Medal of Good Citizenship: C-E
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Browse recipients by last name. Search for a name using 'Ctrl+F' to jump to a specific recipient. Biographies reflect achievements at time of appointment.
An asterisk (*) indicates that the recipient is deceased.
C
John Cameron
John Cameron is a community leader and activist who has devoted the last 40 years of his life to addressing the needs of individuals with AIDS, hepatitis and substance abuse problems.
From 1980 to 1994, while working full-time, he volunteered to help his peers during the emerging AIDS crisis. In 1994 he was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS and was unable to work due to chronic and episodic AIDS-related illnesses, aggravated by a hepatitis B infection incurred in a car accident in 1969.
Cameron is known as a results-oriented renegade. Using logistical and organizational skills, acquired from his engineering and forestry background, he has brought people together to establish AIDS and harm reduction infrastructure and programs.
His endeavours include: co-founding the Downtown Eastside HIV/IDU Consumers’ Board (Canada’s only entirely peer-operated needle exchange); founding and facilitating the Carnegie AIDS Support Group organizing Canada’s largest community-driven World AIDS Day event organizing Canada’s first (and subsequent) World Hepatitis Day event; spearheading major changes to Vancouver’s disabled parking bylaws; organizing and assisting with countless AIDS, hepatitis and harm reduction events, forums and workshops; and sitting on numerous boards and committees.
In his hometown of Richmond, Cameron was the first person to come out publicly as being gay and having AIDS. He started a local AIDS support group that brought together others infected with and affected by AIDS, which served as a springboard for the establishment of AIDS services in Richmond.
As a recovering alcoholic and someone who resided in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside during his drinking years, Cameron has used his street smarts to assist his peers at the street-level.
His efforts include assisting with paperwork such as income tax, disability, housing and community grant applications, transportation to medical appointments, hospital visitations, feeding people and weekly delivery of Cobs bread to AIDS Vancouver and the Downtown Eastside.
- Year Awarded: 2019
- City: Richmond
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Dr. Helen Campbell & Bill Erving
Helen Campbell and Bill Erving, owners of Thornhill Farm on the Saanich Peninsula, have significantly impacted their community through their unwavering commitment to agriculture and youth development. Known for their deep involvement in the 4-H program, Helen led the Saanich 4-H Lamb Club for 18 years, fostering a love for agriculture in their own children and countless others.
In 2014, with their children no longer participating in 4-H, Helen and Bill made a remarkable decision to open their farm to families without agricultural land. They invited these families to engage in the full farming experience, from raising sheep to participating in farm operations. This generous initiative created a welcoming and educational environment, benefiting up to 14 4-H members and their families per year at its peak. They became informal resource contacts for local farmers starting to raise sheep.
In 2016, Bill was diagnosed with ALS, yet Helen and Bill chose to continue their volunteer work, offering invaluable experiences to the 4-H families despite Bill’s progressive health challenges. Bill remained a cheerful mentor, while Helen continued to lead until 2020, when she needed to focus on Bill’s care. The community reciprocated their kindness, helping with farm responsibilities and management.
The impact of Helen and Bill’s generosity is profound. Children from suburban areas were inspired to pursue agriculture in higher education and establish lasting friendships through their time at Thornhill Farm. The skills and knowledge imparted by Helen and Bill have led many to careers in agricultural and veterinary sciences, ensuring that the legacy of their contributions endures.
Even as Bill’s condition progressed, the community spirit they fostered thrived. Helen and Bill continued to engage the community through fundraisers for the ALS Society of B.C. (raising over $110,000 to date), providing support for those newly diagnosed with ALS and sitting on the ALS B.C. Patient Services Committee. Bill also provides entertaining and informative online updates about local wildlife, all while using eye-gaze assistive technologies.
- Year Awarded: 2024
- City: Saanich
- Region: Vancouver Island/Coast
Clayton Cassidy *
Clayton Cassidy was honored with the medal for his extensive community leadership and his dedicated service helping Cache Creek residents stay safe and return to their homes following the devastating flood in May of 2015. Whether it was performing back-breaking rock and mud shoveling or assisting with the overall co-ordination of clean up and recovery, Cassidy was there for the community and its citizens.
A member of the Cache Creek Volunteer Fire Department for more than three decades, Clayton took on leadership roles in the essential service organization including Fire Chief for 10 years, from 1992 to 2002. Under his leadership the department achieved significant milestones including building a new fire hall, purchasing a new fire truck, installing a breathing air compressor, and having 10 members receive their volunteer fire fighting certificate.
His service to community and countless hours of volunteering included coaching minor hockey, soccer and minor softball, and serving on a myriad of community committees including the Cache Creek Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee, and the Cache Creek Graffiti Days Committee.
Tragically, he lost his life in 2017 after being swept away by flood waters. Chief Cassidy was commemorated at the 5th annual Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation memorial ceremony in Ottawa.
