Thirty-six British Columbians were honoured today at the eighth annual BC Community Achievement Awards ceremony held at Government House in Victoria.

Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and Deputy Premier Kevin Falcon presented each recipient with a BC Community Achievement Award medallion and certificate on behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation.

"These thirty-six individuals have helped shape our province into what it is today," said Falcon. "They have a passion for the people and places where they live and a strong commitment to making a difference. They inspire us all."

"They are dedicated individuals who share the most valuable of today's commodities; time and compassion." said Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation. They do whatever needs to get done - from sitting on boards and committees to far exceeding their job descriptions, to sharing their talents for sports or fundraising, environmental stewardship or protecting the province's heritage."

A list of the recipients follow and a brief summary of their achievement can be found on the foundation's website at: www.bcachievement.com

The following received BC Community Achievement Awards:

* The late Edna Anderson of New Westminster

* Debra Arnott of Cache Creek

* Peter Ash of Langley

* Johnson Su-sing Chow of Vancouver

* Rose Colledge of Tumbler Ridge

* Tim Cormode of Victoria

* Peter Couldwell of Quesnel

* Jim Davidson of Smithers

* Alia Dharamsi of Vancouver

* Ron Emerson of Vancouver

* John deCourcey Evans of Vancouver

* Tanveer Gill of Kelowna

* Sheila Gilmour of North Vancouver

* Chris Grauer of Naramata

* Judy Hagen of Heriot Bay

* Paul Helpard of Comox

* Brian Hutchinson of North Vancouver

* John Jennings of West Vancouver

* Tewanee Joseph of North Vancouver

* Darlene Kalawsky of Castlegar

* Kalliana King of Cowichan Bay

* Silvano 'Sam' Lenarduzzi of North Vancouver

* Carlene Lewall of Delta

* Alice Maitland of Hazelton

* Pamela Mar of Nanaimo

* Jeremy McCall of Vancouver

* Jim Milina of Comox

* John Murphy of Vanderhoof

* John O'Fee of Kamloops

* Lui Passaglia of Coquitlam

* Marc Pelech of Surrey

* Bill Stewart of Surrey

* Robert 'Bob' Stewart of Burnaby

* Nettie Stupnikoff of Castlegar

* Tom Weegar of Port Alberni

* Sheryl Williamson of Vancouver

An independent advisory council selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards. This year's council members are Mayor Peter Fassbender of Langley, Mayor Mary Sjostrom of Quesnel, Kim Capri of Vancouver, and past recipients Patrick Kelly of Victoria (2009) and George Puil of Vancouver (2008).

The British Columbia Community Achievement Awards are generously sponsored by Postmedia Network whose presence in B.C. includes daily newspapers, The Vancouver Sun, The Province and Times Colonist and Postmedia Community Publishing.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent organization established and endowed by the Province of B.C. to celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise and community service. Launched in 2003, the awards were the first initiative of the foundation, followed by the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, B.C.'s National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for First Nations' Art, and the B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards.

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Jamie Edwardson

Communications Manager

Ministry of Finance

250 356-9872 Nora Newlands

Executive Director

BC Achievement Foundation

604 618-6949

BACKGROUNDER

For Immediate Release

2011PREM0035-000424

April 20, 2011 Office of the Premier

BC Achievement Foundation

Biographies of 2011 Recipients

The late Edna Anderson, New Westminster

Known as "The Queen of Queensborough" Edna Anderson championed her New Westminster neighbourhood as its unofficial historian and valued community contributor. A founding member of the Queensborough Special Programs Committee, Edna was also instrumental in the establishment of the Community Centre and the Historical Mural Millenium Project. Edna has left a strong and inspirational legacy for her community.

Debra Arnott, Cache Creek

Debra Arnott is a community leader and role model who promotes business and community economic development in the Central Interior as general manager of Community Futures Sun Country. Debra also supports a wide range of community initiatives as a volunteer including the Regional Literacy group, Thompson Rivers University, Regional Welcoming Communities, and the Historic Hat Creek Ranch to name a few.

