VANCOUVER - Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, today named this year's recipients of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.

"I am pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of this year's Community Achievement Awards recipients," said Premier Clark. "Charity begins at home, that's what I've always believed and I want to thank these remarkable British Columbians for giving their time, dedication and energy to make a positive difference in their communities and our province."

"The community achievement awards honour individuals who have made a significant contribution either as a volunteer or in the course of their work," said Mitchell. "Today's recipients contribute in many areas - health, education, multiculturalism, arts and culture, environment, philanthropy, and youth or seniors' leadership, among others."

The recipients of the 2012 awards are:

* Ron Antalek of Maple Ridge

* Dr. Roger H. Barnsley of Parksville

* Catherine Belleau of Alkali Lake

* Jerome Bouvier of Coquitlam

* Romi Chandra Herbert of Vancouver

* Michael Chiu of Richmond

* Russ & Ellen Cmolik of Surrey

* Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia & Sergio Cocchia of West Vancouver

* Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins of Victoria

* Ambo Dhaliwal of Kamloops

* David Dickson of Williams Lake

* Dr. Andrew Eisen of Vancouver

* Al Etmanski & Vickie Cammack of Surrey

* Joyce Fraser of Princeton

* Lorna Gibbs of Vancouver

* Anne Hebert of Trail * Werner Heine of 100 Mile House

* Debra Hewson of West Vancouver

* Larry Jorgenson of Bella Bella

* David Sanghyuck Kim of Nanaimo

* Kelly Klein of North Vancouver

* Alan Markwart of Victoria

* Joe Martin of Tofino

* Mary McGhee of Harrison Mills

* Grace Nielsen of Nanaimo

* Virginia Russell of Prince George

* Glen Saunders of Prince Rupert

* Leonard Schein of Vancouver

* Trevis (Wes) Sissons of Quesnel

* Brad Skeats of Vancouver

* Daphne Solecki of Vancouver

* Donna Spencer of Vancouver

* Steve Wilson of West Vancouver

* Wolfgang Zimmermann of Port Alberni

An independent advisory council selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards. This year's council members are Mayor Larry Cross of Sidney, Mayor Mary Sjostrom of Quesnel, and past recipients Marlene Grinnell of Langley (2006), Patrick Kelly of Victoria (2009) and Jane Frost of Vancouver (2006).

The recipients of the 2012 British Columbia Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 25, 2012. Each will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

The British Columbia Community Achievement Awards are generously sponsored by Postmedia Network publishers of The Vancouver Sun and The Province.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation 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:

Sara MacIntyre
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 580-7701

Nora Newlands
Executive Director
BC Achievement Foundation
604 618-6949

Learn more about the BC Achievement Foundation at: www.bcachievement.com

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

BACKGROUNDER

March 30, 2012 Office of the Premier

B.C. Achievement Foundation

Biographies of 2012 Recipients

Ron Antalek, Maple Ridge

Ron Antalek is a lifetime Maple Ridge resident who generously supports his community through philanthropy and volunteer service. From a major donation to Ridge Meadows Hospital for the expansion of the psychiatric treatment unit to support of the Ridge Meadow Hospice Society and Cythera Transition House, Ron is a positive force in his community.

Dr. Roger Barnsley, Parksville

A visionary educator, Dr. Roger Barnsley provided leadership for the growth and success of Thompson Rivers University (TRU). His substantial achievements as president and vice-chancellor include the transition of TRU into an internationally recognized university, the expansion of the BC Open University Distance curriculum, the support for Aboriginal learning and the recognition of Kamloops as a modern university city.

Catherine Belleau, Alkali Lake

Catherine Belleau pioneered the day-care program at Alkali Lake. She has demonstrated gentle, loving support for the children in her community for more than thirty years. Catherine has consistently upgraded her qualifications and passed along her knowledge to the next generation of childcare providers. She continues today to serve the children and youth of her Esk'etemc community.

Jerome Bouvier, Coquitlam

Jerome Bouvier is executive director of the award-winning PoCoMo Youth Services Society and the innovator of a unique program that reaches out to youth who are street involved and at risk in the Tri-Cities. Based on establishing relationships with youth, the Project Reach Out Bus travels to areas where youth gather, provides support and services, and as a result, positively affects the lives of young people.

Romi Chandra Herbert, Vancouver

Romi Chandra Herbert has played a pivotal role in diversity education and awareness in the Province. As a respected youth worker, community volunteer, and activist for LGBTQ rights, Romi promotes communities that celebrate diversity in all its many forms. Romi has worked with, among others, PeerNetBC, Qmunity, Northshore Multicultural Society and has given diversity training sessions to schools, businesses, unions and community groups.

Michael Chiu, Richmond

For over 30 years, Michael Chiu has volunteered his time and energy to a wide spectrum of organizations. He serves as a director of Tourism Richmond, Volunteer Richmond Information Services, Richmond Community Foundation, Strathcona Employment Assistance Services and was a founding member of both the Richmond Chinese Community Society and the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club.