- Year Awarded: 2016
- City: Cache Creek
- Region: Thompson/Okanagan
Neil Cook
Neil Cook has been a driving force in his community of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay. During the 26+ years he has lived in Cranbrook he has chosen to volunteer his time with many organizations and projects, all with the goal of helping people and improving his community.
Over the years, Cook has shared his knowledge and experience by serving on the boards of the local Canadian Mental Health Association, the Cranbrook Family Centre, Cranbrook Society for Community Living and the Cranbrook United Way.
Cook was instrumental in founding the Cranbrook and District Community Foundation in 2003. Now known as the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies, this successful organization currently holds $2.5 million across 37 permanently invested endowment funds, and supports many community services and organizations.
Serving as president and then director of the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies over 17 years, Cook contributed a great deal to the organization’s success and its vision of supporting local communities to be better places to live, work and play.
Volunteering much of his time with non-profit organizations, Cook served for seven years as the volunteer Chair of the East Kootenay Homeless Coalition. During this time he has worked tirelessly to build a 24/7 homeless shelter in Cranbrook. That work is ongoing.
Known throughout the community as someone who is kind, inclusive and generous, Cook and his wife Marilynne have welcomed 24 foster children into their hearts and home over the years.
Cook’s service work extends to local services clubs. He has been a member of Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary, the Cranbrook Rotary and Kinsmen.
Cook’s other volunteer contributions in his community include 22 years of volunteering with the Cranbrook Community Christmas Dinner as a fundraiser and chef, and a ten-year member of the Church Committee at Christ Church Anglican.
With many other interests Cook continues to play a key role in supporting community fundraisers and events from SPCA to the Cranbrook Children’s Festival, to the Canadian Cancer Society and Juvenile Diabetes.
- Year Awarded: 2019
- City: Cranbrook
- Region: Kootenay
Tim Cormode
Tim Cormode’s journey began 24 years ago when he founded Power To Be. Fueled by a love for the outdoors and a social work background, Tim envisioned the transformative power of nature for youth and families facing barriers. With one small government grant, his vision birthed an organization. Under Tim's leadership this organization, for the past 23 years, has reached more than 11,000 youth and families, offering adapted outdoor activities that empower people to surpass their potential.
Beyond his role as CEO, Tim recognized the sometimes-burdensome dynamics between social impact organizations and philanthropy. This insight led to the creation of the Power To Give Foundation six years ago. The Foundation's mission is to kindle visionary possibilities in the social impact sector, fostering collaboration between philanthropists, change-makers and communities to embark on bold endeavours collectively. To date, Power To Give has lead the deployment of $60 million dollars in philanthrophic capital to various charitable organizations.
Tim's impact extends to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and supporting Haiti relief, reflecting his commitment to both local and global needs. His contributions were recognized with a B.C. Community Award in 2015 and an induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2020.
Tim’s dedication to fostering collaboration is evident in how he leverages relationships and resources. He cultivated a culture at Power To Be that maximizes collaboration, leading to its position in the top 20 percent of charities for fundraising and revenue. Tim's leadership also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he redirected resources to support food-security charities.
Tim contributes his time helping social entrepeneurs and philanthopists to be the best they can be. In the words of those who know him, Tim Cormode isn't just a CEO; he's a generous team and community leader, always ready to extend his network and experiences to connect philanthropists with causes that truly matter.
- Year Awarded: 2023
- City: Victoria
- Region: Vancouver Island/Coast
Robert Cruickshank
Through Robert “Bob Shanks” Cruickshank’s words, intentions, actions and unselfish deeds he is making B.C. a better place to live and play.
Bob is a 29 year old living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In 2012, he was introduced to the Canucks Autism Network (CAN). As a result of his passion for the Vancouver Canucks and his innate tendency to want to help others, Bob immersed himself in becoming a community leader through his grassroots fundraising and participation in CAN events.
Since 2012, Bob has made it his mission to raise as much money as possible to assist CAN in providing programs that allow ASD individuals and their families to build the confidence and skills necessary to enjoy a lifetime of sport and physical activity. Bob tells his story to grow his network of support for CAN and push the province forward towards autism acceptance.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new set of challenges for Bob. All of CAN’s fundraising events and in-person programs were cancelled. Bob took it upon himself to work even harder and demonstrated resilience, innovation and creativity in providing the CAN community the support they needed. Bob's fundraising continued through phone calls, emails, text messages and social media. He raised $20,000 in 2020 and at least an another $39,000 in 2021 to support CAN’s programming during the pandemic.
Through his charisma and sense of humour, Bob has created a new network of people talking and learning about autism acceptance. His selfless dedication and drive have ultimately touched and enriched the lives of many across B.C., particularly those living with ASD and those who are vulnerable or less able to help themselves. Bob's mantra, “It’s for the kids,” fuels his fundraising efforts and is his motivation.