Peter Ash, Langley

Peter Ash is a philanthropist and entrepreneur who reaches out to the less fortunate in the community and encourages his companies and staff to do the same. His contributions include supporting a shelter for homeless women in Vancouver's downtown eastside, the first homeless shelter in Langley and the new Canuck Place in Abbotsford. Of particular note is his dedication to Under the Same Sun, an international NGO he founded in Tanzania to support persons with albinism.

Johnson Su-sing Chow, Vancouver

A world-renowned artist, Professor Chow has contributed significantly to the artistic and cultural mosaic of British Columbia. He is the founding president of the Chinese Canadian Artists Federation in Vancouver, and a dedicated teacher and mentor who has taught at UBC and advised many in the community in the techniques of classical painting. Many social and charitable causes have benefitted from his generous donations of his artwork.

Rose Colledge, Tumbler Ridge

Over the past 17 years, Rose Colledge has committed her time and energy to ensuring that Tumbler Ridge is a vibrant and successful community. Rose is currently the women's outreach co-ordinator and has served as an elected councillor, president of the Tumbler Ridge Museum and a volunteer and board member of the Tumbler Ridge Community Arts Council.

Tim Cormode, Victoria

Tim Cormode founded the Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society in 1998, an organization that provides outdoor education programs that enrich the health and quality of life for youth, families and adults facing significant life challenges. As executive director, Tim's skills as a visionary, leader, motivator and fundraiser have created the opportunity for over 5,000 British Columbians with disabilities to experience the therapeutic values of nature.

Peter Couldwell, Quesnel

Peter Couldwell has served his community of Quesnel as a councillor for more than 20 years. He has also personally helped to raise close to $3million through his skills as a volunteer auctioneer for scores of events and organizations, including local charities, the Quesnel Community Foundation and the Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Jim Davidson, Smithers

A lifelong resident of the Bulkley Valley, Jim Davidson has worked to enhance the economic viability and sustainability of the town of Smithers and the regional district. Former mayor and councillor, he initiated significant infrastructure projects, improved the region's dairy industry, created positive working relationships with First Nations communities in the area, and was instrumental in establishing the Happy Valley School for the education of special needs children.

Alia Dharamsi, Vancouver

Alia is a first year student at UBC Medical School who is passionate about helping others in the community. From more than 500 hours of service at Canuck Place to tutoring and mentoring high school students to developing a wellness conference for inner city youth, Alia continually finds ways to empower others and to improve communities. Also, Alia has led UBC's Meal Exchange program that sources contributions to local food banks.

Ron Emerson, Vancouver

Ron Emerson has volunteered hundreds of hours to the Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon Division. Past chair of the board, Ron has contributed his leadership abilities, his fundraising skills and his business acumen for the benefit of the 600,000 British Columbians living with arthritis. Ron is an exemplary role model, serving the society with integrity and commitment.

John deCourcey Evans, Vancouver

John deCourcey Evans is a successful businessman, community leader and volunteer who has a passion for the arts, education and for improving the social welfare of British Columbians. He has served on the boards of the University of Victoria, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Canadian Craft Museum. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Dr. Peter Centre and serves as the chair of its foundation, ensuring its continued service to the community.

Tanveer Gill, Kelowna

Tanveer Gill, a first-year student in Nursing at UBC Okanagan, is committed to community activism and social justice. From founding diversity clubs to coaching to mentoring students to supporting worldwide initiatives addressing hunger and poverty, Tanveer is a positive role model for youth in British Columbia.

Sheila Gilmour, North Vancouver

For over fifty years, Sheila Gilmour has significantly contributed to her North Vancouver community. She was a founding member of the North Shore Community Foundation and the Lionsview Seniors' Planning Society. Sheila was also instrumental in the establishment of the forerunner to the North Shore Disability Resource Centre and volunteered with the Capilano Community Services Society where she was the first co-ordinator.

Chris Grauer, Naramata

Chris Grauer dedicates his services to the community through several organizations in the Okanagan Valley. For eighteen years, he has volunteered at the Penticton Soupateria where as a cook and purchaser he is part of the team that provides hot lunches to over 100 clients daily. At Criteraid, an animal sanctuary, Chris is a member of the board and an active volunteer.

