2016 B.C. Community Achievers Announced

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 26, 2016) - Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, today named this year's recipients of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.

"All British Columbians are inspired by those who lead by example, lending their time and talents in their community," said Clark. "Thank you to the 2016 recipients; your commitment and generosity make a real difference in people's lives."

"We recognize individuals today who have made a significant contribution to their community either as volunteers or in the course of their work," said Mitchell. "We are privileged to showcase and celebrate the achievements of these exceptional British Columbians."

The recipients of the 2016 awards are:

• George Akwasi Gyabaah Anderson of Nanaimo
• Kathleen Barnard of North Vancouver
• Haji Charania of Victoria
• Ravneet Dhaliwal of Surrey
• Kamal Dhillon of Langley
• Thomas Dielissen of Prince George
• Brian Downie of Terrace
• Judy Fainstein of Victoria
• Robin Fennell of Clinton
• Dr. Jim Frankish of Vancouver
• Thor Froslev of Brackendale
• Karen Gilmore of Vancouver
• Raghwa Gopal of Kelowna
• John Hatchett of Sun Peaks
• Donald H.E. Hubbard of Nanaimo
• Barbara Hulme of Victoria
• Donald James, CM of Powell River
• Jim Kincaid of Tumbler Ridge
• "OysterJim" Martin & Barbara Schramm of Ucluelet
• Ceilidh Millar of New Westminster
• Dr. Eliza Olson of Delta
• Dr. Bernadette Pauly of Victoria
• John Pavelich of Enderby
• Henry Pejril of Kamloops
• Ruth Peterson of 100 Mile House
• Alex Sangha of Surrey
• Dr. Harold (Hal) Siden of Vancouver
• Shelagh Turner of Kelowna
• David Young of Vancouver
• Dr. Jay Yule of Powell River

An independent committee selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards. The 2016 selection committee members are Mayor Henry Braun of the City of Abbotsford, Mayor Carol Leclerc of the City of Terrace and past recipients, Victoria Dobbyn of Roberts Creek, Daphne Goode of Victoria and Christopher Seguin of Kamloops.

The recipients of the 2016 awards will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony at Government House in Victoria on May 25, 2016. Each recipient will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed by the province of B.C. to celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise and community service. Launched in 2003, the B.C. Community Achievement Awards were the first initiative of the foundation, followed by the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, B.C.'s National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, the B.C. Creative Achievement Award for First Nations Art, and the B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards.

Learn more about the BC Achievement Foundation at: www.bcachievement.com

Backgrounders: 2016 Recipients

George Akwasi Gyabaah Anderson, Nanaimo
George Anderson began his community volunteering when he was still in high school, directing his efforts to improving the lives of those in need. He was elected as a city councillor at the young age of 20, where he continued to serve his community with dedication and passion leading the way in elevating engagement for all levels of society.

Kathleen Barnard, North Vancouver
Kathleen Barnard transformed her cancer diagnosis into a call for action and is dedicated to changing skin cancer related policy through her Save Your Skin Foundation. Her leadership in addressing and raising awareness around skin cancer issues has made British Columbia a better and more sun safe community.

Haji Charania, Victoria
Haji Charania is recognized as a key person in his community. For close to 45 years he has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in Saanich by co-founding what is now known as the North Quadra Community Association which influences many municipal improvements and, through volunteering extensively in his community. His consistent leadership demonstrates his passion and commitment to those he serves.

Ravneet Dhaliwal, Surrey
Ravneet Dhaliwal has served her community with inspiration and impact. As the co-founder of a unique mentorship and tutoring company, Ravneet made her mark as a youth leader who contributed to a program that not only helps students in school but also offers opportunities to lead them to their passions in life.

Kamal Dhillon, Langley
Kamal Dhillon leads efforts to address and raise awareness about domestic violence and serves as an inspiration to her community. She has truly made a difference speaking to organizations, schools, and police recruits at the Justice Institute of BC. Nationally, she has advocated for women experiencing domestic violence to the Department of Justice and at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC.

Thomas Dielissen, Prince George
Tom Dielissen has helped shape the community of Prince George through his remarkable commitment to serve both its organizations and its citizens. The breadth and diversity of Tom's contributions have touched and changed the areas of arts, culture, sport, government and the underprivileged, to name a few. His selfless devotion is a catalyst to those with whom he volunteers to make a difference.