- Year Awarded: 2021
- City: Vancouver
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Bruce Curtis
Bruce Curtis has been a community leader and volunteer in several fields for over 50 years. Since 1996 he has been a central volunteer and leader of the Community Justice Centre for the Comox Valley. Curtis served on the steering committee that founded the centre, as a volunteer facilitator and, for the past 13 years as its chief administrator.
Over the years, he has inspired and supported volunteers to resolve up to 150 referred cases annually, which provides them opportunities to develop their restorative justice skills.
Curtis has also built important relationships on the Comox Valley’s Community Justice Centre’s behalf and deepened the application of restorative justice in his community. He has expanded the Community Justice Centre’s referral sources, dramatically increasing the impact of restorative justice throughout the community.
Curtis is the originator of the Community Justice Centre’s flagship public education venture, the Campagnolo Lectures in Restorative Justice. The lectures attract 300–500 residents each year. Started in 2011, the Campagnolo Lectures have attracted many stellar lecturers, including former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin.
From 2007–18, Curtis developed and led over 30 Community Justice Centre projects related to combating racism, hatred and homophobia.
Curtis has provided leadership and voluntary service in water safety/lifesaving, trade unionism, the hospitality sector, humanitarian aid, restorative justice and community-based action around human rights and combating racism, hatred and homophobia. While the range of issues has been broad, Curtis’ dedication has not flagged. The impact of his service work is evident in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
Curtis has written over 90 papers and provincial and national speeches on labour relations, humanitarianism, volunteerism and restorative justice over the past 40 years and was invited to address the Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Officers.
Curtis has been recognized for his extraordinary service to his community over the years, including:
- Dr. Liz Elliott Restorative Justice Memorial Award
- Hummingbird Award (Simon Fraser University), Centre for Restorative Justice
- Queen Elizabeth ll Jubilee Medal
- 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
- Order of the Red Cross
- Distinguished Service, Canadian Red Cross
- Medal of Recognition, Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Council
- Year Awarded: 2019
- City: Courtenay
- Region: Vancouver Island/Coast
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Janicé Dallaire
Since joining Invermere Fire Rescue in June 2017, Janicé Dallaire has profoundly impacted her community through her dedicated service and leadership. As the first female lieutenant of Invermere Fire Rescue, Janice leads with exceptional skill, ensuring her crew’s training, morale, and effectiveness. She has spearheaded vital fundraising efforts, including those for the structural protection unit, which deploys sprinklers to protect buildings from fire. Her organizational prowess shines in events like the annual Firefighters Ball, which raises crucial funds for emergency equipment and training opportunities.
Beyond her firefighting duties, Janicé has been deployed to several major wildfire operations including Logan Lake and Kelowna, balancing these demands with local firefighting and rescue calls. Her contributions extend to the Invermere Fire Rescue Association, where she served as either chair or vice-chair for 6 years, helping manage and maintain association facilities. Janice’s community spirit is evident in her participation in events like “Feed the Town” and her leadership in initiatives such as the firefighters’ stair climb in Calgary and Seattle for the 9/11memorial, fostering team unity and community pride.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janicé handmade and distributed masks free of charge to first responders, providing a significant benefit to her community. Her involvement with the Invermere Christmas Bureau as the toy drive coordinator ensures that local children in need have gifts during the holiday season. As a mentor and instructor with the Camp Ignite program, Janice inspires young women to pursue their dreams, showcasing her commitment to empowering the next generation.
Janicé’s energy and enthusiasm have not only saved lives but also motivated others to achieve their goals. Her tireless dedication, compassion, and leadership reflect her lasting positive impact on Invermere and beyond.
- Year Awarded: 2024
- City: Invermere
- Region: Kootenay
Mary Daniel
Mary Daniel has continuously demonstrated her passion for breaking down barriers and making her community more inclusive. Mary sees the potential for growth in all children with diverse abilities.
At the age of 15, she began volunteering for Best Buddies, an organization that forms friendships between individuals living with and without disabilities. She continued to volunteer weekly for Best Buddies throughout university and became an executive member in the University of British Columbia (UBC) chapter in 2021. Mary even organized a grand “Hooping it Up” fundraiser at UBC in 2022, a basketball fundraiser for Best Buddies activities.
In her time at UBC, Mary also served as a student leader for Options Community Services, which supports children and youth with special needs. She led a team in creating a superhero-themed video on coping with anxiety and organized virtual activities for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mary began working in residential care for youth with disabilities in 2020. She closely supported a youth with significant behavioral challenges and built a sensory room to aid in self-regulation. Her project received the Connect to Community grant from UBC in 2021. After completing her degree, she transitioned to a role where she educated children and youth on the risks of vaping and marijuana use and on healthy coping mechanisms at schools across her school district.
