Award Year: 2008

Art Skipsey was a member of Qualicum Beach town council for 15 years, serving 12 years as mayor. Art forged vital partnerships between local government and volunteer organizations to provide important infrastructure and recreational legacies, including the purchase of the Memorial golf course and the adoption of the first community plan. Art initiated the establishment of the Parksville-Qualicum community foundation and served as its first president. A longtime Scout leader, Art currently volunteers as president of the Qualicum Beach Historical and Museum Society. The community of Qualicum Beach has truly benefited from Art Skipsey’s strong sense of commitment.

Since arriving in Canada in 1950, Mohindar Gill has devoted his life to assisting Indo-Canadians integrate into Canadian society. A loyal and proud British Columbian, Mohinder not only encourages the well-being of immigrants, youth and seniors in the Indo-Canadian community but also, has promoted multiculturalism in our province. His strong leadership skills have enabled him to bring community members together on a number of difficult issues. Mohinder Gill currently serves as a director of the Vancouver Chapter of the National Indo-Canadian Council and is a founding member of OASIS, an immigrant service centre. His welcoming and inclusive warmth to our country’s new comers has enriched both the immigrant experience and our cultural diversity.

Eleven years ago, Daryle Roberts joined what is now the Living Positive Resource Centre Okanagan as its Executive Director. Under his leadership, the centre increased its effective delivery of services to those in the community living with or affected by HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis C. Daryle initiated an AIDS walk which has grown ten-fold since 1997, raising significant funds and more importantly raising awareness. As well, Daryle has been participant in the community’s development of a Four Pillars program and a ten year plan to end homelessness. Daryle is honoured today for his contributions to improving the social fabric of the Central Okanagan.

Lynn Newbery is widely known in her community as a dedicated teacher and vice-principal. From the development of unique programs such as First Nations studies and peer counseling programs to coaching and supervising student teachers, Lynn has been an important contributor to life in New Hazelton. Always exceeding expectations and now retired, Lynn continues to serve by providing information and friendly support to those affected by cancer. Lynn presently provides leadership and enthusiasm to elders at the local college and she sits on the board of the seniors’ Roche View Lodge. Lynn Newbery is a cheerful presence who truly makes a difference and helps sew the fabric of her New Hazelton community together.

Doug Adair has served the community of Mission for the past 50 years with dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to getting the job done. Whether in his role as district councilor, chair of the school board, board member of the Community Services Society, or activities with the Historical Society and Hospital Board, Doug demonstrates leadership while inspiring others. His recent documentation of the history of Mission’s veterans was a collaborative project to which Doug Adair personally gave 3,000 volunteer hours. Doug Adair continues to exemplify his Rotary Club’s commitment to “service before self”.

Theresa Gladue is an outstanding volunteer in Dawson Creek and an advocate for the Aboriginal people in her community. The first Aboriginal person to receive Dawson Creek’s Citizen of the Year, Theresa co-founded the Aboriginal Women’s Awareness Resource Society and sits on the board of the local and regional arts councils and the Drug Free Dawson Creek committee. Theresa is especially well known as a playwright and producer of plays and concerts which address cultural diversity and dialogue. Theresa Gladue is an individual who strives to make positive changes in her community.

For the past 40 years, Ben Roy has quietly and effectively created positive change within the Cache Creek and Thompson Nicola Regional District. He has served as mayor, volunteer fire chief, chamber of commerce member and was instrumental in establishing a local radio station. While Mayor, Ben championed the landfill project as a way to provide jobs for the residents of Cache Creek. Ben Roy has also played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the Gold Country Communities Foundation, an organization founded to serve the economic needs of a number of adjoining rural communities. Ben Roy is a dedicated community achiever.

Early retirement in 1994 and a passion for bird watching determined the beginning of Jennifer Atchison’s role as a dedicated community environmentalist. Under Jennifer’s leadership, volunteers partnered with both government and the utilities creating a unique union to preserve and rehabilitate the Stoney Creek watershed. For the first time in 70 years, salmon successfully migrated the creek. Jennifer Atchison’s inspired a community to get involved and by doing so created new models for environmental stewardship.