Brian Downie, Terrace
Brian Downie is committed to making life better in Terrace and his efforts span several decades and impact many aspects of community life. Whenever a need arises, Brian leads the fundraising to support local service projects and his volunteer commitment is legendary. A dedicated and quiet leader, Brian is the heart of his community.

Judy Fainstein, Victoria
Judy Fainstein has served as a community leader who inspires thousands of youth in British Columbia. Ten years ago, she started Youth for Environmental Stewardship (YesBC) to help young people become environmental leaders. Judy has ensured that the youth she works with take a leading role and this innovative approach has grown the organization into a meaningful and effective environmental education group in BC.

Robin Fennell, Clinton
Robin Fennell is an exceptionally dedicated resident of Clinton who has contributed to community life as a public servant and volunteer for more than 30 years. He leads by example and is willing to share his knowledge and expertise while lending a hand. Through his service, Robin has significantly impacted local government, economic development and recreation in his community.

Dr. Jim Frankish, Vancouver
Dr. Jim Frankish is honoured for his dedication and determination to helping others and making British Columbia a better place for its most vulnerable people. He co-led the world's largest study of supportive housing for homeless persons with mental illness and addictions. He is also a long-time volunteer board member. Dr. Frankish is a mentor who inspires the next generation of researchers and community leaders.

Thor Froslev, Brackendale
Thor Froslev has extensively championed and elevated arts and culture in his community. He founded the Brackendale Eagle Festival to celebrate the birds' winter arrival in Squamish, which has drawn the world to the town. His establishment of the Brackendale Art Gallery in the 1970s was a new and untried idea for a small BC logging town and, through his leadership and passion, it is now a cultural legacy for the community and its artists.

Karen Gilmore, Vancouver
Karen Gilmore embodies the values of the YWCA through her dedication of time and remarkable leadership. For more than two decades Karen has had an unwavering commitment to the YWCA Metro Vancouver and, in 2014 she joined the YWCA Canada Board of Directors, providing strategic direction that has helped to shape the YWCA movement. Karen is an invaluable mentor to emerging leaders within the YWCA network and serves as an inspiration to those she leads.

Raghwa Gopal, Kelowna
Technology and entrepreneurial advancement drive the commitment of Raghwa Gopal and his community involvement. His organization, Accelerate Okanagan, fosters technological entrepreneurship and mentors young entrepreneurs. Raghwa continuously shares his passion as a volunteer and endeavours to make Kelowna a destination for tech companies through citizen engagement.

John Hatchett, Sun Peaks
John Hatchett worked diligently initiating health services in the community of Sun Peaks. Through his efforts, thousands of visitors and residents have received medical assistance and access to doctors who collectively responded to John and his vision. His volunteer spirit is reflected in many achievements in Sun Peaks and he never hesitates to serve community activities on the mountain.

Donald H.E. Hubbard, Nanaimo
Over many years, Don Hubbard has given distinguished service to a number of boards. His commitments have included Vancouver Island University, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Ducks Unlimited, Nanaimo's Haven Society and the Rotary club. In all his volunteer undertakings, Don has demonstrated a dedication to making positive change in Vancouver Island's communities. His leadership is transformational and ensures that ideas are put into action.

Barbara Hulme, Victoria
Barbara Hulme is recognized for her many contributions as a Métis Elder, providing wisdom, experience, and teaching and mentorship at the University of Victoria. For more than 13 years, Barb has volunteered as an administrator, historian, citizenship coordinator and genealogy advisor in her local Me╠ütis office. All her efforts support and nurture the Me╠ütis community in Victoria.

Donald James, CM, Powell River
Don James has dedicated over four decades to Powell River's cultural community and has permanently improved and enriched arts and culture in the area. His vision for teaching music and developing an Academy and Festival has put Powell River on the world map and influenced the lives of all his students, their families and the community at large.

Jim Kincaid, Tumbler Ridge
As President of the Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation, Jim Kincaid is a committed and inspiring voice that has achieved an international presence for the institution he serves. Jim also offers the community hope through his efforts as director of the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark and has been pivotal in transforming the challenges of the local economy.