In 2018, Mary was awarded the Coast Capital “Standing Tall” Award, recognizing youth who have faced adversity and are committed to continuing their education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from UBC in May 2022 and is beginning medical school at UBC.
- Year Awarded: 2024
- City: Vancouver
- Region: Mainland/ Southwest
Brian De Beck
More than 30 years of Brian De Beck‘s working life was spent as a union negotiator for Retail Wholesale Union (RWU) looking after the welfare of the membership across numerous bargaining units.
His commitment to supporting people went far beyond his responsibilities as the Provincial Representative for RWU. Brian has seamlessly woven himself into the fabric of art and culture in the Vancouver area where he has a multi-decade history of generously contributing to numerous organizations and initiatives. He follows family traditions of giving to community from his grandfather Ned De Beck, his mother Betty, based in Kamloops and his wife’s family, Warren and Ellen Tallman, and their many projects in support of the arts in Vancouver.
In the early 1970s while still a student at the University of British Columbia, Brian initiated the effort to buy a house that became the York Street Commune. Its members collectively began New Star Books, Georgia Straight Writing Supplement, The Mental Patient’s Association, the West End food Co-op, and other projects.
Since 1974, Karen Tallman and Brian‘s home has been a haven for poets, visual artist, single mothers, refugees, recently arrived immigrants, Haida artists, the bereaved and the terminally ill. They have hosted numerous wakes and celebrations of life and organized fundraising events for the Western Front Artist Cooperative, Pivot Legal Society, Seva, YVR Art Foundation, and others.
Beyond his artistic endeavours, Brian is a pillar of support for individuals facing life's toughest challenges. Whether offering counsel to ESL Vietnamese navigating city bureaucracy or being a steadfast companion through chemotherapy, Brian's generosity knows no bounds. Brian has fostered personal connections with the Haida community in old Massett in Haida Gwaii through a 42-year friendship with five generations of the Davidson family, working primarily with Claude Davidson, and his two sons Robert and Reg. Brian and Karen were recognized by the Davidson family and given Haida names in a ceremony in 2010.
Now in his 70s, Brian‘s commitment to good citizenship remains unwavering. Despite retiring as provincial representative of his union, he continues to chair the union pension plan, providing invaluable advice and mentorship. Notably, he expands his community of care offering emotional and practical support to friends and neighbour’s facing illness and adversity.
- Year Awarded: 2023
- City: Vancouver
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Vishad Deeplaul
In just five years since immigrating from South Africa to Coquitlam, Vishad Deeplaul has become a shining example of community engagement and selfless service. His "never say 'no'" attitude and uplifting smile have left an indelible mark on the community, showcasing a true commitment to love where you live and serve where you live.
Vishad's extensive volunteering efforts highlight his dedication to various causes. As a board member of the People’s Pantry Recovery Society, Vishad played a pivotal role in securing a no-cost location for the agency. He also worked closely with other non-profit organizations like Backpack Buddies and the Diwali Celebration Society, showcasing his investment to his community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishad supported the B.C. United Way providing vital support and resources to families in distress. His acts of kindness extended to preparing food for seniors and tending to a neighbour's garden, exemplifying his innate generosity.
Vishad co-founded Tri-Cities United, a community group aimed at combating isolation and fostering connections. There he orchestrates events like paint nights and chocolate-making to bring the community together.
Vishad's impact reaches beyond volunteerism; he creates bridges and fosters relationships to ensure access to resources for those in need. His consistent commitment to prioritizing others' needs, in delivering emergency hampers or offering unwavering support, sets him apart as a true community builder.
- Year Awarded: 2023
- City: Coquitlam
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Rabiah Dhaliwal
Rabiah Dhaliwal is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and advocating for mental health awareness. Overcoming her own personal challenges, Rabiah turned obstacles into a platform for advocacy and community service.
At the University of British Columbia (UBC), Rabiah co-led the Disabilities United Collective, championing inclusivity for disabled students. She established weekly support group sessions, providing a vital network for neurodivergent and physically disabled peers. Her advocacy extended beyond campus, when she and other students successfully advocated for the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act at UBC, leading to the creation of the university's first accessibility committee.
Rabiah’s commitment to accessibility is highlighted by her role in helping create two sensory rooms at UBC, offering safe havens for students experiencing sensory overload. Rabiah oversaw daily maintenance to keep these spaces functional and accessible. This year, Rabiah curated 'TouchScapes,' the first 3D-printed art exhibition in Western Canada, for individuals with visual impairments and other sensory needs, to promote inclusivity in the arts.
As director of the Voices for Hope Foundation, Rabiah led impactful initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. With support from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, she coordinated donations of over 1,000 self-care items and meals to frontline healthcare workers, sourced from local B.C. and indigenous-owned businesses, highlighting her commitment to community support and equity. Most recently, she distributed 250 care packages including art supplies and essential items to the unhoused population of Whalley.
