Award Year: 2005

Donna Barnett is a tremendous advocate for her community of 100 Mile House and the South Cariboo region. Mayor since 1996, Donna has overseen many initiatives which have benefited her area. In addition, she has given thousands of volunteer hours to community organizations and charities including South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, South Cariboo Health Council and other civic, educational and recreational groups. Mayor Donna Barnett is tireless in her efforts to better the lives of the people of the South Cariboo.

Magdalen R. Leung demonstrates an enormous enthusiasm and love for Richmond, chairing fundraising initiatives and community events, acting as an advocate for the arts, and promoting volunteerism. A resident for 32 years, Magdalen promotes multiculturalism to ensure full community support for causes that improve the lives of all residents. Magdalen works with organizations ranging from the Richmond Community Arts Council and the Richmond Hospital Foundation to her current roles on the board of the Richmond Community Foundation and the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club.

Mary Toynbee has devoted many volunteer hours to improving life for seniors on Salt Spring Island. She volunteered initially with the Salt Spring Island Community Centre and helped established a senior’s drop-in centre. In answer to the concerns that senior members of the Salt Spring Island community that had to leave the Island as they could not continue to maintain their home, Mary challenged her fellow seniors to join with her to create the Gulf Island Seniors Residence Association. Over the next 6 years, the Association conceived, developed and constructed Meadowbrook, a non-profit seniors’ supportive living facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Gulf Islands.

Gordon Bell’s imagination and determination has resulted in the building of the Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town located between Revelstoke and Sicamous. Gordon and his wife Ethel have devoted 45 years to establishing this major heritage attraction which provides employment and economic benefit to their community. Whether it’s saving a turn-of-the-century church from Field or the Craigallachie schoolhouse or collecting and restoring railroad artifacts, Gordon has built a legacy to showcase and preserve BC’s history. Further, Gordon has distinguished himself as one of BC’s most effective advocates for the importance of tourism in the province.

Artist Michelle Loughery designed and painted 26 historical murals in downtown Vernon, a project which is an outstanding success not only as it celebrates the area’s heritage and culture but it is also a major tourism draw. Michelle’s talent is unquestionable but it was her creation of this art on the street that was so significant in her community. It mobilized citizens to work together with a sense of pride. Most importantly, Michelle involved 75 youth at risk on the project. Michelle is more than an artist, but rather a mentor to the community’s youth and a public relations ambassador for Vernon.

In the late 80’s, John Van Spronsen determined that the youth of Dawson Creek needed a recreational facility. He took it upon himself to make this a reality and now ‘the Ark Christian Youth Centre’ provides leisure opportunities to all youth regardless of financial situation, ethnicity or religion. The Centre has become a valuable amenity, fostering understanding and tolerance and providing a refuge for the community’s youth. John continues to fund the Arc personally. He is described as an “inspiration to his community” and one whose vision and commitment has made Dawson Creek a better place to live.

Dr. George Magee has given yeoman’s service to his community for more than 35 years. In addition to providing quality medical care to local residents, he has played an important role in many community projects and activities. As an active members of the Rotary Club of Burns Lake, he helped complete important recreation facilities. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Rod Reid Nature Trail, donating much of the land for the trail system. Now retired, he continues to be passionate about his profession and especially the recruitment of doctors for rural service. He is a member of the University of Northern British Columbia’s Medical Endowment Fundraising Committee.

In the late 80’s, John Van Spronsen determined that the youth of Dawson Creek needed a recreational facility. He took it upon himself to make this a reality and now ‘the Ark Christian Youth Centre’ provides leisure opportunities to all youth regardless of financial situation, ethnicity or religion. The Centre has become a valuable amenity, fostering understanding and tolerance and providing a refuge for the community’s youth. John continues to fund the Arc personally. He is described as an “inspiration to his community” and one whose vision and commitment has made Dawson Creek a better place to live.

Alex Campbell, renowned for his founding of the Thrifty Food Store chain, has demonstrated outstanding business, community and philanthropic leadership throughout Vancouver Island for many years. Today, it is his continuing dedication to the BC Cancer Foundation on Vancouver Island that we are honouring. Alex chaired the Daring to Believe campaign which raised $6.4 million, enabling the development of a state-of-the-art cancer research centre in Victoria. Mr. Campbell has continued his steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds to further cancer research by agreeing to Chair the BC Cancer Foundation’s Vancouver Island on-going Advisory Council which has as its goal to raise $1million annually.