"Oyster Jim" Martin & Barbara Schramm, Ucluelet
The Wild Pacific Trail on Vancouver Island exists because of the passionate work of "Oyster Jim" Martin and Barbara Schramm. The trail along the island's west coast has made a significant contribution to the community of Ucluelet, Vancouver Island and British Columbia. "Oyster Jim" envisioned the trail located at the ocean's edge, bushwhacking much of it himself. Barbara is dedicated to furthering the trail society's educational goals along with administering its fundraising and management.

Ceilidh Millar, New Westminster
Ceilidh Millar has made outstanding contributions in the areas of youth leadership and community volunteerism. Over the past eight years, Ceilidh has made a tangible difference in her community through her advocacy in the areas of anti-bullying, youth leadership and empowerment. She is a compelling role model who encourages and inspires others to be 'change makers'.

Dr. Eliza Olson, Delta
Dr. Eliza Olson, the visionary and a founder behind the Burns Bog Conservation Society has served as president since 1988 and volunteers as its executive director. Her leadership, advocacy and passion have ensured the successful protection and sustainability of Burns Bog for future generations.

Dr. Bernadette Pauly, Victoria
As an educator, researcher and nurse, Dr. Bernie Pauly is recognized for her passionate commitment to improving the health of people marginalized by society. Her efforts have brought measurable results both at the street level and in collaboration with those who share her vision. Dr. Pauly continues working towards the goal of health equity.

John Pavelich, Enderby
Shortly after arriving in Enderby to teach in 1967, John Pavelich set about doing everything he could to make life better for the city. He is a model volunteer who may be found raising funds through garage sales, building gazebos and ramps or organizing pancake breakfasts. John is integral to his community and has contributed to its social, cultural and economic well-being.

Henry Pejril, Kamloops
Sports are at the core of Henry Pejril's life and his dedicated passion drives his volunteer efforts. What started as coaching his children's sports teams grew into the presidency of the Kamloops Sports Council and expanded into organizing numerous national and provincial cycling championships. He has also served as president of both the 2006 BC Summer Games and the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. Henry's work has allowed young athletes to compete and develop their physical and mental fitness.

Ruth Peterson, 100 Mile House
Ruth Peterson's vision has captured the history of 100 Mile House in murals which reflect the pioneering spirit of the community. Ruth researched, planned and coordinated resources to ensure that the murals are authentic and will last. Her exceptional efforts have impacted the town's visual beauty and given a voice to its forgotten past.

Alex Sangha, Surrey
Alex Sangha is an advocate for equality and human rights. As the founder of Sher Vancouver, a social, cultural and support organization LGBTQ South Asians, Alex is a strong voice for his community. His efforts have changed lives and he continues to advance LGBTQ programs and services within the health authority and broader community.

Dr. Harold "Hal" Siden, Vancouver
Since 2001, Dr. Siden has been the Medical Director at Canuck Place Children's Hospice, the first freestanding facility of its kind in North America; it is dedicated to providing paediatric palliative care for patients and their families. Dr. Siden has made the province of BC Canada's leader in paediatric palliative care and his efforts provide a model for other Canadian and international programs. He is a dedicated educator of the specialty he pioneered and remains a compassionate and involved clinician.

Shelagh Turner, Kelowna
Shelagh Turner is honoured for her remarkable commitment as Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna Branch. Since 2005, Shelagh has transformed the organization through strong leadership and dedication to making significant changes in her community. Her consistent efforts through staff engagement and raising awareness are directed at the goal of making Kelowna a mentally health city.

David Young, Vancouver
David Young is a vocal and passionate advocate for society's most vulnerable persons. As Chief Executive Officer of Sources, David oversees the agency which delivers support programs to all levels of society including those who cope with isolation, addiction, poverty and conflict. Under his guidance and leadership, Sources has promoted social wellness in communities as diverse as Surrey, White Rock, Delta, Langley, Prince George and beyond.

Dr. Jay Yule, Powell River
Since 1999, Dr. Jay Yule's leadership in Powell River has had a profound impact on education, engagement and economic development. Programs for Aboriginal youth have resulted in improved graduation rates under his direction and he is responsible for creating pathways to academic success for all students. Dr. Yule has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of learners through innovative programs and partnerships and has been instrumental in creating work opportunities that ensure a more sustainable future for his community.