Russ and Ellen Cmolik, Surrey

Russ and Ellen Cmolik are deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of young people in their community. They are extraordinary philanthropists who believe in the transformative power of education. The Cmoliks provide generous scholarships to post secondary institutions for students who otherwise would not be able to attend. As well, they support opportunities for younger students that highlight life's possibilities and the students' own potential.

Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and Sergio Cocchia, West Vancouver

Wendy Lisogar Cocchia and Sergio Cocchia demonstrate exemplary commitment to their community not only as successful business entrepreneurs but also as strong supporters of children's charities and community institutions. Variety, the Children's Charity, the Pacific Autism Family Centre, the Mediated Learning Academy, the Vancouver Board of Trade, and the Vancouver Police Foundation are examples of organizations that have benefitted from the Cocchia's generosity and efforts.

Dr. Ewa Czaykowska-Higgins, Victoria

Dr. Czaykowska-Higgins, a linguistics scholar at the University of Victoria was a director of the Coast Salish Language Revitalization Project. Her ability to foster collaboration and respect among the academic and more than 100 First Nation participants was critical to the project's success in revitalizing two First Nations' languages and providing the tools to reclaim further languages.

Ambo Dhaliwal, Kamloops

Ambo Dhaliwal is a lifelong volunteer in the areas of multiculturalism, health care, education, civic duty, philanthropy and seniors' leadership. Her special interests over the past forty years include the Evening Auxiliary to the Royal Inland Hospital, the Kamloops' Multicultural Society, the Cariboo Regional Immigrant Services Society and the Sikh Cultural Society.

David Dickson, Williams Lake

David Dickson is committed to the safety of the citizens of Williams Lake. As Safer Communities Coordinator working with the Williams Lake RCMP, David has initiated and expanded programs that have positively contributed to the reduction in crime in the area. As well, David is the director of the Williams Lake Emergency Support Services Team and serves as a Governor on the Board of Thompson Rivers University.

Dr. Andrew Eisen, Vancouver

A pioneer in the field of clinical neurophysiology, Dr. Andrew Eisen is BC's leader in the field of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In the 1980's, Dr. Eisen established the ALS Clinic, the first primary care centre for ALS in Western Canada. He was a founding director of the ALS Society of BC and through his research, teaching and patient care, he has inspired his colleagues and enhanced the quality of life for people with ALS.

Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack, Surrey

Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack are visionary social thinkers. In 1989, they co-founded Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network Society (PLAN), a support network that enables B.C. parents to plan for the future security of their children with disabilities. Adopted across Canada and around the world, PLAN and its related organizations Tyze Personal Network and PLAN Institute for Caring Citizenship have had a monumental impact on the wellbeing of communities everywhere.

Joyce Fraser, Princeton

Joyce Fraser represents the best in community service. In 1973, she identified a need in her area for transportation and home support for seniors. Subsequently, she established and managed for 29 years the Princeton and District Community Services Society. From creating a training centre for the developmentally disabled to supportive housing, Joyce has had a remarkable effect on her community.

Lorna Gibbs, Vancouver

Lorna Gibbs is an eloquent and passionate volunteer in southeast Vancouver. Lorna has firmly advocated for enhanced seniors' services and an activity centre. She is a director of both the Champlain Heights and Killarney Community Centres, vice-president of South Van Neighbourhood House and President of the Southeast Vancouver Seniors' Art & Cultural Society and co-ordinates the local Earth Day celebrations.

Anne Hebert, Trail

Anne began her career as a dedicated volunteer at the age of 65. She performs a variety of services for others, always willingly and always with a smile. For sixteen years, she has volunteered at the Salvation Army Family Services and Food Bank, has supported the Poplar Ridge Pavilion and also serves as a Director of the Trail Branch of the BC Senior Citizens' Association.

Werner Heine, 100 Mile House

Werner Heine works tirelessly for the sport of soccer in the South Cariboo. An accomplished coach, fundraiser and tournament organizer, Werner believes strongly that the benefits of sport to youth go far beyond the game. He was the driving force in the development of tournament-quality fields, bringing to the area in 2011 its first Provincial championship.

Debra Hewson, West Vancouver

Business leader, Debra Hewson is co-chair of the 2011-12 United Way Campaign, which successfully raised $30 million for the community. She has also served as a director of MusicFest Vancouver and the Arts Club Theatre. As the CEO of Odlum Brown, Debra is dedicated to increasing the firm's philanthropic support of organizations such as Junior Achievement, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver Opera, and the Vancouver Symphony.

Larry Jorgenson, Bella Bella

Larry Jorgenson's thirty-three years in the Heiltsuk First Nation is characterized by his meaningful contributions to youth, education, culture, economic development and environment. He has driven initiatives and partnerships in these sectors that have strengthened the community of Bella Bella. His founding of Qqs (EYES) Project Society in 1999, works further to achieve the goals of building community, empowering local culture and protecting the territory.

David Sanghyuck Kim, Nanaimo

From an early age, university student David Kim has made a difference in every community in which he has lived and studied. From volunteering, fundraising, mentoring in his high school years to his current activities at the University of British Columbia, David has shown exemplary leadership and community involvement, always striving for positive change.