At just 19, Rabiah testified before the House of Commons on mental health parity and partnered with Mesut Ozil for the #YourStoryOurVoice campaign, amplifying the voices of 80 million global viewers on mental health stigma.
Rabiah’s mental health advocacy help make a more accessible and compassionate world.
- Year Awarded: 2024
- City: Surrey
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Kamal Dhillon
Kamal Dhillon, a survivor of severe domestic violence, was honoured with the medal for her courage to transcend her suffering from domestic violence to bring a powerful message to the public about domestic violence, offer hope to other victims, and advocate for changes in laws.
Her service to community and countless hours of volunteering include support to victims of domestic violence and willingness to travel to conferences and communities where she brings awareness of the devastation exacted by domestic violence to classrooms, police departments, business and community organizations, and churches. Whether speaking to officials at the World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, or a local group of educators, her inspirational message brings understanding to the complex issue, and hope to victims of domestic violence.
Although Kamal still has residual suffering from her injuries, she remains a tireless advocate for changes in laws, better services for victims, and training for police, social workers, educators and others who may see evidence of someone being abused. In particular, she lobbied for the federal government to bring in the Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act and today would still like those laws to be toughened. Her personal story, told in her book Black and Blue Sari, has raised the issue on the international front and helped those on the front line to better recognize domestic abuse and provide victims with the support they need.
- Year Awarded: 2016
- City: Langley
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Edward Dickins
Ed Dickins epitomizes the definition of volunteer on behalf of his fellow citizens. From the day he volunteered for service with the British Columbia Dragoons (BCDs) in July 1940 to his continued service to the citizens of BC at the Okanagan Military Museum in July 2016. Ed served Canada as part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps in England, Italy and Northwest Europe including being wounded during World War II. Upon his return to Canada, he continued his service with the Army Reserves until his final retirement in 1975.
Ed has volunteered and served as: Commanding Officer with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, President of Branch 26 Royal Canadian Legion, President of the BCD Regimental Association (Whizzbangs), President and founder of the Kelowna Veendam Sister City Association, Provincial President of Junior Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the Kelowna Cenotaph Improvement Project, and founding Director of the Okanagan Military Museum Society (OMMS).
In addition to his leadership roles in all of the above organizations, he was a volunteer veteran representative at Remembrance services at 20 Senior's Homes for 16 years, spoke to numerous schools about his military service, spoke at multiple Citizenship Ceremonies with respect to understanding the history of Canada, and assisted in 2016 (at age 93) in the Okanagan Military Museum Society's refurbishment of a historic World War I Field Gun. It is only in very recent years that Ed has been unable to act as a docent at the Military Museum but he does continue to work on mailing newsletters for the Whizzbang Association in spite of his near blindness.
Ed defines good citizenship. He has spent the last eight decades of his life doing good deeds on behalf of the citizens of this country and this province. Ed's hard work, entailing thousands of hours of volunteer time, is demonstrated by results such as: the Veendam Walk in Kelowna City Park, a new inclusive Cenotaph to recognize those locals who paid the ultimate sacrifice, the Okanagan Military Museum, the BCD Mural at the Military Museum and generations of Canadians that value those who have served their country honourably.
Dickins continues to exemplify good citizenship even in his advanced age. Our British Columbia is a better place because of the compassion, dedication and tireless commitment of Ed Dickins.
- Year Awarded: 2018
- City: Kelowna
- Region: Thompson/Okanagan
Dave Dickson
Dave Dickson was honoured with the medal for his wide-ranging volunteer contributions made in the Williams Lake and Chilcotin Cariboo region, many of which have helped to make the community safer, reduced crime, and ensured those who are in need or vulnerable are taken care of.
His service to the community and countless hours of volunteering have benefited the Williams Lake Community Policing unit, Canadian Red Cross, Williams Lake Rotary Club, Northern BC Mobile Support Team with the Provincial Emergency Program, the local emergency support services team and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Among his many other contributions, Dave was also instrumental in establishing several programs including the Mounted Citizens on Patrol, a first-of-its-kind program that sees local citizens ride horseback to patrol areas that are difficult to observe; Wandering program for those at risk of going missing; and the Positive Ticketing Program which rewards children for being positive citizens. He has been a member of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North team for a number of years, is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and has been involved in several international projects.
- Year Awarded: 2016
- City: Williams Lake
- Region: Cariboo
Rachel Dong
Rachel Dong is an environmental leader who has inspired hundreds of youth across Metro Vancouver. She has been involved with the Vancouver School Board Sustainability Conference since Grade 9, where she empowers youth with the knowledge and skills needed to enact sustainable change. As Chair, Rachel leads a team of 30 students from across the district who share her goal of raising environmental awareness and fostering the next generation of climate advocates.
