Each year at the Civic Appreciation Awards, the City of Prince George recognizes individuals and organizations deemed to have made significant contributions to the community. This year, the city has a new category: the Community Champion Award.
“The Community Champion Award recognizes individuals who have inspired people to take positive action through volunteerism,” said Terri McClymont, chair of the City’s Advisory Committee on Enhancing Prince George (Enhance PG), in a press release. “Examples may include: attraction of new volunteers, enhancement of programs or services, championing a new or innovative idea, calling people to action, development of an innovative and successful fundraising campaign, or providing exceptional volunteerism to a one-time cause or event.”
The first Community Champion Award will go to Mike Burt, a long-time volunteer with the RCMP Community Policing Unit, and Jamie Kranrod, past-president of the Blackburn Community Association.
In addition to the new Community Champion Award, the City of Prince George honours citizens with the following Volunteer Recognition Awards:
- Recreation & Culture Award – Recognition of individuals who have contributed or are still contributing significantly to the development of recreation or culture in Prince George in disciplines such as recreation, sport, culture, visual arts, and performing arts for a minimum of five years. Winners: Greg Pocock, June Berreth, and Yiqun (Ian) Ying.
- Community Service Award – Recognition of individuals who have contributed or are still contributing significantly to the development of Community Services in Prince George for a minimum of five years. A community service is defined as service which aids people in need and which affects portions of the community. (Examples: support groups, services for the disabled, counseling groups, food banks). Winners: Jay Khatra and Ruth Walter.
- Outstanding Volunteer Award – Recognition of individuals who are outstanding volunteers. They have contributed or are still contributing to the development of the community of Prince George by volunteering their time to a number of organizations, groups, or disciplines. These volunteers have gone above and beyond the call of duty and have provided exemplary volunteer service. They must have volunteered for a minimum of 15 years in various organizations, groups, or disciplines. Winners: Tamara Sweet, Robin Norman, and John Vogt.
- Youth of the Year Award – Recognition of youth attending school in Prince George and between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. The individual must have shown school involvement (including average or above average academic standing, extracurricular activities, and volunteer committees) and must have made significant contributions in the community (outside of school) through volunteering. Winner: Lila Mansour. Honourable Mentions: Mohamed Shubair and Zachary Bundock.
The awards will be conferred at the annual Civic Appreciation Dinner to be held at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre on Friday, June 23, 2017.
