian Church. Using its commercial kitchen and serving area with his culinary skills, the program expanded to four-days a week.

Daniel pursued food donations, receiving texts or calls at all hours to come pick up or receive groceries. He made friends with staff at local business establishments for ongoing donations. Others within the community were inspired to donate money to assist with the work. If he couldn't find a donation, Daniel used his own personal funds to purchase groceries.

The team grew to more than 20 volunteers. Several people who received meals began volunteering with preparation or clean up, strengthening and deepening their own connections to the community. Patiently, Daniel found a way to include and help others find meaning in making a collective difference.

• Year Awarded: 2021
• City: Vancouver
• Region:  Mainland/Southwest

W.A. "Sandy" Burpee

Sandy Burpee was honoured with the medal for his tireless work done on behalf of those in need in the Tri-Cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Among his many contributions, Burpee has been instrumental on initiatives that have a lasting impact to the community and organizations he supports.

Sandy founded the Tri-City Area "Together Against Violence" committee and chaired the committee from 1994 to 1998. TAV was a non-partisan group dedicated to facilitating the development of proactive solutions to violence in the Tri-City area through an annual violence prevention month. He subsequently chaired a steering committee to implement a restorative justice approach to youth wrongdoing in the Tri-Cities and New Westminster and was the founding chair of the resulting Fraser-Burrard Community Justice Society, now known as the CERA Society.

As the founding chair of the Tri-Cities Housing Coalition, Sandy has advanced the cause of affordable housing in the region. He joined the Tri-Cities Homelessness Task Group as chair in 2006 and subsequently amalgamated the two organizations.

His efforts saw the creation of temporary shelter space and emergency cold weather shelters. He has been instrumental in the creation of a permanent shelter located in Coquitlam which opened in December 2015. The permanent shelter took ongoing collaboration with levels of government and non-profit organizations, all the while overcoming contentious opposition during the public-consultation process. Sandy continues to support the operation of the shelter, a low barrier facility, as a volunteer and to promote the facility in the community at every opportunity.

As a housing advocate, Sandy has served continuously since 2003 on housing task forces and committees in the Tri-Cities and across the Metro Vancouver region. Most recently in 2015, Sandy was nominated interim chair of the Metro Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, and subsequently has been working with others on the creation of a collaborative regional approach to homelessness in Metro Vancouver.

In 2004, SHARE Family and Community Services Society added a Food Bank Depot in Coquitlam. Sandy took on the role of volunteer co-ordinator until 2014, organizing, staffing and managing the new depot. He supervised the weekly distribution of food, developing the operating procedures that are still used today. His role also included organizing space to allow for efficient processing of the SHARE Christmas Hamper program.

In 2006, Sandy joined Coquitlam Search and Rescue, the fifth-busiest SAR team in the province. With an average of 40 tasks a year, Burpee, who retired from the team in January 2017, has been a reliable team member, deploying into the field on most tasks and taking many training courses to become a proficient SAR member. He has served on the Coquitlam Search and Rescue Society’s executive as treasurer, establishing better accounting practices and leading the team’s funding and grant application program.

Sandy led the SAR team in a partnership with Coquitlam Alternate Basic Education (CABE) high school in an innovative outdoor education program motivating students to pursue high school graduation. Most recently, Sandy has taken a leadership role in fundraising over $400,000 and helping to plan the construction of a new mobile command vehicle. Recognizing the need to retire the existing command vehicle, the new state-of-the-art command vehicle will serve as the hub of team search activities for the next quarter century.

• Year Awarded: 2017
• City: Coquitlam
• Region: Mainland/Southwest