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.

In 1993, Ken Campbell single handedly raised awareness of the engineering wonder of the Myra Canyon Trestles and, with passionate determination, directed its two-year restoration while successfully securing provincial park status and Canadian heritage site designation. Ten years later, the Okanagan Park Mountain fire destroyed the trestles and Ken Campbell was called upon again to lead its restoration. Ken led the team that saw the project completed on-time and on-budget. Restoring the Myra Canyon Trestles has not just conserved part of our province’s history but through the unselfish leadership and example of Ken Campbell, it has created a groundswell of local volunteer effort devoted to the preservation of our past.

Tom Malone is a legend in the United Way of the Lower Mainland. Not only has he had a role on every committee, he is the longest serving volunteer of the United Way Cabinet Campaign. For the past 18 years, Tom has consistently demonstrated his willingness and flexibility to assist staff whether as a workplace campaign volunteer or in his most recent position as chair of its board of directors. He is a strong supporter of the BC Lions, founding with three others, the “Waterboys”, a spirited fundraising group. A director of the Surrey Art Gallery, Tom Malone is a great asset to his community, a true leader who brings out the best in others.

Vanessa West is a role model and leader in the Lheidli T’enneh (lead-lee tennay) Band and in the wider Prince George area. As an elected member of the Band Council, Vanessa is committed to the betterment of the community as a whole. Vanessa held the position of the Lheidli T’enneh Treaty Administrator through the Band’s complex treaty process. Vanessa initiated the Youth Treaty Council to include youth in a responsible and recognized part of the process. Vanessa has been active in the Northern Family Services, Prince George Native Friendship Centre, the Highway of Tears Symposium, Take Back the NIght and the Mission Indian Friendship Centre. Vanessa dedicates herself to the betterment of her community and does so with diligence and compassion.

Peggy Chute is described as a catalyst with a vision who makes things happen while transferring her skills and knowledge to a younger generation. Peggy’s accomplishments in her community have permeated all aspects of life and activity in Lytton for the past 50 years. Whether it’s her commitment to education, health care, civic duty or neighborly kindness, Peggy’s nonjudgmental personal charity is the foundation for her larger community involvement. Peggy Chute, fondly known as “Mrs. Mayor”, is loved and revered in Lytton as its resident ambassador. Her work is legendary and she has truly made a difference through her eager volunteerism and whole-hearted promotion of her home.

Thanks to Paul McDonell, four bright and cheerful murals have been installed on building walls along Edmond Street in Burnaby. Paul is a life-long volunteer within his community and has come to be known as “Mr. Burnaby”. Chair of the Burnaby Parks and Recreation Commission, member of the Edmonds City Fair Committee, Edmonds Town Centre Business and Community Association and the Spirit of Edmonds committee, Paul has made a significant difference. Paul is especially active connecting with Burnaby’s new immigrants and refugees. If a request is made which benefits Burnaby, Paul will be there with tremendous energy and enthusiasm.