Award Year: 2005

For nearly 60 years, Dorothy Dodge has contributed selflessly to community life in Lytton. From taking on the challenge to setting up and maintaining the Lytton community cemetery, to becoming the first volunteer curator at the newly formed museum as well as positions at the Hospital Auxilary and local Legion Branch, Dorothy promotes volunteerism and community spirit with her energy and tireless work ethic. Dorothy exemplifies the spirit of imagination, dedication and commitment.

Dr. Donald McKenzie, a sport medicine expert, has changed the lives of women after breast cancer. Through his groundbreaking research project, Don challenged a longstanding medical myth that women with breast cancer should not compete in strenuous upper body exercise. He launched a program in 1996 called Abreast in a Boat where Vancouver breast cancer survivors trained and competed in the annual Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival. The project showed that paddling improved not only the physical health of its participants but also the mental health. Today, over 2000 Abreast in a Boat paddlers in British Columbia and throughout the world participate, all as a result of Dr. McKenzie’s deep personal and professional commitment.

Although still a senior in high school, Travis Wong has already proven to be an accomplished role model and leader. Travis has been active in his Burnaby South school community and at the district level. A volunteer since the age of 12, he has given his time to coach at the Burnaby Barracudas Swim Club, at camps with Burnaby Parks & Recreation and SFU, and at the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World. He has helped at a senior’s care home and most recently, Travis has volunteered extensively with the British Columbia Youth Parliament. Travis is an outstanding young British Columbian who makes a difference in so many ways.

Jeff Dowle is an outstanding community leader in the business community of Vancouver. He has served for many years on the executive of the Vancouver Board of Trade and has led its Spirit of Vancouver campaign. Jeff is a strong supporter of the Leaders of Tomorrow Program which shapes the business, political and civic leaders of the future. Executive Vice President of HSBC Bank Canada, Jeff is also a founding council member of the Segal Graduate School of Business at Simon Fraser University. Further, Jeff has been and effective and respected contributor to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, not only as an active Board member and fundraiser but also as a past Chair of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon.

Laurae McNally has a long and distinguished history of dedicated service to the City of White Rock and the community of South Surrey. She has worked tirelessly in strengthening and building the community with her passion for people, education, sports and the underprivileged. She has volunteered on many community boards in the areas of civic improvement, arts and culture, health and child and family development. One of her major involvements is her over 20-year commitment as a trustee on the Surrey schoolboard where she has championed unique and innovative programs and promoted the well-being of students in the area.

Maureen Enser is a spirited British Columbian deeply committed to her community and her work at the Urban Development Institute. As part of her work, Maureen successfully brings together the community with the development industry and promotes the industry’s goals of wise and efficient land use, healthy communities, sustainability and standards of excellence. Maureen was a driving force in the campaign that raised funds to provide emergency care and housing through the YWCA Crabtree Corner for women and children in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and she has served on the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association and the Vancouver Resource Centre for the Physically Disabled.

Bill McNulty contributes not to one community but to many: the City of Richmond, BC High School Sports, BC athletics, Athletics Canada, Rotary Club and the University of British Columbia. A Councilor for the City of Richmond since 1993, he is a visible and approachable community leader whose door is always open. He is passionate about sport and his vision includes the value sport brings to the community. As a coach, official and administrator, his contributions have been, and continue to be immeasurable. Bill has served as a member of the UBC Senate for fifteen years and president of the UBC Alumni Association.

George Evans is honoured today for his truly remarkable achievements in assisting with the fire-ravaged communities of the North Thompson Valley. Without hesitation, Mr. Evans launched a relief effort out of his own business, organized a board of directors, lobbied national corporations and others for support, and oversaw the reconstruction of uninsured homes. Today, the North Thompson Relief Fund has raised $3.3 million in private donations. A tenacious leader, George continues to help rebuild the region serving on the Economic Development Advisory Commission for the North Thompson Valley. George is commended for his selfless contributions, considerable personal sacrifice and his untold hours of personal time and effort into helping the people of the North Thompson Valley.