Award Year: 2006

At the impressive age of 84, Lorne Atkinson is an Olympic athlete, a mentor, a coach and a dedicated small business owner. As the owner of Ace Cycles in Kitsilano for the past 58 years, Lorne’s name is synonymous with cycling in British Columbia. He has voluntarily trained and coached more cyclists in BC than any other person involved in the sport. He is always available to athletes of all levels for advice and training tips. Lorne has been inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame and received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award. He is truly a leader and a legend.

Julie Halfnights personifies community spirit in the city of Richmond. She has made a difference by her countless volunteer hours over the past twenty years. She has worked with Richmond Parent Advisory Councils, The Richmond Emergency Social Services, the Richmond Aquatic Services Advisory Board, the 2002 Richmond Tall Ships Festival and helped to found the Generation Leadership program to expose 19-25 year olds to leadership ideals in Richmond. Her participation and leadership in the Thompson Community Association saw an expansion in 1995 to the $4.2 million Centre, the creation of the Nibbles and Bites festival drawing a crowd of 15,000, various youth initiatives and community recreation policies.

Art Reitmayer’s keen business sense, straight-shooting approach and big heart have made him a valuable leader in his community. As past Board Chair of the United Way of the Lower Mainland, Art was instrumental in creating a new vision and dynamic future for the organization. Art’s involvement with Variety – The Children’s Charity led to a revitalization of the Show of Hearts Telethon. He has been involved for many years both as a leader and active contributor to Arts Umbrella, and has been on the Boards of Volunteer Vancouver, the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, and the Seeton Woodward Foundation. Art’s efforts epitomize the vital role volunteers play in our society.

Alvina Berggren has worked tirelessly to lend a hand to a neighbour in need, be it across the street or across the continent. Her giving spirit knows no boundaries or borders. Working with the Red Cross for over 16 years, from a local to an international level, Alvina has completed disaster response assignments in Puerto Rico, New York 9/11, Manitoba and New Orleans. Closer to home Alvina assisted with recovery efforts during the 2003 BC forest fires and continues to make an outstanding contribution to Fort Nelson as a member of the Fort Nelson Emergency Operations Committee offering food, shelter, clothing, whenever the need, in a kindly and compassionate manner.

A lifelong resident of Summerland, Bruce Hallquist is a community icon. His public service record spans decades and includes over 38 years as a committed Volunteer firefighter. He has served on council for more than 10 years, and has more recently dedicated himself to serving the youth of his community as a director and champion for the Summerland Charity Shop Society, an organization which provides youth activities, leadership opportunities and hands-on training and experience in its Penny Lane Store. ‘Bruce makes a bad day good’ says the Fire Chief of Summerland. Bruce, first and foremost, cares about his community and the people he serves.

Dan Rodlie works tirelessly for the betterment of the City of Trail. Dan is best known as the chairperson and champion of the City’s Communities in Bloom program. The impact of the program has been widespread, beautifying the community both visually through floral displays and landscaping and also through the growth of community involvement and pride. Dan has also initiated a mural program, which has resulted in the production of one of the largest murals in BC. Dan’s boundless enthusiasm further extends to the Trail Historical Society, the Citizens on Patrol, the Trail United Way, and the Japan Twinning Committee.

Elspeth Bowers is truly making a difference in literacy within the Mission community. She has worked with children in libraries and schools for more than 30 years and is renowned and sought after as a legendary storyteller. Elspeth has inspired generations of young children to love reading and literature. She mentors children and adults on what literature and art can encompass. She can never say no to being asked to speak to groups. She has impacted literacy among families at risk and young aboriginal parents. She has been the driving force behind Mission’s annual Literacy Fair. Her nominator says ‘her contribution to literacy has give this community a legacy that will grow from the roots she has planted.