During the pandemic, Rachel continued to create opportunities for her peers to learn about important community issues. Through resilience and innovation, she hosted seven online mentor sessions and two full-day conferences that connected 1,000 secondary school students from across the province. Her team provided the opportunity to engage in action-oriented workshops, networking sessions, and meaningful dialogue. Rachel continues to advance sustainability at school and in the larger community through various service projects.
Rachel has also been working diligently to reduce the environmental impacts of food waste. As club president of Kitchen-on-a-Mission at Eric Hamber Secondary, she coordinated an end-of-day food program by developing partnerships with bakeries and homeless shelters across Vancouver. Rachel mobilized a team of 50 volunteers to collect surplus goods to donate to people in need. Since 2019, her club has provided more than $35,000 in food to support at-risk communities in the Downtown Eastside.
As a child, Rachel experienced gender bias as the only female in her science class. This inspired her to start a non-profit, the Eureka Foundation, to promote diversity in STEM. Rachel successfully applied for $3,500 in grant funding and collaborated with secondary school volunteers to design and deliver free STEM camps for underprivileged youth. Throughout the year, her team has built an inclusive community that empowered over 70 children to break down barriers in STEM. Rachel Dong is a role model who consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership skills in supporting others as they strive for personal and professional growth. As a mentor to others, she cultivates active, engaged leaders who are motivated to positively impact their community.
- Year Awarded: 2022
- City: North Vancouver
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Dale Douglas & Murray Stewart
Dale Douglas and Murray Stewart have led the Golf for Kids Charity Golf Tournament for the past 25 years. What started as a small fundraiser in 1997 has grown into a huge effort, raising over $10.7 million for children’s charities on Vancouver Island and beyond.
Their journey began with Help Fill A Dream, a charity supporting children with life-threatening conditions. Inspired by this cause, they launched the first Golf for Kids tournament and raised $14,000. Since then, they have gathered hundreds of volunteers and received strong support from sponsors and donors, raising an impressive $1.2 million at the 25th anniversary event in 2023.
Dale and Murray’s work goes beyond raising money. They have built a community of generosity and compassion. Their dedication along with the entire Golf for Kids team of supporters has changed the lives of many children and families and supported many charitable organizations in B.C. like KidSport Greater Victoria, which has received nearly $700,000 from Golf for Kids.
Despite their success, Dale and Murray stay humble, always encouraging others and believing in the power of working together. Their commitment to making a positive impact is an inspiration to anyone who wants to make a difference in their community.
- Year Awarded: 2024
- City: Saanich
- Region: Vancouver Island/Coast
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Vivian Edwards
Vivian Edwards, a dedicated and selfless volunteer, is a shining example of community service and goodwill. For decades, Vivian has actively participated in various local committees, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the betterment of her community. Her positive outlook and tireless efforts have left a lasting impact on numerous organizations, including Hat Creek Ranch, Thompson View Manor Society, Ashcroft and District Lions Club, Ashcroft and Area Community Resources, Ashcroft and Area Christmas Hampers, Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation, and the Health and Wellness Coalition.
Over the years, Vivian saw a connection between the need for older women, especially single women, to socialize and the struggles faced by local restaurants. She organized a weekly ladies' luncheon, providing a boost to both local businesses and the well-being of senior ladies who attended. This initiative, still active today, showcases Vivian's innovative approach to community support. In 2021, when Lytton faced a devastating fire, Vivian played a crucial role in supporting displaced families, organizing a substantial monetary donation and actively participating in a local support group.
Vivian is willing to lend a helping hand even in challenging circumstances. In the heat dome of 2021, when someone needed water Vivian offered to transport them to a nearby area. She also provides transportation to people needing to go to Kamloops for hospital and specialist appointments, addressing a need in her rural community.
Vivian's commitment to the local Christmas Hamper program for the past decade further highlights her organizational skills and dedication to community welfare. In 2022, she played a pivotal role in preparing and delivering 172 food hampers.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Vivian remains humble, not seeking recognition or applause. Her friend’s emphasize her diverse acts of service, from providing rides to those who can't drive to offering expertise in accounting and tax preparation for low-income individuals. At the age of 81, Vivian's compassion for others and her desire to make her community the best place to live continue to define her character.
- Year Awarded: 2023
- City: Ashcroft
- Region: Thompson/Okanagan
Greg Ehman
Greg Ehman has been a key leader in the Golden Rotary Club for many years. During the COVID-19 crisis, he took on the challenges of finding new ways to support and benefit his community. His efforts since March 2020 include:
- Developing online videos to provide advice, guidance and application assistance at no charge to support people in receiving access to CERB and other financial supports.