Kelly Klein, North Vancouver

Kelly Klein improves the lives of special needs and disabled residents on the North Shore. As a licensed residential home administrator, she is known for the extraordinary skill, compassion and care she brings to her clients. As Local Co-ordinator of Special Olympics BC, Kelly volunteers countless hours for the benefit of the athletes.

Alan Markwart, Victoria

For 40 years, Alan Markwart has effectively advocated for the youth of our Province in the field of youth justice. He has pioneered community-based alternatives to custody and developed restorative justice programs. Alan has overseen Canada's first provincial Child and Youth Mental Health Plan. He has served youth, victims and the community with great distinction and inspired colleagues with his leadership and innovation.

Joe Martin, Tofino

Master carver, Joe Martin of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation fosters cross cultural understanding in his community. He is a teacher and a mentor and a true ambassador for Clayoquot Sound, its people, its cultural heritage and its natural beauty. He was a founder of the Tonquin Foundation preserving the maritime history of the area and the Carving on the Edge Festival, a celebration of the westcoast carver.

Mary McGhee, Harrison Mills

Mary McGhee has had a profound impact on the community of Harrison Mills. For the past 50 years, she has served in every capacity on each of the Boards, clubs, associations and societies in the community. From the Kilby Historic Site to the Harrison Community Club to the Fraser River Heritage Historical Society, Mary's contributions are immeasurable.

Grace Nielsen, Nanaimo

Grace Nielsen is a leader in the field of social service innovation. She has created a legacy for generations of Aboriginal families with her groundbreaking work in the Friendship Centre movement. Current executive director of the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre which serves approximately 30,000 people per year, Grace successfully advocates for improved housing, human rights, health, education and employment.

Virginia Russell, Prince George

Virginia Russell, a UNBC New Alumni of the Year recipient, has been dedicated to the areas of social justice, indigenous health and women's issues. A role model for young women in northern and rural BC, Virginia has contributed to organizations such as the Prince George Hospice Society, the Prince George New Hope Society and the BC Cancer Agency's LACE Cervical screening campaign.

Glen Saunders, Prince Rupert

Business leader Glen Saunders has consistently stepped forward to initiate and support projects that enhance his community and encourage civic pride. Glen's strength is his enthusiasm for the future of Prince Rupert. Among his many achievements, Glen led a unique initiative that resulted in a 'painting makeover' of buildings in the downtown core and Cow Bay waterfront.

Leonard Schein, Vancouver

Leonard Schein is a leader in the community who has served as Board Chair of the BC & Yukon Division of the Canadian Cancer Society overseeing a substantial fundraising campaign, engaging partnerships and increasing awareness. Further, Leonard is committed to the arts and culture of the city, as founder of the Vancouver International Film Festival and now President of Festival Cinemas.

Trevis (Wes) Sissons, Quesnel

Wes Sissons is an extraordinary grandparent and key member of the family at Riverview Elementary, an inner city school in Quesnel. From fundraising for computers and smartboards to organizing and cooking lunches to driving for field trips, Riverview Elementary benefits every day and in many ways from Wes' strong commitment to every student's learning experience.

Brad Skeats, Vancouver

Brad Skeats is an invaluable member of the volunteer team at Vancouver's Canuck Place. He has donated over 2,500 hours to support families and children facing serious illness and bereavement. He has been instrumental in facilitating the growth and development of the organization's volunteer program. Brad exemplifies the strength of volunteerism.

Daphne Solecki, Vancouver

Daphne Solecki has shared her lifelong love of nature by launching a program for families and schools that introduces children to BC's diverse natural heritage. As a result, The Young Naturalists' Clubs of BC have shown more than 10,000 children BC's wild spaces and species. Daphne has inspired a generation of young people with a connection to and responsibility for the environment.

Donna Spencer, Vancouver

Donna Spencer has been at the forefront of theatre and dance in Vancouver for more than 30 years. She is one of the founding directors of the Firehall Arts Centre and the founder of the Dancing on the Edge Festival and continues to serve both as Artistic Producer. Among her many contributions is her commitment to offering culturally diverse productions and engaging the residents of the Downtown Eastside with the Firehall Arts Centre.

Steve Wilson, West Vancouver

Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) has tremendously benefitted from the leadership, enthusiasm and commitment of Steve Wilson. He strongly believes in the value of building business education and financial literacy programs for youth. As a board member and past Chair and a constant ambassador, he has significantly enhanced JABC's governance and financial practices, its reach and its programs.

Wolfgang Zimmermann, Port Alberni

Wolfgang Zimmermann is an internationally recognized leader in workplace safety and disability management. He has overseen the establishment in Port Alberni of the National Institute of Disability Management and Research and the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences. As executive director, his foresight and tenacity will benefit workers not only provincially but also worldwide.

Contacts:

Sara MacIntyre
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 580-7701

Nora Newlands
Executive Director
BC Achievement Foundation
604 618-6949

Learn more about the BC Achievement Foundation at: www.bcachievement.com

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