Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Terry Yung, a well-known Vancouver citizen, with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.
The ceremony will be held Thursday, March 30 at 11:30 a.m. at S.U.C.C.E.S.S, 28 West Pender St., Vancouver.
Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious 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.Terry Yung will be honoured with the medal for his devotion to an organization that helps create a world of multicultural harmony and helping newcomers to Canada integrate into society and fulfil their professional aspirations for success.
As one of the largest non-profit social service agencies in British Columbia, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has a mission to build bridges and foster integration through services in settlement, senior’s care, and affordable housing. Yung has been a strong supporter of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for twenty years: first as a volunteer, then as an instructor for youth employment training and seniors’ safety programs, and most recently completing a six-year term as a board director where he chaired the Governance, Human Resources and Nominations Committees, as well as serving as vice chair.As a dedicated individual who is committed to youth leadership development and employment training, Yung has helped youth and newcomers find employment so they could fulfil professional aspirations in their new country and become contributing Canadians.
His service to community and countless hours of volunteering include developing new and effective solutions for process improvement. As an example, he led the review of the society bylaws with the goal of increasing efficiency at the board level. In addition, during his tenure as the chair of the Governance Committee, Yung not only led recruitment for new board members based on the skill sets required, but also ensured succession planning is in place for board continuity and sustainability.In addition to his community service to S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Yung served on the board of Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver for 13 years, and as president of the Vancouver Cambie Lions Club. Yung also volunteers on organizing committees for community events such as the annual Chinese New Year Parade. He currently sits on the Community Security Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver to build safer and more connected neighbourhoods.
Yung is a member of the Vancouver Police Department.
Yung is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.
Quotes:
Premier Christy Clark –
“British Columbia and Vancouver are the envy of the world because we have welcomed people from around the world, and helped them set down roots. That doesn’t happen by accident – it takes people like Terry Yung, who go the extra mile to make sure newcomers feel at home and have a chance to live their dreams.”
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee –
“The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes the people in our province who generously and selflessly volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better. It was inspiring to work with the selection committee to review nominations and see how one person can make a difference. This year, as we celebrate Canada s 150th anniversary, it is important to recognize individuals who make their communities and, ultimately, their country better.”
Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism –
“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been a pioneering force in fostering multicultural harmony and fostering integration. Individuals who are passionate about its vision, like Terry Yung who has devoted countless hours to it and other important organizations to our society, are vital to its immediate work and long-term future.”
Dr. Moira Stilwell, MLA for Vancouver-Langara –
“Terry has so willingly and freely shared his time and skills to supporting the community around him. He is a positive role model, creating opportunities and shining the way for youth and newcomers to be future leaders and powerful contributors to society.”
Terry Yung, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –
“Through volunteerism we strengthen our communities by helping others. We build stronger neighbourhoods when we are connected and engaged with each other. I am honoured to be a recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship, but the real reward is seeing people succeed.”
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.
- An independent selection committee reviews, nominates and recommends recipients.
- All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.
Learn More:
To learn more about the medal, or to nominate a good citizen in your community, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship
To view photos of recipient ceremonies, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskw9MKjm
Find out more about past recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/honours-and-awards/medal-good-citizenship/recipients