Judy Hagen, Heriot Bay

Judy Hagen has demonstrated an outstanding volunteer spirit and commitment to her community of Quadra Island and the north coast of Vancouver Island. Judy is emergency social services director and supporter of the Speed Watch program, the Quadra Island Volunteer Fire Department, the Quadra Island Tourist Information Centre for the Old Age Pensioners and the Chamber of Commerce, and also presents dog safety programs in local schools and around the community.

Dr. Paul Helpard, Comox

Paul Helpard has made a critical impact in his community by championing programs for developmentally disabled children. He has sponsored an annual golf tournament, raising more than $200,000 for the Comox Valley Child Development Association. Further, Paul and his wife Christine have brought to the Comox Valley 'Lose the Training Wheel', a program that teaches children with special needs to ride a bicycle, thereby gaining their self-assurance and self-reliance.

Brian Hutchinson, North Vancouver

Brian Hutchinson, a Vancouver fire fighter contributes to the community on a provincial, national and international scale. He is an active volunteer with Muscular Dystrophy Canada having served in many capacities. Brian co-founded Engines for El Salvador, which later became Fire Fighters Without Borders Canada, providing decommissioned firefighting equipment and apparatus to needy fire departments around the world.

John Jennings, West Vancouver

John Jennings demonstrates an unwavering commitment to British Columbia health care. He served for eight years on the board of the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation, including two years as chair, raising funds to enhance the delivery of patient care. He is currently chair of the BC Cancer Foundation, where he supports its fundraising efforts on behalf of the BC Cancer Agency.

Tewanee Joseph, North Vancouver

A member of the Squamish First Nation, Tewanee Joseph is an extraordinary leader. His work as a councillor supported positive development and change in his community. As CEO of the Four Host First Nations Secretariat, he focused a tremendous spotlight on B.C.'s and Canada's Aboriginal Peoples during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Darlene Kalawsky, Castlegar

Darlene Kalawsky is dedicated to making her community a better place to live. Included in her many contributions are her involvement in projects for the Castlegar & District Public Library and initiatives of the Castlegar Arts Council. She is chair of the Communities in Bloom program and serves on the board of governors of Selkirk College.

Kalliana King, Cowichan Bay

Kalliana King is a remarkable young girl who has a special inner desire to help others.

Inspired by a young friend with Muscular Dystrophy two years ago, at age eight, she began a fundraising project. She sought pledges from family, friends, teachers and teammates, dyed her hair pink and then shaved it all off. Kalliana singlehandedly raised $14,600 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

June Lam, Vancouver

June Lam's leadership, initiative, attention to detail and enthusiasm have benefitted the faculty of science at UBC. He engaged in outreach work with Kids Help Phone, peer coaching, the Let's Talk Science project and he co-chaired the 2010 UBC Student Leadership Conference. Now a medical student, June has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to his community.

Silvano 'Sam' Lenarduzzi, North Vancouver

For over 40 years, Sam Lenarduzzi has contributed to the sport of soccer in British Columbia. First as a player, then as a coach and educator, he has reached more than 28,000 young soccer players throughout the province. His passion is soccer; his drive is contagious and his goal is to bring the benefits and enjoyment of soccer to every community.

Carlene Lewall, Delta

Carlene Lewall has given over 30 years of energetic and dedicated leadership to the Delta Gymnastics Society. She is motivated by her strong belief in the importance of youth athletics as a building block for a healthy and successful life. Carlene was instrumental in the development and building of the Delta Sport Development Centre and has participated on the Delta Sports Hall of Fame and Spirit of Delta committees.

Alice Maitland, Hazelton

Alice Maitland has served the Village of Hazelton as an elected official in capacities from councillor to regional district director to mayor, a position she has held for 34 years. Her influence spans all aspects of life in the area including adult education and the development of Hazelton as a unique community showcasing First Nations' culture and pioneer history. Alice has been a constant stabilizing force in her community and a strong voice for small, rural northern communities.