- Developing online videos to provide advice and guidance to local businesses in developing COVID-19 safety plans and access to government funding.
- Starting the "Mask up Golden" initiative and coordinating the production of nearly 4,000 masks to distribute to community members at a subsidized price point.
- Successfully adjusting the annual Interact Club of Golden's Project Anti-Grinch to meet COVID-19 requirements. Working with the Interact Club to cook and prepare nearly 200 turkey dinners on Christmas Eve for vulnerable community members.
- Introducing and coordinating the Rotary Giving Tree program with the Golden Interact Club - ensuring 77 deserving youth in the community received presents on Christmas Day.
- Organizing and delivering four separate youth training programs where 40 students learned valuable employment and team building skills to assist in future job opportunities. Students gained certificates in multiple work skills and gained valuable service experience through community volunteering. During the program, as part of their learning, the youth provided more than 1,000 meals to vulnerable and at-risk community members and isolated seniors.
- Proposing and drafting the Golden Guidelines project with the Kicking Horse Chamber of Commerce.
When COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in B.C. in March 2020, many volunteer organizations fundraising efforts ceased and valuable community support operations were in jeopardy. In April 2020, in response to this need, Greg led the Golden Rotary Club to start 'Rotary Community Online Bingo'. This online fundraiser has grown to include 16 other Rotary Clubs participating across 14 B.C. communities. More than $1.8M has been raised to date to support valuable community programs and volunteer groups across B.C.. The online fundraiser remains a resounding success today and continues to provide financial support for various groups and projects.
- Year Awarded: 2021
- City: Golden
- Region: Thompson/Okanagan
Gail Elder
Gail Elder is a quiet, kind, industrious, generous British Columbian who exemplifies community service and good citizenship. For decades he has been active in community non-profit organizations and committees. He is a beloved retired schoolteacher, always there to lend a hand to his neighbours, and teaches interested people to grow, reap, store and cook healthy food on an organic farm. Most notably, he started the multi-generational Slocan Valley Community Band in 1981 that continues to impress audiences.
Since his retirement in 2003, he dedicates countless hours to encourage new members, secure instruments and manage funding for the band's performances. Gail's band practice time alone is 3,200 hours in one year without even mentioning the travel and organizing time!
His leadership extends to various community activities, including East & West Kootenay Community Band Festivals, where he often conducts and plays instruments.
Beyond the world of music, Gail, along with his partner Brenda, has hosted over 400 Woofers from the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WOOF) on their organic farm, sharing Canadian experiences in farming, cooking, and more. His impact ripples through the organic farming community, beekeepers, local water protection and environmental activism, where he generously imparts his knowledge and abilities.
Gail's influence as a music teacher is profound, as evidenced by the outstanding musical preparedness and approach to learning exhibited by students under his direction. His magic touch is characterized by a gentle yet demanding and supportive teaching style. Gail's dedication goes beyond teaching; he actively participates as a performer in a Wind Quintet and a Big Band, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the West Kootenays.
As a leader of the Slocan Valley Community Band, Gail continues the tradition of community bands, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to play music together. From seniors' centres to community celebrations, the band, under Gail's baton, weaves art into the community's fabric, fostering connections and joy through music. “Through wind and rain and weather" many look forward to the "best night of the week": Band!
- Year Awarded: 2023
- City: Winlaw
- Region: Kootenay
Aysha Emmerson & Jasper Johnston
Two initiatives spearheaded by Aysha Emmerson and Jasper Johnston, are noteworthy. The ways in which these siblings draw their peers into leadership roles and provide supported platforms for others are remarkable and making a real difference in their communities.
Their first initiative, the Co-VID Student Support Network was a community-based, non-profit effort that digitally connected university student volunteers with K-12 students, to help ease the burden on parents and educators in Canada amid social-distancing requirements.
Since it started on Vancouver Island, between March 2020 and January 2021, the project has assisted approximately 75 families representing more than 25 schools and raised thousands of dollars through voluntary contributions for COVID-19 relief. Along with founding the network and empowering dozens of youth volunteers, Jasper and Aysha served as peer supporters themselves, directly supporting the socio-emotional and educational needs of K-12 students.
Their second initiative, Dear Canadians, is a national, bilingual and digital platform designed to connect Canadians of all ages during this unique period in our country's history while supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. Teaming up with five of their university classmates, Aysha and Jasper launched www.dearcanadians.ca / www.cherscanadiens.ca on July 1, 2020.
Through the platform, Canadians can write and share virtual postcards with images and messages of hope, hardship, gratitude, or lessons learned. To date, thousands of people representing every province have visited the site, with hundreds sharing cards. Thanks to partnerships with Historica Canada, cards will be included in the national “Canada During Covid-19” archives. The team also partnered with TELUS, which helped to promote the platform and donated $10,000 to Canadian COVID-19 relief efforts in recognition of the project.
