Vancouver, BC (April 24, 2024): Premier David Eby and Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, today named the recipients of the 21st annual Community Award. The program, presented by BC Achievement – an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province – recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities
“Community Award recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions in making life better through innovation, dedication, and volunteerism,” said Premier David Eby. “From young leaders to experienced organizers, from entrepreneurs to educators, this year’s honorees show us the benefits of working together to build a happier, healthier and stronger British Columbia. Their good works are an inspiration to us all.”
“In this year’s award program, we’re especially honoured to recognize emerging leaders for the first time, alongside our esteemed recipients,” remarked Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “All these exceptional individuals embody the essence of leadership, dedication, and selflessness, serving as beacons of inspiration. Communities thrive when individuals generously share their talents, passion, and time in service to others, and these awardees exemplify the transformative impact of such contributions,” he added.
The Community Award recipients are selected by an independent jury panel, whose 2024 members include Mayor Suzan Hewat of Kaslo, Mayor Sarrah Storey of Fraser Lake, and past recipients Julie Fowler of Penticton, Herman Ho, MB, AdeC of Vancouver, and Sqwulutsultun William Yoachim of Nanaimo.
This year’s recipients include:
Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Richmond
Prof. Nemkumar Banthia, Vancouver
Devon Black, Victoria
Earl Blacklock, Parksville
Robin Dawes, Williams Lake
Jane Devji, Delta
Doreen & Wayne Hewitt, Salt Spring Island
Christopher Lee, Vancouver
Siân Lewis, Kamloops
K. Brian McConaghy, Delta
Connally McDougall, Vancouver
Marcus Mosely, North Vancouver
Coralie Nairn, Vernon
Alison O’Toole, Prince Rupert
Jazz Pabla, West Kelowna
Len Pierre, Surrey
Rishika Selvakumar, Richmond
Wendy Toyer, Richmond
Mary Trentadue, New Westminster
Janna Wale, Gitanmaax/Hazelton
The Mitchell Award designate of the Community Award is selected by the BC Achievement Foundation Board in consultation with the program’s community. The award recognizes an individual who, through their work and/or volunteer activities, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to elevating people around them. This year’s Mitchell Award of Distinction recipient is Marcus Mosely, a champion of cultural excellence, whose selfless leadership style empowers and inspires others to lead.
The 2024 Community Award recipients will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony held in Victoria, BC, on May 8 in the presence of the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. The Community Award ceremony will be live-streamed on BC Achievement’s website. Watch live beginning at 2:00 p.m. on May 8. The presentation ceremony will also be aired on TELUS’ Optik TV Channel 707 – Community Connections – after the event.
Each awardee will receive a medallion designed by Robert Davidson, OC, OBC. They will also be celebrated through an online campaign #shinethelightbc to commemorate their inspirational achievements positively impacting British Columbians.
BC Achievement is grateful for Supporting Sponsors: Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and TELUS; Community Partner: BC Ferries; Media Partners: Global BC, Miss604 and Stir Magazine.
