As a young entrepreneur, Erica Ryan-Gagné identified the need for nail care services in the area of Skidegate. With a clear vision, she left the island to complete her education in esthetic services and upon her return successfully launched Eri-Cut & Nailed, a home-based nail care business. Erica currently provides services to over 200 clients and is planning an expansion to her salon, which is scheduled to open in March, 2012.
Award Year: 2011
Black Diamond Dene LP
In 2009, the Fort Nelson First Nation and Black Diamond Dene Group entered into an exclusive equity-based joint venture. Strategic and visionary, the 50/50 partnership focuses on the natural gas reserves of the Horn River Basin. The combination of the Fort Nelson First Nations’ local knowledge and Black Diamond’s expertise in providing worksite accommodation, oilfield equipment and other services is bringing long-lasting economic benefits to the area and Fort Nelson First Nation participation in the development of their traditional lands.
Paul Helpard
Paul Helpard has made a critical impact in his community by championing programs for developmentally disabled children. He has sponsored an annual golf tournament, raising more than $200,000 for the Comox Valley Child Development Association. Further, Paul and his wife Christine have brought to the Comox Valley ‘Lose the Training Wheel’, a program that teaches children with special needs to ride a bicycle, thereby gaining their self-assurance and self-reliance.
Robert ‘Bob' Stewart
Following a distinguished career in policing, Bob Stewart has dedicated his life to serving others. He is a longstanding leader of Variety – The Children’s Charity and has contributed to the Mt. St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, Special Olympics BC, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver and the Motor Dealer Council of BC. Bob was the founding chair.
BC Achievement Community Award 2011
Bravo Restaurant & Lounge
Métis co-owner, Louis De Jaeger, has created an outstanding award-winning restaurant offering an innovative West Coast menu in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Bravo Restaurant’s chefs create recipes that blend diverse cultural influences and utilize fresh local specialties. Now into its eighth year of operation, this popular Chilliwack business is a destination for clientele from all parts of the Lower Mainland.
Edna Anderson
Known as “The Queen of Queensborough” Edna Anderson championed her New Westminster neighbourhood as its unofficial historian and valued community contributor. A founding member of the Queensborough Special Programs Committee, Edna was also instrumental in the establishment of the Community Centre and the Historical Mural Millenium Project. Edna has left a strong and inspirational legacy for her community.
Featured in photo: Mary dePaoli, on behalf of the late Edna Anderson
Brian Hutchinson
Brian Hutchinson, a Vancouver fire fighter contributes to the community on a provincial, national and international scale. He is an active volunteer with Muscular Dystrophy Canada having served in many capacities. Brian co-founded Engines for El Salvador, which later became Fire Fighters Without Borders Canada, providing decommissioned firefighting equipment and apparatus to needy fire departments around the world.
Nettie Stupnikoff
Nettie Stupnikoff has been a leader in supporting and improving health care in Castlegar for many years. As president of the Castlegar & District Hospital Auxiliary, she personally oversaw the building of a new facility for the auxiliary’s thrift shop, thus providing increased funding for health care equipment and services. She currently chairs the Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation that raises funds for the Community Health Centre & Talarico Place.
