Surrey North Delta Leader, June 25, 2013 by Black Press Media Group

ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS • JUNE 19, 2013 The annual Community Leader Awards recognize the selfless, dedicated and courageous people who perform the exceptional acts of service that make our community such a vibrant and rewarding place to live and work. From students to retirees, the spirit of commitment to community is reflected in the following inspirational stories. Please join The Surrey-North Delta Leader in honouring these important, yet often unsung, local heroes.

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMITMENT

PROUD TO BE IN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS

Community Leader Awards

2013

Celebrating the building blocks of our community.

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS JUNE 19, 2013

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE Community Leader Awards 2013

PUBLISHER

Jim Mihaly

n Stories by Nicolle Hodges n Photos by Evan Seal

EDITOR

Paula Carlson

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Bruce Hayne

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Sheila Reynolds

2013

RECIPIENTS! They don’t often receive recognition and don’t necessarily have a high profile in the community. But there are a large number of people in Surrey and North Delta who do a great deal of important work. They strive tirelessly – through countless volunteer hours, sometimes overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles – to better the community. And they don’t ask for anything in return. You’ll find them in our schools, on sports fields, in care centres, at the food bank and at various local events.

Annually honouring and celebrating the leaders in our community with pride.

They are truly community leaders. Many have their own families, careers and personal commitments, but still find the time to make a difference by sharing their empathy, enthusiasm and energy. The Community Leader Awards were established 11 years ago to recognize and honour the efforts essential to maintaining this vital and growing community. Each of the recipients’ stories is inspirational, and by highlighting them, we hope others will be moved to contribute in the community and share their own skills, compassion, knowledge and heart with those around them. Thanks to our sponsors, the Community Leader Awards get bigger and better every year.

2012 LEADER OF THE YEAR

Eliza Olson

GUEST SPEAKER

Todd Schierling

Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society

L to R: Back Row: Jim Mihaly, Gavin Roache, Sheila Reynolds, Steve Scott, Alison Booth, Alan Champion. Front Row: Paula Carlson, Glory Wilkinson, Ann Robinson, Sherri Hemery, Vicky Basran and Pam Langham.

Design and promotional concept since 2003 inception

Glory Wilkinson

Creative Services Mgr / Graphic Designer

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2013 Community Leader awards!

AWARDS PAR TNERS 2013 Mayor Dianne Watts

Tom Gill CounCillor

BRUCE HAYNE CounCillor

liNdA HEpNER CounCillor

mARviN HUNT CounCillor

mARY mARTiN CounCillor

BARiNdER RAsodE CounCillor

BARBARA sTEElE CounCillor

JUdY villENEUvE CounCillor

www.surrey.ca

BKesteven@surrey.ca

L to R: Back Row: Judy Krawchuk - The Centre For Child Development, Sheila Reynolds - The Leader, Brock Lazaruk - Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino, Jim Mihaly - The Leader, Lloyd Lees - Surrey Fire Fighters. Front Row: Paula Carlson - The Leader, Jane Adams Fraser Health, Marilyn Herrmann - Surrey Food Bank, and Kevin DeBoice - Surrey School District. Missing from photo: Lesley Woodman - Diversecity, Melanie Houlden - Surrey Public Library, Doug Sabourin - Delta Assist, and Supt. Bill Fordy - Surrey Detachment RCMP.

Congratulations to all Community Leader nominees.

Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations to the nominees and recipients of the

the nomineesand andrecipients recipients the toto the nominees ofof the 2012 Community Leader Awards! 2012 Community Leader Awards! 2013 Community Leader Awards!

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The Surrey McDonald’s® restaurants are a proud sponsor of the Community Leader Awards

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JUNE 19, 2013

ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

ABOVE AND BEYOND SPONSORED BY

McDonald’s Restaurants

Top Honour

Const. Tad Milmine Mountie is 'someone to reach out to'

urrey RCMP Const. Tad Milmine was lying in bed when he read the news that changed his life: Jamie Hubley, a young, openly gay Ontario teen had committed suicide after years of relentless bullying. “I remember being paralyzed, I felt hopeless,” recalls Milmine. “I made the decision right there that I was going to do something and not be a person to read headlines and just hope the world became a better place.” Milmine began by creating a website (bullyingendshere.ca) in hopes of helping struggling youth by sharing his story, including his own sexuality. “I feel that it is important to speak to youth from the heart,” says Milmine. “The website is used as a

T H E B U I L D I N G B LO C K S O F O U R CO M M U N I T Y - I T ’ S A L L A B O U T CO M M I T M E N T

HonouRABLE MENTION “Julie and I averaged 16-hour days during that time, and we did it willingly.” –Christine Predy 2013 CLA Honourable Mention Recipient ABOVE & BEYOND

Community Leader Awards

2013

resource, from videos, to stories, to pictures, to being able to email me directly, confidentially, and know that I am there for them.” Milmine also speaks at schools across Canada and to date has reached more than 28,000 youth, and has been invited to present at over 400 schools next year across several provinces. “My main message is to let youth know that they have someone to reach out to, and I will do whatever I can to help them get through those very same dark days that I went through,” says Milmine. “The difference being that I felt as though no one would listen or help me, and this is why I reach out – I want to be the person that I never had growing up.”

