Terence Giesbrecht

If you bike in Vernon, or your travelling to the Silver Star Resort or using the local bike trails, you will know Skyride Cycle. Terrence Giesbrecht launched Vernon’s favorite cycle store eleven years ago in partnership with his father. From a home based start-up to a full service, year round board and cycle shop, Terrence has overseen consistent growth. Terence’s positive attitude, and his outstanding customer service is complemented by his responsibility to the community. We commend Terence for his commitment to entrepreneurship and to the success of Skyride Cycle.

Mary Forbes

Mary Forbes is very involved in her community. Indeed she is known as the first daughter of Williams Lake. An active member of the Downtown Business Association, Mary is also passionate about sustainability. Whether it’s her retail store, Dandelion Living, or her volunteer efforts as an environmental educator at the Scout Island Nature Centre, her participation in Water Wise or leading interpretive walks, Mary finds ways to bring her spirit and energy to every project. Especially noteworthy is her leadership of the Potato House Project, where she oversaw the restoration of one of the oldest heritage homes in Williams Lake, now a centre for sustainability education.

Lennette McLean

Lennette McLean is recognized today for her outstanding contributions to Dease Lake and the Stikine Region. An exemplary citizen, she has gone above and beyond to be a courageous leader for a never-ending list of boards, committees, clubs and events. From the breakfast program at the school to driving elders to overseeing the building of the first Recreation Centre, Lennette does not have the word ‘no’ in her vocabulary. Now living in Smithers where her children are attending high school… she is still known in Dease Lake, as the energy source that motivated others to get involved and participate in creating a healthy community.

Tipi Mountain Native Plants Ltd.

Tipi Mountain Native Plants of Cranbrook is focused on providing local native plant material to British Columbia’s varied ecosystems. It grows over 80 different species and propagates its stock from locally collected seed plants. Tipi Mountain is at the leading edge of the upsurge in commercial and social interest in using native plant species. It has created an excellent community based training program in native plant horticulture and collaborates with other First Nations to share knowledge.

Jean Gelwicks

Jean Gelwicks receives a community award today for the profound impact she has had on Salt Spring Island. With a kind and masterful manner, she leads and works on projects of enduring community value. Jean founded and chairs a community coalition called Partners Creating Pathways, a network of pedestrian and bike trails. She is the founder and heart and soul of the Stewards in Training program, where dozens of volunteer mentors lead elementary school students in nature-focused learning experiences. An active contributor to the Salt Spring Island Conservancy Board and Transition Salt Spring, Jean is a volunteer with a passionate commitment to her community.

John McQuade

His nominator says…if you need something done on short notice, you should call John McQuade – you won’t be disappointed. That’s the measure of the retired Burnaby firefighter standing before you. John has never shied away from any ASK when it comes from the community…..small, big or even seemingly impossible. Most recently, he was Director of Volunteers for the 2012 BC Seniors Games and he was vital in making those games a great success. John has initiated or volunteered on countless community boards and events in Burnaby and has been an active volunteer with the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society and its long history of service to the community.

Transformation International

Uniting business and culture, that’s the sustaining vision of Transformation International, a social and economic development consulting company. Owners, Ainjil Hunt and Carol Anne Hilton are recognized leaders in their field offering their specialized services to First Nations, businesses, government and industries. From resource management advising, social and economic development strategies, corporate engagement,facilitation, training and organizational development, Transformation is truly an innovative and responsive company. As their name suggests, they are in the business of transformations, making a positive impact communities, organizations and corporations.

Afraj Gill

We honour Afraj today for outstanding community service during his high school years in British Columbia. He was a role model, connecting his school with the local community through a wide range of charitable events. He was a leader and organizer for clubs, teams and student government and he was deeply respected by students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Afraj was also an exemplary member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.  With the organization, Advocates for Social and Heritage Awareness, Afraj volunteered over 4000 hours speaking to young people about self-motivation and taking stands for positive change. A third year student at Queens University School of Business, Afraj Gill continues to excel and to inspire.