Award Year: 2015

Prince George is fortunate to have Judy Jackson. For over 55 years, Judy has dedicated her life, both professionally and as a community volunteer, for the betterment of her city. Her energy is contagious and her loyalty is unquestionable. The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, the College of New Caledonia, the Prince George Community Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, the University of Northern BC, Northern Medical Trust have been profoundly impacted by Judy’s association and leadership. She is respected for her keen intuition on what will move the community forward and the best way to get there.

I would like to first acknowledge Colin’s many contributions as a trustee of the Government House Foundation. It such an honour for all us to be here and see firsthand the results of the work of Colin and his colleagues. Colin’s lifetime of community and volunteer service spans the province. He currently is on the Board of the Victoria Airport and is Vice-Chair of the regional district waste water treatment project. He is also a director of 625 Powell Street Foundation which benefits Vancouver’s downtown eastside. Colin was Chair of Squamish’s Westcoast Railway Association and its heritage railway park. He has served his engineering profession with distinction not only on the Island but also across Canada. For over 30 years, Colin has been a member of Rotary and is dedicated to the Rotary’s ideals of community service.

Anjali Katta has an amazing ability to instill positive change and she serves her community with creativity and compassion. She has dedicated her time to empowering young women locally, nationally and internationally, to strive for equality by focusing on education. As a young grade nine student, Anjali founded GirlsCo, a not-for-profit which organizes women’s rights’ summits and workshops, and her community engagement continued to intersect all her high school activities through to her graduation. Service to others and taking action is a foremost priority for Anjali and she is a role model and inspiration to all.

We honour Agnes Snow for her leadership as Regional Director of Aboriginal Health for the Northern Health Authority. Now retired, her legacy is the improvement in the delivery of healthcare to Aboriginal peoples and First Nations in the north. From youth volunteers to patients to colleagues to administrators, Agnes’ wise and gentle way inspired so many to make such a difference. Agnes led the development of seven Aboriginal Health Improvement Committees and the Aboriginal Patient Liaison program. Agnes worked for the healing and dignity of all with wisdom drawn from her experiences as a First Nations woman and leader.

Jack Keough is one of those special people who always looks for the positive. As Executive Director of Yellowhead Community Services, Jack’s vision over 20 years, has transformed the North Thompson Valley, delivering programs in six locations for individuals, children, families, employers and community groups. The development and implementation of a transit system, more support for adults with special needs, licensed childcare programs, literary programs and the formation of the North Thompson community Foundation, are just a very few examples where Jack has made exceptional contributions.

For over 30 years, Gregg Timm has staunchly supported Softball BC and in particular raised the profile of the sport of Fastpitch for BC women and girls. Gregg is President of the Renegades Sports Association which runs White rock Renegades Girls Fastpitch and is Chair of the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship, now a worldwide focal point for softball. Gregg and his committee were recently awarded the hosting rights for the Women’s World Softball Championship, the largest international single sport event in Canadian history to be held in Surrey in July 2016. Gregg Timm dreams big and those dreams have come true for the community of women’s and girls’ softball in BC.