Award Year: 2006

“Our school is a better place because of Amy Cunningham” writes her nominator, the principal of Dease Lake School. An exceptional young woman who leads quietly by example, Amy has served for three years on her Student Council while achieving honour roll status. She has spearheaded fundraisers, dances and theme days, and has been a Girl Guide leader where she devoted her time and energy to helping young girls become better citizens. She rolls up her sleeves and gets right down to work whenever there is need. Her courtesy and respectfulness set an example for other students. We commend Amy for her leadership and wish her well in her future endeavours.

Simon Jackson is truly one of BC’s most gifted articulate, motivated and dedicated young men, a youth leader who has been featured in Time Magazine as one of the Heroes of the Planet. At 13 years old, Simon founded the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition whose efforts have successfully protected the spirit bear’s last intact habitat, the Great Bear Rainforest. He has inspired and acquired millions of youth supporters who have joined his organization. Simon is the Chair of the FORED BC Board of Directors which is committed to education about the environment and its natural resources and he is a dynamic speaker on sustainability issues worldwide. Simon is only in his early twenties but has proven already the “power of one”.

For over 30 years, Linda Tanaka has promoted arts and culture in the community of Salmon Arm. Under her guidance, the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival has expanded from a five- act show in a concert hall to the largest multicultural festival in the interior, fostering tourism and providing tremendous economic opportunities for local business. Linda has also participated in the Salmon Arm Spinners and Weavers Club, the Salmon Arm Folk Music Society and the Salmon Arm Children’s Festival. Linda’s singularly strong vision has enriched not only the cultural but also the economic fabric of her community.

Anita Dadson has worked tirelessly for more than 30 years advocating for the development of community services for people with developmental and severe physical disabilities. She was instrumental in the establishment of the first children’s group home in BC. and helped found the North Shore Disability Resource Centre where she has held numerous positions. She is President of the Board of the Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society, working on housing and transportation issues relating to seniors and the disabled community. She is a past president of the BC Association of Community Living and is current President of BC Family Network. Anita is a caring and committed individual who has worked and continues to work hard for the betterment of her community.

Wendy Lai is a self-motivated and energetic volunteer in her school and community. She works in the Hastings Community Centre as a member of the youth Council and has been an integral part of many projects such as Breakfast with Santa, Summer Day Camp, Big Brothers Mentoring Program, pre-teen dances, fundraising and more. Wendy has served on the Templeton School Student Council and planned food drives, spirit dances, and a 30 hour famine. She has mentored a group of grade eight students, helping them through their first year of high school. Wendy is known as very motivated, responsible and full of ideas.

In 1990, at age 29, Jim Terrion walked across Canada to raise money and awareness for the deaf and hearing-impaired, specifically to help stage the 12th World Winter Games for the Deaf to be held in Calgary. Now, 16 years later, Jim is still raising money and awareness. Each year, he personally visits every business and residence in Prince George to collect pledges for the Terry Fox Run. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious and he has raised almost $400,000 in support of cancer research. Jim is a loved and respected member of the Prince Rupert community and has come to be expected knocking on doors with a “big smile and pledge sheet in hand”.

Kate Dearden and Samantha Doney have been nominated for this award for the difference they have made in their community of Oak Bay High School and in the broader community of Greater Victoria. As the co-coordinators of the Oak Bay High School Cops for Cancer campaign, Kate and Samantha have helped to raise more than $30,000 for cancer awareness and research. The have displayed a tireless and infectious work ethic throughout the planning and implementation stages of the campaign challenging themselves each year to come up with more creative ways to fund raise. Their ability to inspire a community to is second to none. These girls leave a legacy of strong social responsibility for younger students as they move on to university.

David Lamson is an activist who wants the best for his community, specifically involving the river and fish habitat. Following the Chilliwack River floods in 1989/90 and the disputes that followed, David demonstrated an ability to see the situation from all sides. He helped bridge the gap by forming the Chilliwack River Action Committee, which enabled the concerned community groups to work together. Through his resourcefulness, inclusiveness, integrity and plain dogged persistence, David encourages his community to find common goals towards a happier, healthier and safer place to live, work and enjoy recreationally.

Mr. Varshney is a businessman and philanthropist who has contributed to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, to the University of British Columbia and to the India Club. He is known as someone who understands how communities can be helped at both the strategic and the grassroots level. As a Director of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Hari’s fundraising efforts have benefited maternity and children’s programs. The Varshney’s have funded an endowment at UBC to support the Centre for Indian and South Asian Research, and more recently a lecture series and scholarships at the Sauder School of Business. He is a volunteer leader who not only supports a cause, but also exhibits the passion and energy that stimulate others to give.

For more than 25 years, Dave Dickson has made a significant contribution to the vulnerable citizens of the Downtown Eastside. As a Vancouver Police constable, his innovative and unique style of policing positively impacted families, seniors, at-risk youth, preschool children and sex trade workers. Upon Dave’s retirement, many community organizations and individuals actively petitioned for his continued involvement and now he serves as a civilian consultant to the Vancouver Police where he continues his commitment to ensuring community safety within the unique challenges facing the Downtown Eastside.