Christine Predy and Julie Dufton Keeping the ER afloat under pressure

“T

here is a flood and a wall has collapsed,” are the frantic words that began Christine Predy’s day on Nov.19, 2012, when an eight-inch water main ruptured, sending water cascading into the north lobby expansion construction site of Surrey Memorial Hospital. Rising water pressure then burst through a glass block wall at the back of the ER, sending staff and patients scrambling. In the face of disaster, Predy, clinical program manager for the hospital’s emergency department, and her counterpart Julie Dufton, pulled together a team to help best deal with the situation. “Our priority was making sure all the patients were cared for and moved to care areas,” says Predy. Responsibilities were divvied up between

the women and their team in order to smoothly run a temporary urgent care clinic while repair and clean-up began. Throughout the two weeks post-flood, the women coordinated the staff, the renovations, and the diversion of patients, who continued to arrive for care. “Julie and I averaged 16-hour days during that time,” says Predy, “and we did it willingly.” As emergency department program coordinator, Dufton says she is grateful her work in the ER helped prepare her for rapid changes. “I maintained calm, reacted quickly, and reassured and supported patient, families and staff during the initial moments,” says Dufton. The ER department continues to care for the community with courage.

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ll a o t s n io t la u t a r g Con r e d a e L y it n u m m 2013 Co Award nominees! The YMCA is pleased to sponsor the coach category for the 2013 Community Leader Awards. Kids need friends, teachers, counsellors and coaches that believe in them so they can grow up strong and transform our world. At the YMCA, we believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to all of us to positively impact todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth and we support organizations and individuals who are helping young people reach their full potential. After all, our kids are counting on us. To find out more about YMCA programs for children and families, visit: Tong Louie Family YMCA 14988 57th Avenue, Surrey T: 604.575.9622 E: tonglouie@vanymca.org

YMCA of Greater Vancouver Tong Louie Family YMCA

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

COACH

Top Honour

Mark McRae Firefighter keeps wrestling program ablaze

ark McRae knows firsthand that sports are a way of life and a builder of character. From his own days as a wrestler at Guilford Park Secondary, McRae went on to become a Surrey firefighter, and currently coaches the school’s wrestling team alongside Bryan Stretch. Over the past 12 years, the school’s Sabres wrestling program has been reinstated, revamped, and gone on to produce numerous provincial and national champions. And while his lessons with youth on the wrestling mats are important, McRae hopes they have a lasting impression into adulthood. “Sports kept me out of trouble, focused me on something positive, taught me hard work and gave me confidence,” says McRae.

SPONSORED BY

Tong Louie Family YMCA

“One of the first questions we ask a firefighter candidate is what sport they played as a youth, because that gives us a lot of information about what someone might be like.” – Mark McRae 2013 CLA Top Honour Recipient COACH

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HonouRABLE MENTION

Sidney ‘Sid’ Davis Stepping up to the plate

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The honourable qualities that drew him to his role as a coach are similar to those that inspired him to become a firefighter – the desire to help. “Firefighters take a lot of pride in the job and also in the community,” says McRae. “I feel extremely lucky to be a firefighter and I feel just as fortunate to be able to coach the kids, and hopefully enrich their lives because they are certainly enriching mine.” McRae encourages his athletes to pursue their passions, and this past year he watched two of them go on to become members of the Surrey Fire Service. “One of the first questions we ask a firefighter candidate is what sport they played as a youth,” he says, “because that gives us a lot of information about what someone might be like.”

e puts up baseball registration boards in the pouring rain, getting soaked right through his jacket and dumping water from his shoes afterwards. This is an example of the work Sidney “Sid” Davis, president of the Newton Canadian Baseball Association, has done on any given day for the past 12 years. “I never got the chance to play organized baseball where I lived as they did not offer it,” says Davis, whose goal now is to ensure his own kids and other youth have the opportunity to play sports. “The great thing about this is seeing those young kids grow up to be young adults right before

your eyes.” His willingness to spend hours overseeing games, setting up the fields, and taking an active interest in teams, players and parents has caused a positive chain reaction amongst other volunteers. “I find that if you show your willingness to spend the time working around the park regardless of what the task is, others will get involved as well,” says Davis. Once those tasks are at bay, and a player is stepping up to hit at home base, “Sid” can be found in the stands watching the game he loves, because to him, “the thrill of the action happening and the crowds cheering – you can’t beat that.”

