Finance Minister Mike de Jong, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, today presented Dave Holmberg, a well-known Abbotsford citizen with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

Launched in July 2015 by Premier Christy Clark, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.

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Dave Homberg received the medal for his ongoing volunteer and philanthropic contributions to the city. Mr. Holmberg has been actively involved in dozens of community projects and services including the building of the 10km Discovery Trail in Abbotsford. He has worked tirelessly for countless fundraising drives, many of which have resulted in bursaries and major equipment and building projects for organizations such as the Salvation Army, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley, Ledgeview Golf and Country Club and the 4-H Club.

In particular, Mr. Holmberg’s efforts have resulted in the building of the first free-standing hospice facility in Abbotsford on the Campus of Care. He and his wife, Lee, spearheaded the fundraising activities and contributed significantly through their personal donations after they tragically lost a son to illness in 2011.

Holmberg House, named in memory of Dave Holmberg Jr. is a gift to the city of Abbotsford and was built by the donations and gifts-in-kind from many generous volunteers, staff, civic and provincial governments and community members – but it would not have been possible without Holmberg.

Holmberg is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship. The medal was presented at a ceremony at the Abbotsford Hospice Society offices.

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Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark –

“It takes real courage to not only recover from family tragedy, but to use it as a spur to help others. Because of his tireless efforts, Holmberg House will make a positive difference in people’s lives for generations to come.”

Mike de Jong, Minister of Finance –

“The Fraser Valley is blessed with many exceptional people and Dave Holmberg stands out among those as a true community builder. His leadership on many projects that improve the quality of life of our citizens has been exemplary.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee –

“There are many people who generously volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better and this honour acknowledges their excellence, achievement and service. The time spent reviewing nominations was inspiring, and it reinforced to me that we live in a province where each and every day citizens can make a difference through their generosity and selflessness.”

Dave Holmberg, recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship –

“My family and I are extremely proud and happy to receive this most prestigious honour recognizing good citizenship.

“We ran a successful business in our community for over 40 years. Our success was achieved by integrity, hard work, and respect for employees, customer and suppliers which built long-lasting relationships. It is these relationships that bring a community together when there is a need and have resulted in community achievement of many projects that supported youth, economic development and services in Abbotsford. I have been proud to be part of the many organizations that make our community great including Ledgeview Golf & Country Club, Salvation Army, Abbotsford Airshow, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley, Corrections Canada, Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association, Economic Development Board, Discovery Trail, Abbotsford Airport, and of course the Abbotsford Hospice Society’s Holmberg House.”

Quick Facts:

• The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched in 2015 to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
• Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
• All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.
• More than 220 nominations were reviewed.
• Additional medal presentation ceremonies will be held across the province in the coming months.

Learn More:

To learn more about individuals who have previously received the medal, the selection committee, the medal or to nominate a good citizen in your community: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship

Previous Medal of Good Citizenship Recipients:

John Phare, a tree faller from Roberts Creek, who was posthumously honoured with the medal last fall after he was killed while fighting the Old Sechelt Mine fire in July: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015PREM0070-001660

Joan LeMoine, a well-known Parksville citizen and community ambassador was honoured with the medal for her contribution to many Parksville organizations and events: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016IGR0003-000496

Judith Armstrong and Nick Marsden, two Victoria citizens were honoured with the medal for their decades of dedication to British Columbians with developmental disabilities: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016IGR0004-000520

Patricia Housty, a Bella Bella citizen, was honoured for being a generous volunteer, role model and community caretaker within the Heiltsuk First Nation. Housty is the first aboriginal person to receive the medal: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016IGR0005-000582