Many of the cards posted reflect a clear appreciation for the platform and the way it lifts up diverse voices from across the country. The project has also received coverage from CBC for its positive impact and was recognized by National Philanthropy Day via the Vancouver Island Giving Hearts Honour Roll.
- Year Awarded: 2021
- City: Victoria
- Region: Vancouver Island/Coast
Kevin England
Kevin England was honoured with the British Columbia Medal of Good Citizenship for his leadership and volunteerism for many non-profit and worthwhile initiatives in Vancouver and around British Columbia. Some of these include the B.C. Women's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Campaign, Collingwood School, The Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education, Tibetan Nun Project, various recovery fellowships, and direct support to individuals and their families in recovery.
Kevin’s support and fundraising efforts have especially helped people struggling with addiction. His support helped establish the therapeutic community model of treatment in British Columbia. Specifically, he is the co-founder and president of the British Columbia New Hope Recovery Society which in 2007 established Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community, a 65-bed, residential recovery center located 30 kilometers southwest of Prince George. Baldy Hughes offers a long-term, abstinence-based, community-as-treatment recovery program in a remote farm setting. The program provides men recovering from addiction a unique opportunity to regain their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, and remove barriers to their long-term health.
- Year Awarded: 2016
- City: Vancouver
- Region: Mainland/Southwest
Barry English
Barry English is an outstanding member of his northern community of Terrace. His dedication and kindness impact far reaching communities. As a volunteer of the Northern Animal Rescue Alliance (NARA) his contributions are simply invaluable.
To support fundraising goals, Barry converted his garage into a recycling depot so community members could drop off returnable recycling 24-hours a day. He drives over the area collecting returnables from those unable to deliver and single-handedly sorts them all and cashes them in. In the last four years he has raised $79,413.75. Every cent goes to NARA. That’s more than 1.5 million bottles and cans collected! It’s a very unpleasant job -- cans are usually unwashed and often contaminated, but he dons his PPE and gets on with it in all weather, never complaining.
On top of this, Barry fosters the oldest, unwanted dogs. He loves them like they are his own and often goes on to adopt them. He has a heart of gold, and the animals seem to understand and take comfort in this.
In addition to his involvement with NARA, Barry volunteers as what the community refers to as a snow angel. Terrace has huge snowfalls and Barry is well known to leave early to clear driveways for seniors and those with physical challenges.
Barry recently retired from the Terrace Pipes and Drums Society after 40 years of teaching youngsters how to play and perform in a marching band. He takes great pride in watching his students thrive, participating at important ceremonies in his small, diverse and geographically spread-out community.
Lately, Barry has undergone surgery for a life-threatening illness and yet continues to volunteer for up to 10 hours a day, seven days a week to help the lives of companion animals in critical need, supporting community members in need and mentoring children. In the last five years he has single-handedly raised $125,000 and continues to care for the elderly unwanted animals needing a loving home.
Barry received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2016. For all his contributions, he is considered a genuine asset to Terrace, the Northwest and British Columbia.
- Year Awarded: 2022
- City: Terrace
- Region: Northern BC
Craig Evans *
Craig Evans, a dedicated advocate for community food systems and local food security on Vancouver Island, has spent over 40 years shaping a legacy of sustainability and social impact. As the founder of the Nanaimo Community Gardens and Nanaimo Foodshare Society in 1987, Craig set the stage for enduring programs centered around growing and sharing locally grown, high-quality food. His commitment extended to spearheading initiatives like Seedy Sunday, ensuring a resource for non-GMO seeds, plant knowledge and education.
In 2019, Craig co-founded the Growing Opportunities Farm Community Cooperative, a hub for building food-growing skills with the support of a vast volunteer network. This cooperative annually yields hundreds of pounds of food, a significant portion of which is distributed to those in need in Nanaimo through various programs.
Craig's impact isn't confined to agriculture alone. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Vancouver Island University Farmers’ Market, bringing fresh local produce directly to students. His engagement with the Downtown Nanaimo Farmers' Market and his role as market garden manager at Providence Farm, a therapeutic community supporting individuals with various challenges, showcased his commitment to diverse community needs.
Beyond farming, Craig's environmental advocacy included co-founding the Nanaimo Recycling Exchange and contributing to various other causes. His ability to motivate and lead diverse groups, particularly youth, was evident in roles like Workforce Trainer at Vancouver Island University and leadership with the Katimivak organization.
Even when Craig was facing a terminal illness, he continued to lay the groundwork for a sustainable future, ensuring a new generation can carry on the impactful programs he initiated. His selfless contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals, enriching communities and leaving an indelible mark on Vancouver Island.
Long time farmer and food security advocate Craig Evans passed away in March 2023.
- Year Awarded: 2023
- City: Nanaimo
- Region: Vancouver Island/Coast
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