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

COMMUNITY BUILDER SPONSORED BY

Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino “I feel that I am surrounded by people – including young people –who want to play a part in shaping a better world for everyone...” – Daryl Dela Cruz 2013 CLA Honourable Mention Recipient COMMUNITY BUILDER

Community Leader Awards

2013

Top Honour

Allen Aubert Getting Surrey back on track

hen it comes to getting Surrey’s rail cars back on track, Allen Aubert and his team of volunteers are all aboard. The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society (FVHRS) has worked tirelessly to reactivate the BC Electric Railway (BCER), using restored interurban passenger rail cars. Over the past 12 years, with hundreds of volunteers committing more than 20,000 hours, the restoration of the BCER in Surrey is truly a “community project,” says FVHRS secretary Aubert. The idea for the project began in 1996 with the Surrey Heritage Advisory Committee, where Aubert served as Chair of Special Projects, along with several other community members. Aubert hopes to introduce the public to a “glorious form of passenger travel” along with other benefits, including the promotion of heritage tourism in the

city and the chance to boost economic development. “Surrey will have the only restored BCER ‘interurbans’ running on the original BCER tracks,” says Aubert. “This project has the potential to bring visitors to the city from far and wide.” The FVHRS runs off 100-percent volunteer efforts, and provides tangible benefits to mostly retired volunteer workers. “Many have found a new interest, and it’s a golden opportunity to demonstrate that practical skills are still required and appreciated,” says Aubert. The result of Aubert’s vision, along with the combined efforts of many, will manifest at the launch of the heritage car from Cloverdale to Sullivan station, with the plan to eventually expand the route from Cloverdale to Scott Road, adjacent to the SkyTrain.

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HonouRABLE MENTION

Daryl Dela Cruz

Transit activist drives his message home

egardless of a few bumps in the road, Daryl Dela Cruz continues to accelerate towards his goal of bringing better transportation to Surrey, among other related issues. “I’m faced with so many people who are neglecting the facts and will ultimately neglect what this city needs,” says the young transit activist. “Someone has to do something about it.” With that get-it-done attitude, at the age of 15 Dela Cruz founded the SkyTrain for Surrey Initiative, an organization that advocates for SkyTrain rapid transit over light rail, as well as the expansion of Surrey’s transit systems. He has also launched the

Progressive Surrey Transit Coalition, with the goal of supporting transit options for a fast-growing Canadian city. Now 17, Dela Cruz –through rigorous analysis of statistics, research, website management, public relations, and his involvement in local meetings – is dedicated to setting the wheels of change in motion within his community. “I feel that I am surrounded by people – including young people who want to play a part in shaping a better world for everyone in some way, and that motivates me to hold that value within myself, and play my part in making sure that people don’t lose hope in a world full of issues.”

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS JUNE 19, 2013

ABOVE & BEYOND RECIPIENTS

COACH

SPONSORED BY

Welcome Home Society “I am just so humbled by everyone who has helped me along the way, such as my CF doctors, my transplant doctors, my family and my donor.” – George Keulen 2013 CLA Top Honour Recipient COURAGE

He also has other health concerns related to the lung transplant, which makes even a common cold a deadly threat. “(Cystic fibrosis) is still very much a part of me, and I still really need to take care of myself, almost more now than before,” says Keulen. Regardless of the hardships he has overcome, and the life he has created for himself both on and off the bike, Keulen doesn’t consider himself courageous. “I am just so humbled by everyone who has helped me along the way, such as my CF doctors, my transplant doctors, my family and my donor,” says Keulen. “I am not courageous, I am just living the life I have been given; all these other people who have stuck by me and invested in me when things were at their worst, they are the courageous ones.”

T H E B U I L D I N G B LO C K S O F O U R CO M M U N I T Y - I T ’ S A L L A B O U T CO M M I T M E N T

HonouRABLE MENTION

Narinder Nayar

Markita Kaulius

‘It is our duty to help one another’

Carrying on, in honour of Kassandra

“I

t pains me, for I have seen the world and yet she hadn’t seen a thing,” says 73-year-old Narinder Nayar as he reflects on the fateful day of July 28, 2011. While Nayar was working at a Newton newspaper office, a man carrying an axe and a knife casually walked in and began attacking Nayar’s co-worker – 24-year-old Ravinder Kaur Bhangu. The then-70-year-old Nayar instinctively ran towards her to cover her from the deadly blows. “I cried out, ‘what is the matter? Let us talk!’ recalls Nayar, but the man was strong and would not stop his attack. Instead, he momentarily turned on Nayar, slicing his left shoulder with the axe, and leaving a deep scar that the senior now carries as a reminder. The police arrived and arrested the assailant – Bhangu’s husband Manmeet Singh – and Nayar was taken away by ambulance, only to learn later that Bhangu

had died of her injuries. “If she had been my daughter, I would have been proud of that girl,” says Nayar, as tears swell in his eyes. Although he has received many awards for his bravery that day, the Surrey senior does not consider himself a hero. “It is our duty to help one another, and I tried my best to save her,” says Nayar. “It’s all I could do, and I would have gladly traded my own life so she could have lived.” On June 10, Singh pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Banghu.

very time Markita Kaulius walks down the hallway and sees an empty bedroom, or sits down for dinner and sees an empty chair, she is reminded of her daughter’s death. Twenty-two-year-old Kassandra Kaulius was killed in May 2011 when her car was hit by a drunk driver. In honour of her daughter’s memory, Kaulius has created “Families for Justice,” a non-profit society that educates the public about impaired driving laws and lobbies for harsher penalties. The group also supports others impacted by drunk driving. “It may be listening to another parent cry over the loss of their only child, it may be calling someone just to say hello, and see if they need anything, or accompanying another parent to a courthouse trial,” says Kaulius. Her main goal is to have the federal government modify the Criminal Code charge of impaired driving causing

death, redefining it as vehicular manslaughter and imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for offenders. Families for Justice is collecting signatures for a petition (see more at http://bit.ly/165RqlA). While Kaulius pushes for change, she remembers her daughter with love in all that she does, including creating the Kassandra Kaulius Memorial Scholarship Fund. “Even in death, Kassandra is still giving back to others, as that was who she was,” says Kaulius.

