Award Year: 2010

Imagine this…10,590 men and women from 56 countries competing in Metro Vancouver at the 2009 World Police and Fire Games. It started as a dream – two Burnaby firefighters believed that the Games could successfully be held in British Columbia. So, Jeff and Miles began the successful bid process with a deposit of $2,500 each on their personal credit cards. Jeff and Miles then worked countless hours to organize first the bid process and then the event – 64 sporting events at 40 plus sites using 3400 volunteers. The economic impact was significant to the local economy and as well over $100,000 was raised for the Burnaby Firefighters charitable society. We honour Jeff and Miles today for their foresight, determination and passion in bringing these Games to BC.

Dave Lede is being honoured today for his generous philanthropy and for his unwavering commitment to workplace health and safety. As Chairman and CEO of Ledcor Group, he has instilled in the company, a strong focus on safety ensuring a safe environment for the thousands working on construction’s toughest jobs. He encourages his staff to give generously of their time, talent and donations to the communities in which they work and live. He leads by example, supporting Variety, the Children’s Charity, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name only a few. With his strong sense of corporate and social responsibility, Dave Lede contributes significantly to the well-being of our province.

Donna has given a lifetime of volunteer service. She has advocated for the rights of women and children, affordable housing and accessible community resources. She never misses an opportunity to speak publicly in favour of inclusive, affordable and livable neighbourhoods and as her Mayor says, “she keeps the City Council aware of all of these goals.” Donna has volunteered countless hours with North Shore Community Resources dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in need. She was instrumental in creating a housing society designed to provide reasonably priced rental housing on the North Shore. Playing an active role and caring for her community is simply a fact of life for Donna Stewart.

For over 25 years, Trevor Day has been a volunteer extraordinaire with the St. John Ambulance in Kelowna. He began at age 12, and now has logged over 4,000 volunteer hours of service as part of a highly skilled, essential medical first response team serving the community. He is a strong leader; he mentors younger members and is always willing to share his knowledge and experience. Whether it is responding to medical emergencies or disasters like the recent Kelowna fires or delivering patient care at major events, Trevor shows a steadfast commitment to his community and a dedication to saving lives.

Suneet Maan embodies true community spirit, contributing to our world through actions big and small. Suneet has volunteered for the Heart and Stroke Foundation since the age of eight participating in many projects promoting a greater awareness of heart disease including the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle. At Southridge School, she raises awareness of the issues around childhood obesity by organizing ‘jump rope for heart’ and ‘hoops for heart’…events which together raised more than $11,000. As the 2010 Miss Teen Canada International, Suneet has begun working with the Teddy Bears of Hope organization and has now collected over 3,000 teddy bears for children in Uganda. Suneet…everyday…is a role model for others.

Donna May has been quietly serving the community of Okanagan Falls for over 65 years. The entire community is her extended family. She instituted the Breakfast program at the local elementary school, she leads the Emergency Social Service Team, she ran the local Red Cross shop for over 20 years, and she is essential to the Heritage Society, its museum and thrift shop. Donna May has served as Recreation Commission Director and has held all executive positions with the Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary. She was the forestry coordinator during the Vaseaux Lake fire in 2003 and she volunteers for dozens of events and programs that help her community.