Award Year: 2009

Tibor Baldauf, a positive mentor and gifted coach, has inspired and challenged youth on the Sunshine Coast to achieve excellence in their sporting endeavours and in their lives. For over 25 years, has volunteered as a coach with the Chinook Swim Club, instilling in each athlete a strong work ethic matched with a sense of confidence. With his background as an Olympic-level athlete, Tibor has motivated three generations of athletes on the Sunshine Coast where he is honoured and respected as an outstanding role model.

While a student at Maple Ridge Secondary School, Gordon Hall was well known for his commitment to the betterment of the student body and the community in which he lived. His efforts with literacy, environmental projects, student leadership and fundraising initiatives inspired younger students and served as an excellent role model. Always the first to volunteer, Gordon was an asset to all organizations in which he participated. Now a first year university student at the University of Northern British Columbia, Gordon’s excellent communication skills and his compassion will enable him to follow his goal to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Marylynn Rakuson is an inspiration to her community because of her support for healthcare programs and organizations in her region. Marylynn has served on the Trail Community Health Council, the Trail Hospital Auxiliary, Interior Health’s Clinical Ethics Committee and several cancer-related groups. Marylynn, an area representative for the West Kootenay Boundary Hospital Auxiliaries for the Health Association of BC, is also a determined advocate for accessibility within the City of Trail. All these commitments are a testament to her desire to better the quality of life for her fellow residents.

Pamela Beech has tireless energy, a very bright smile and most importantly, is always thinking, guiding and moving along ideas to make her community of Sicamous a better place. With special focus on youth and seniors, healthy living, addictions and mental health education, Pam directly effects the health and well-being of her Okanagan community. Pam has been an active member of the Eagle Valley Community Support Society, the Eagle Valley Sports and Leisure Association and the Shushwap Lake Hospital Foundation. We are honouring today Pam’s ‘can-do’ attitude, her spirit and her compassion for the quality of life in her community.

Patrick Kelly is one of those unique people in our society who cares with such intensity that he is always involved and willing to help. A member of Leq:amel in the Sto-lo Nation, he applies the leadership lessons learned from his grandmother to all his community involvements:… think deeply…have humility… and patience. Patrick has a 34-year history of working in executive and board roles with community, non-profit, public and private organizations. Appointed a Lay Bencher with the Law Society of BC in 2002, Patrick has also served his First Nation community, the Mission area, the BC Buildings Corporation, United Way of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Community College.

John Ridley has been a constant champion of the BC Children’s Hospital fundraising initiatives both as a professional and a volunteer. John is instrumental in the production, promotion and success of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Miracle Weekend telethon, an annual event that has raised more than $100million over the past 11 years. John is also an active supporter of the Variety Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations. John is called an ‘unsung hero’ as he works quietly and effectively behind the scenes to ensure the success of all with which he is associated. John Ridley brings his outstanding leadership, positive attitude and unique brand of creative thinking for the benefit of children and families in BC.