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surrey & north delta

community leader awards 2013

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ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER SPONSORED BY

Schnitzer Steel

Top Honour

Deb Jack

Activist has bite when it comes to bark

hen it comes to the world around her, environmental advocate Deb Jack has two categories: the “living environment” and the “built-constructed-created environment.” She considers the “built” as something man-made that can occur anywhere, but the “living” is something that is limited, and she is particularly concerned about natural areas and trees. “I began to advocate when it became clear to me and others that Surrey groups involved with the living environment needed to speak with a collective voice about the absolute need to maintain existing, and increase natural areas for conservation, recreation and green spaces throughout the city,” says Jack. She accomplishes this through her work as president and founding member of Surrey Environmental

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Partners, vice-president of White Rock and Surrey Naturalists, a volunteer of Surrey’s Friends of Forests, and a board member of both Atira Women’s Resource Society and Campbell Valley Park Association. A recipient of Surrey’s 2011 Good Citizen Award, Jack hopes to continue spreading her message, for many years to come, to both present and future generations. “Learn about the living environment and biodiversity and how it affects you, understand that you and everything you or others have done, do or will do is connected to all other living things,” says Jack. “Think globally, act locally, and don’t take [the environment] for granted, because after all, we are speaking of our home.” While she stresses that resources are finite, her devotion to the preservation of the natural world knows no limits.

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HonouRABLE MENTION

Tom Godwin (deceased) Environmental leader leaves a legacy

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

hen Tom Godwin passed away earlier this year at the age of 75, Surrey’s environmental movement lost a leader. Godwin was a founding member of Surrey Environmental partners, and a long-term member of the city’s Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). His resignation from the EAC in 2004, due to the city’s laxity towards protecting the environment, stirred a public outcry that eventually led to the improvement of the city’s tree-protection bylaw. “He believed that the natural environment in Surrey, particularly its trees and salmon-spawning creeks, are incredibly valuable and worth protecting,” says Godwin’s son Dave. “He was a pioneer in many ways and led by example.”

On his 85-acre Tynehead property, Godwin created a lake, helped to preserve a salmon stream, and planted thousands of trees. “As far back as I can remember, he loved trees,” says Dave. “I think he loved watching them grow, and knowing that they would be here long after he had gone.” One message Dave knows his dad wanted to pass on involves the continuous and collective effort of the community. “A lot of the damage that we do to the environment is small and on an individual level, but it all adds up,” says Dave, “so people need to pay more attention to their actions.” Although Godwin is gone, the message he has planted continues to grow. Tom Godwin is survived by his wife Elaine, a brother, four sons, and 10 grandchildren.

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS JUNE 19, 2013

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER Community Leader AwardS 2013

SPONSORED BY

The Co-operators “I talk about what I see, what I do, what I experience, and I also talk about recent incidences involving young people to show that it can happen to them.” – Bryan Fedirchuck 2013 CLA Honourable Mention SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER

Community Leader Awards

2013

Two of his main projects include the Boot Drive Campaign, which encourages donations to support the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Fund, as well as Muscular Dystrophy, and the United Way Campaign, which provides relief from poverty, provides bursaries, and raises money for medical and health care research. In addition to the Surrey Fire Service, Becker, who was the physical education department head at North Delta Senior Secondary (NDSS) and a high school football coach for 34 years, continues to influence school sports. There are even several NDSS graduates who are now firefighters with the City of Surrey due to Becker’s influence. As a coach, a teacher, a fire fighter, and a supporter of the community, Walter “Sarge” Becker has certainly made the difference he hoped he would.

HonouRABLE MENTION

Cpl. Bryan Fedirchuk Keeping it real for young drivers

“I

have always wanted to make a difference,” says RCMP Cpl. Bryan Fedirchuk. Now after 17 years with the RCMP, including work with Traffic Enforcement and Investigation, it is safe to say that he has achieved that goal. In 2011, he joined the Drop It And Drive education program (DIAD) as a speaker and police liaison. The program is used to raise awareness among youth about the dangers of distracted driving, and since its launch, Fedirchuk has helped reach out to more than 5,000 students within the Surrey School District, and participated in over 125 presentations across Canada.

His honesty and passion for his police work have made him a very popular member of the speaker’s team, particularly when presenting the message to youth. “I talk about what I see, what I do, what I experience, and I also talk about recent incidences involving young people to show that it can happen to them,” says Fedirchuk. “I am not there to scare the students, but I am there to let them know what can happen in a real sense.” Fedirchuk’s efforts to reduce road fatalities have greatly impacted both the Surrey RCMP and the DIAD program, which continues to steer youth in the right direction because of his involvement.

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SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTER SPONSORED BY

Central City

Community Leader Awards

2013

ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

Top Honour

Marilyn Lamarre ‘Give where you have been given’

ight years ago, Marilyn Lamarre was struggling with addiction following the loss of a loved one. She was losing control of her life and realized that she needed help with the basic necessities. That’s when someone told her about the services of the Surrey Food Bank. “About a month later I went, and it was so awesome,” says Lamarre. “The people there were so kind and understanding and I kept going back.” From then on her entire life slowly began to change; she made new friends and began a new job. However, one day she was hurt while working and struggled for years to recover. The physical suffering led her to depression and she began to fall back into old habits. “Then I thought to myself, ‘give where you have been given’,” says Lamarre. And with those words, she reached

out to the Surrey Food Bank, the very organization that had helped her get back on a positive path the first time. She began volunteering in the kitchen in 2010, and then eventually moved on to become door monitor, where she helps guide clients into the facility and controls the flow of distribution. She now also serves as the kitchen monitor, where she cooks meals for more than 50 volunteers a day, and prepares the menu for the week. “My life now is so great, I have made friends, and a whole new family,” says Lamarre. “I am so happy and I feel good knowing that I make others feel good.” Although her journey has not been easy, by giving back to community, Lamarre has gained the strength to keep on walking her road to redemption.

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HonouRABLE MENTION

Gerard Bremault

His motto is Mission: Possible

s CEO of the Centre for Child Development, Gerard Bremault says he is in the business of “making the impossible, possible.” The non-profit centre has 140 professional staff members helping thousands of children with a vast range of complex developmental disabilities overcome adversity to reach their potential. From an infant gaining a few ounces of weight, to a child’s desire to one day attend university, miracles are made each day at the non-profit Centre for Child Development, and dreams of individuals are supported by the strength of many. The centre’s dedication to excellence is also the reason Bremault has shown up every day for the past 14 years. “The success stories of individual children and families continue to drive us

all forward, and I see our teams constantly improving efficiency and effectiveness, not easily or without setbacks, but steadily with admirable perseverance,” says Bremault. “Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. In my experience, anything worthwhile achieving is seldom easy.” Bremault brings the same passion to his many volunteer activities. He sits on the steering committee for the new City of Surrey Innovation Boulevard, a multi-billion-dollar vision to transform Whalley into an international hub for health care and medical research. Bremault is also this year’s vice-chair of the Surrey Board of Trade, and is a member of both The City of Surrey Community Health Programs Committee and The South Fraser Regional Child and Youth Council.

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ENGAGING STUDENTS. ENGAGING RESEARCH. ENGAGING COMMUNITIES.

THE FUTURE LEARNS HERE Simon Fraser University is pleased to recognize, honour and congratulate Surreyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding teachers for their student-centred approach to learning and for the excellence they have demonstrated in educational leadership and community engagement.

WWW.SURREY.SFU.CA

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

TEACHER

Top Honour

Margaret ‘Mugs’ Staller Lessons in love and laughter

ducation Assistant Margaret “Mugs” Staller, summarized it perfectly when she spoke of her work with behaviourally challenged kids at James Ardiel Elementary: “I love what I do, it’s just fun.” The passion she brings to her work, and the compassion she shows to her students, has allowed individuals from a variety of backgrounds, family situations, ages and stages of development to feel loved and cared for. “Some of the children I work with have so little, and ask for even less,” says Staller. “It can make all the difference just being with them for 20 minutes.” Her volunteer work in the school includes helping with bulletin boards, costumes, art work, choir, concert preparation, and coaching. Her commitment to the students also tends to expand beyond the classroom.

SPONSORED BY

Simon Fraser University

“Some of the children I work with have so little, and ask for even less. It can make all the difference just being with them for 20 minutes.” – Margaret Staller 2013 CLA Top Honour Recipient TEACHER

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HonouRABLE MENTION

Jonathan Rempel

Teacher gets an ‘A’ for adventure

T Community Leader Awards

2013

Staller admits she has often allowed students into her home and on “outof-school excursions” in hopes of enriching their lives even further. “I brought a little boy home once and all we did was throw pennies off the Lions Gate Bridge, and he says to me ‘I hope this day never ends,’ and I’ll never forget that,” says Staller. She admits that sometimes she comes home with a heavy heart, but then remembers that something as simple as wishes on a bridge can have a positive impression on a young life. “Do I get angry about some of their home situations?” asks Staller. “Well of course I do, but that doesn’t do anything for the kids.” So instead, she shows up to school every day and tries to fill the classroom with love and laughter.

rading in a white board for white rapids, hikes, overnight camping trips, and rope courses, North Surrey Learning Centre teacher and aboriginal teacher advocate Jonathan Rempel has created a new classroom. The Adventure Co-op is a program that combines the outdoors with an English Language Arts component. It creates a community within the classroom and allows students who would normally never speak to each other to interact on trails and overnight camping experiences. “I’m more engaged in my teaching and my students are more engaged in their learning,” says Rempel. “I’ve had numerous students tell me that aspects of their lives have changed, or their perspective of learning and school has changed as a result of being

in this program.” Rempel also works with approximately 65 aboriginal students, and helps to ensure they are attending classes and making progress. “I find this work especially important because I believe that this generation of aboriginal students have more opportunities and brighter futures,” says Rempel. “When I see my students immersed in their learning and pushing forward even though it’s challenging; when I see students understanding and embracing their true value as individuals, and changing their lives for the better because of the support and help they’re getting at school, this is what inspires me – it’s what gives me the motivation to continue what I’m doing.”

24 Surrey/North Delta Leader Tuesday, June 25, 2013

ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS JUNE 19, 2013

VOLUNTEER RECIPIENTS 2013 AWARD

Community Leader AwardS 2013

SPONSORED BY

Canadian Tire “We are all equal and by bringing the cultures together it shows us that we are all the same.” – Baljit Singh Sabharwal 2013 CLA Top Honour Recipient VOLUNTEER

between South Asian and mainstream cultures. One of his prized accomplishments however, comes from his third point: understanding. Sabharwal created the Vaisakhi Gala, which is now in its fifth year, and continues to create cultural harmony in Surrey. Each year the event aims to bridge communities and educate people on the concepts related to Vaisakhi and seva (selfless service) in a celebratory fashion. “We can choose to live in segregation or unity,” says Sabharwal. “We are all equal and by bringing the cultures together it shows us that we are all the same.” Described by friends as “a gentle soul with a warrior’s strength,” or simply, “a gentleman,” Sabharwal continues to enlighten the community through education, cultural sharing and an understanding that harmony makes for a happy home.

T H E B U I L D I N G B LO C K S O F OUR C O M M UN I T Y - I T ’ S A L L A B OU T C O M M I T M E N T

HonouRABLE MENTION

Karanvir Thiara ‘Just doing his part’

Const. Amrik Singh Aulakh

Making Surrey safer on his watch

s a child, Karanvir Thiara was taught that giving back to the community is one of the greatest things that a person can do. So when it comes to his involvement in the Simon Fraser Student Society, City of Surrey Social Planning Advisory Committee, Kids Help Phone, and the Vancouver Elite Leadership Team, he says he is “just doing his part.” As an elected senator at SFU Surrey, Thiara plays a large role in his school’s academic direction by helping to ensure that new courses and programs are created by the university that are in the best interest of the students. Regardless of his school commitments, Thiara continues to balance work and community initiatives, such as organizing cancer research fundraisers, toy drives, blood drives, and food drives for the Surrey Food Bank. “I have been able to take the skills I have learned from volunteering and apply them to my academic and work opportunities,” says Thiara. “Seeing how you can change someone’s life by

taking a moment out of your day to help them, has helped me realize that if everyone does their part, we can change the world and make it a better place.”

etween the Surrey Crime Prevention Society, the Canadian Red Cross, and many other programs, Surrey RCMP Auxiliary Const. Amrik Singh Aulakh has dedicated more than 7,000 hours to volunteering. His call to duty is simply “to make Surrey a better and safer place to live,” and he does it on his own watch. “I came here as an immigrant and wanted to help others who needed some help,” says Aulakh. “After doing volunteer work I feel satisfied that I have done something good.” His dedication to volunteering expands beyond his work with the RCMP, and into tax season. For five years, he has volunteered with the Canada Revenue Agency to help new immigrants, low-income families and students file their income tax returns. At present, Aulakh is volunteering with

the Surrey RCMP as an Auxiliary Constable, where he earned the Auxiliary Constable of the Year award in 2010, in addition to his 2001-2003 awards for Traffic Safety and Speed Watch Volunteer of the Year. But all of that is of little matter to Aulakh, who says that even if “someone didn’t nominate me for any award, I would still be pursuing volunteering.” With Aulakh showing no sign of slowing down, the next time you are speeding by, you might just get to meet this outstanding volunteer.

28 Surrey/North Delta Leader Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Surrey/North Delta Leader 29

JUNE 19, 2013

ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

YOUTH VOLUNTEER

Top Honour

Samneet Chepal

Math student proves to be number one

dd up a ton of hard work and dedication, multiply that by ambitious qualities, and it equals Enver Creek Secondary student Samneet Chepal. With average grades of 90 per cent in his Grade 12 classes, including 99 per cent in accounting and 98 per cent in mathematics, Chepal’s unbridled enthusiasm to excel only begins in the classroom. Chepal divides his time between roles as co-president of the Student Council, chair of the Model United Nations Team, a tutor in the after-school “Cougar’s Den” homework program, a member of the Graduation Council, and co-founder of the Senior Math Club, where he provides tutorials for students who are struggling in Pre-Calculus 12. Furthermore, his involvement in the Surrey School District led him to found the Surrey Student Advisory Council, where student representatives from across the district are able to communicate

SPONSORED BY

Guildford Town Centre

with the district board of executives on improvements to the education system. “After all, this is the foundation for developing the future leaders of tomorrow,” says Chepal. “It would only seem fair to give students opportunities to express their bright ideas or concerns.” Regardless of his achievements, Chepal credits his formula for success to those around him: Equal parts observing the hard work ethic of his parents, the support of his fellow Enver Creek peers, and the remarkable job his teachers have done “preparing him for life after high school.” Now, Chepal hopes to take all he has learned and pursue an honour’s degree in finance and accounting at Queen’s School of Business in Kingston, Ontario. “I have a burning desire to one day achieve tremendous success and bring a positive impact upon the lives of many people,” says Chepal. When it comes to this equation of passion and purpose, the only possible answer is success.

T H E B U I L D I N G B LO C K S O F O U R CO M M U N I T Y - I T ’ S A L L A B O U T CO M M I T M E N T

HonouRABLE MENTION

Evraj Singh Sandhu

Marlissa Moro

Shiv Vashisht

Changing lives one positive step at a time

Living up to a Scout’s honour

Doing his part to help

vraj Sandhu considers his involvement with the community “learning stepping stones” towards his future. As a Grade 12 student at Panorama Ridge Secondary School, he is actively involved in the Panorama Leadership class and the Panorama Ridge Bhangra team. For the past six years, Sandhu has volunteered his time outside of school to the City of Surrey’s Fusion Festival and Surrey International Marathon, and is also a member of BC Children’s Hospital’s Youth Committee. He is considered a role model by his peers, an outstanding student by his teachers, and an asset to the community for his

volunteer work. But if you ask Sandhu to describe himself in one word, he says he is simply “responsible.” That sense of responsibility to the betterment of society has inspired him to constantly look for opportunities to give back. When Sandhu found out about a family facing a crisis this past Christmas, he created a social media page called “a special Christmas.” The community came together to donate gifts, cash and food in order to turn a difficult situation into the most memorable holiday for the family. “I think it is important to promote positivity in the community,” says Sandhu. “One positive interaction can change a whole life.”

hen 17-year-old Melissa Moro proudly states that she has “participated in Scouting since the age of five,” it is impossible to tell that she once lacked confidence. “When I was younger, I was too shy to talk in front of large groups, but through the levels in Scouting, I have had many opportunities to work in various-sized groups and I started to emerge as a natural leader,” says Moro. “Now I do not have any problem standing up in front of any age group and leading games, songs and activities.” She plays a tremendous leadership role as the Scouts’ Area Youth Commissioner, where she helps mentor, recruit and train a network of youth to

become engaged leaders within the Scouting movement. However, her compassion is never more apparent than when she is working with the youngest group, the Beavers, which includes youth with special needs ranging from Attention Deficit Disorder to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Many of the youngsters even aspire to become “a teenager just like Rainbow,” Moro’s name decided upon by the Beavers. “They gave me the name of Rainbow because I often wear bright, colourful clothing,” says Moro, who plans to continue as an active member of Scouts Canada for years to come.

he famous words by Ghandi, “be the change you wish to see in the world,” have become more than just a quote for Shiv Vashisht, they act as a guide by which to govern his life. “Through volunteering I try to promote and present that vision of change I hope to see,” says Vashisht.” As a Grade 11 student at North Delta Secondary School, he dedicates his time as an executive for student council, a member of the Focus Group Initiative and the Students Offering Services club, and the elected representative student for the Delta Youth Advisory Committee. His volunteering also spreads to numerous groups

outside of school, including: The Universal Cultural Society, Hindu-Sikh Forum of North America, Chetna Society, Vedic Hindu Cultural Society, and Vivek Art Group. Furthermore, Vashisht was chosen to represent North Delta Secondary at the Odd Squad Productions workshop with the Vancouver Police Department. He has since made numerous presentations to youth about drug and gang prevention. Since childhood his primary initiative has been to help those in need, a plan he will continue to pursue because to him volunteering is simply doing his part to help his “fellow human beings.”

30 Surrey/North Delta Leader Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Acorn Oak Tree

Good leadership comes from the ability to see potential. As the sponsor of this year’s Leader of the Year award, we would like to thank all of the 2013 nominees for their vision and hard work. Your efforts are helping to unlock the potential that lies within our community. You have made Surrey and North Delta a richer place to live. We are proud to be your neighbour.

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Tuesday, June 25, 2013 Surrey/North Delta Leader 31

JUNE 19, 2013

ELEVENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS

LEADER OF THE YEAR

COMMUNITY BUILDER

Steve Dooley “We don’t live a full life without connection to our communities, and for me, this is a particularly important value to share with my students.”

hen it comes to learning, Steve Dooley –a sociology and criminology professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University – believes that real life experience is education in its truest form. As vice-chair of the City of Surrey’s Social Policy Advisory Committee, he works hard to address social issues in the growing city. He played an important role in the development of the Surrey Poverty Reduction Plan, which unified stakeholders and a number of services providers to identify a plan of action. He is also co-investigator of a project called Acting Together – a study of the prevention of youth violence in Surrey. Additionally, Dooley is a board member of Pacific Community Resource Services, Keys Housing and Health Solutions, and The Surrey Urban Mission. He has also worked extensively with the City of Surrey, The Surrey School District, The Phoenix Society, Progressive Intercultural Community Services, and DIVERSEcity. As a professor, Dooley knows that he has the opportunity to leave an impact on many young lives, and does so admirably. As someone who cares deeply for the community, he instills the same values in his students. In his chosen disciplines of sociology and criminology, Dooley teaches a service learning course where students are required to go out into the community and volunteer for a non-profit agency. “In this course, students are taught to systematically compare ‘academic learning’ (textbook, essays, etc.) and the insights that come from direct experience,” says Dooley, who hopes that by making a connection between the two they will stay involved in social and environmental issues. “We don’t live a full life without connection to our communities, and for me, this is a particularly important value to share with my students.” Dooley’s life has been dedicated to branching out and impacting the lives of those around him, but the roots of his humble beginnings began 25 years ago.

“I met a woman whose son had committed suicide,” begins Dooley, “and she told me that her son had both mental health and addiction issues, and they had been ‘ping-ponged’ between mental health and addictions agencies.” Impacted by the interaction, he considered the mother an “expert of her own experience,” and helped to later develop a community conference that gave women like her a chance to share their stories and change the system. “Since that time I have made it my commitment to helping people share their voice in the context of their lived experience,” says Dooley. “I really do believe that we are each the experts of our own experiences and that we all have an important story to tell.” The experience also led Dooley to develop a particular research model of community engagement – The Active Community Engagement Model – which includes hiring and training members of the community to serve as research assistants. The model is currently being used in a study of the most vulnerable housed in Surrey. Yet even for this dynamic motivator, who has made an impact on the city through a variety of projects, there is but one motivation. “My son, Patrick Kennedy Dooley, who we lost five years ago after a very short illness, he was 17 years old,” says Dooley. “I work every day to honour Pat’s memory.” While he remembers his son in all he does for others, he would like to also be remembered one day by the community he so selflessly serves. “I hope that people will say I took the time to listen, I hope, from time to time, I was able to make people laugh,” says Dooley. And of his students, he want them to “stay humble,” as he has tried to teach them. He hopes they “stay authentic in their relationships,” as he has tried to show them. “And finally, I hope they are good citizens and stay engaged with the community issues,” as Dooley has done, each and every day.

T H E B U I L D I N G B LO C K S O F O U R CO M M U N I T Y - I T ’ S A L L A B O U T CO M M I T M E N T

32 Surrey/North Delta Leader Tuesday, June 2013 The25, Co-operators congratulate Surrey’s Emergency Services for the protection they provide.

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Thanks!

The Leader would like to thank our many COACH | community leader awards 2013 surrey & north delta Thank you again Surrey Emergency Services and volunteers, for your time and value you give to this community. Makes a positive contribution to their sport. Is exemplary community partners and sponsors who made in developing skills and confidence in participants. A thisyou. award winning annual locations: event possible. out to one of our advisors to find out how we can protect We have four convenient role model who inspires and encourages highReach athletic Schnitzer congratulates the achievement.

As the sponsor of this year’s Leader of the Year award, we would like to thank all the 2011 nominees for their vision and hard work. Your efforts are helping to Community Leader finalists who Jaspal unlock the potential Faisal thatDurrani lies within our You have and Watty Ray community. Moschuk Brar made Surrey Brittany work hard every day to make this 17700 Highway 10, Unit 106 15277 100 Ave., Unit 107 7320 King George Blvd., Unit 110 15775 Croydon Dr., Unit 116 TEACHER AWARD SPONSORS Surrey BCto live. Surrey, BCa better BC Surrey, BC world activelySurrey Makes a positive contribution a true leader. North Deltabyabeing richer place We are proud toplace. beWeyour neighbour.

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EMERGENCY SERVICE Makes a positive contribution to the community by going the extra mile – over and above the call of duty. Is exemplary in the area of emergency services and unselfishly shoulders enormous responsibility while accepting the potential risks and challenges of the job.

SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER This individual makes a positive contribution to the community by volunteering their time to one community service organization. This person is well thought of and is significantly relied upon by others in the organization.

VOLUNTEER This individual makes a positive contribution to the community by volunteering their time to a variety of causes. They are dedicated to making a difference in several initiatives.

YOUTH VOLUNTEER Makes a positive contribution to youth in the community. Someone who is depended upon and committed to provide direction, programs and/or support to ensure our youth have positive experiences.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER Makes a positive contribution to the community by championing environmentally friendly initiatives. Someone who inspires others to be “green” by being a leader in ecologically sound practices.

COMMUNITY BUILDER Someone who has taken the initiative to engage a variety of Surrey residents in an innovative or new community project or event. The initiative may assist different groups to work together, address a gap in community participation, or result in a more inclusive, engaged community.

SURREY PUBLIC LIBRARY

LEADER OF THE YEAR Rises above the rest by demonstrating leadership in all that he or she does. Makes a postitive contribution to the community and is a role model to look up to.

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