Pamela Mar, Nanaimo

From developing and delivering historical walking tours of downtown Nanaimo to heading a team that catalogued and repaired the large collection of Nanaimo Museum textiles, Pamela Mar is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of her region. Pamela has also volunteered with the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Auxiliary for over forty years.

Jim Milina, Comox

Jim Milina is a national ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Wheels in Motion event leader in the Comox Valley. Jim demonstrates every day his courage to move on after a life-changing injury and in so doing inspires others through motivational speeches and presentations to schools. Jim was the first quadriplegic to ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro, where he set a world altitude record.

John Murphy, Vanderhoof

John Murphy has been an active community volunteer for as long as Vanderhoof residents can remember. Contributing his knowledge, skills and enthusiasm, he is a 15-year volunteer

firefighter, a community and recreation fund raiser who led the effort to build a much-needed thirty-three unit seniors' residence and activity centre.

John O'Fee, Kamloops

John O'Fee's contributions to Kamloops and the Thompson Region are extensive. A school board chairperson, a director of the Kamloops Symphony Society, the Kamloops Parks and Recreation Commission and Venture Kamloops, John also served on city council for more than 11 years. He is president of the Thompson Rivers University Foundation and past president of the Kamloops Airport Society.

Marc Pelech, Surrey

A visual arts teacher and youth arts advocate in Surrey, Marc Pelech has created innovative programs to enhance his students' experience of art. As a community volunteer, he has dedicated over 17,000 hours to civic arts policy and civic youth-focused arts programs (Spirit of Youth Mural Project) and emergent website technology (Youth Visions), which empower youth and instil values of good citizenship.

Lori Slater, Fort St. John

Lori Slater has worked tirelessly for the goals of inclusion and accessibility in Fort St. John. The chair of the Mayor's Disability Advisory Committee, Lori also serves as chair of the Aging With Disabilities Committee, with the Rick Hansen Foundation Wheels in Motion, and was community liaison for the Measuring Up the North initiative.

Bill Stewart, Surrey

During his eighteen years as president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Vancouver, Bill Stewart rejuvenated the organization, guiding it to financial stability and significantly increasing its reach and impact. He has left a legacy that includes a successful capital campaign, a strategic plan for growth, and the Tong Louie and Robert Lee YMCAs. Bill Stewart champions healthy living and opportunities for children, youth, adults and seniors.

Robert (Bob) Stewart, Burnaby

Following a distinguished career in policing, Bob Stewart has dedicated his life to serving others. He is a longstanding leader of Variety - The Children's Charity and has contributed to the Mt. St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, Special Olympics BC, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver and the Motor Dealer Council of BC. Bob was the founding chair of the Justice Institute and a founding member of Crime Stoppers Vancouver.

Nettie Stupnikoff, Castlegar

Nettie Stupnikoff has been a leader in supporting and improving health care in Castlegar for many years. As president of the Castlegar & District Hospital Auxiliary, she personally oversaw the building of a new facility for the auxiliary's thrift shop, thus providing increased funding for health care equipment and services. She currently chairs the Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation that raises funds for the Community Health Centre & Talarico Place.

Tom Weegar, Port Alberni

The impact of Tom Weegar's volunteer leadership of the Literacy Alberni Society is significant. He has established funding, a group of volunteers to serve on the board and tutors to support its many literacy programs. The results of his work are measurable: many new Canadians and literacy-challenged individuals are receiving much needed help in reading and writing, therefore improving their opportunities for employment and further education.

Sheryl Williamson, Vancouver

Sheryl Williamson works to improve the downtown neighbourhood of Vancouver's West End. As chair of the West End Citizens' Action Network (WECAN), Sheryl seeks solutions to social and neighbourhood issues through problem solving and community cohesion. She has also worked with Our House West Coast Society, Friends of St. Paul's Hospital and currently serves on the Vancouver Police Board.

Contacts:

Jamie Edwardson

Communications Manager

Ministry of Finance

250 356-9872 Nora Newlands

Executive Director

BC Achievement Foundation

604 618-6949

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect