Community Achievement Awards Announced

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C.- Six people from Quesnel north, have been named as the recipients of the eighth annual BC Community Achievement Awards by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

The six are among 36 from across the province to be recognized. 

"Each of these people has a remarkable record of enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout the province," said Premier Christy Clark. "And each truly deserves to be singled out and recognized by all British Columbians for their contributions." 

The six from the central and northern parts of the province are: 

Rose Colledge of Tumbler Ridge; Over the past 17 years, Rose has committed her time and energy to ensuring that Tumbler Ridge is a vibrant and successful community. Rose is currently the women's outreach co-ordinator and has served as an elected councillor, president of the Tumbler Ridge Museum and a volunteer and board member of the Tumbler Ridge Community Arts Council.  

Peter Couldwell of Quesnel has served his community of Quesnel as a councillor for more than 20 years. He has also personally helped to raise close to $3million through his skills as a volunteer auctioneer for scores of events and organizations, including local charities, the Quesnel Community Foundation and the Hospice Palliative Care Association. 

Jim Davidson of Smithers; A lifelong resident of the Bulkley Valley, Jim Davidson has worked to enhance the economic viability and sustainability of the town of Smithers and the regional district. Former mayor and councillor, he initiated significant infrastructure projects, improved the region's dairy industry, created positive working relationships with First Nations communities in the area, and was instrumental in establishing the Happy Valley School for the education of special needs children. 

Alice Maitland of Hazelton; Alice has served the Village of Hazelton as an elected official in capacities from councillor to regional district director to mayor, a position she has held for 34 years. Her influence spans all aspects of life in the area including adult education and the development of Hazelton as a unique community showcasing First Nations' culture and pioneer history. Alice has been a constant stabilizing force in her community and a strong voice for small, rural northern communities. 

John Murphy of Vanderhoof: John has been an active community volunteer for as long as Vanderhoof residents can remember. Contributing his knowledge, skills and enthusiasm, he is a 15-year volunteer firefighter, a community and recreation fund raiser who led the effort to build a much-needed thirty-three unit seniors' residence and activity centre. 

Lori Slater of Fort St. John: Lori has worked tirelessly for the goals of inclusion and accessibility in Fort St. John. The chair of the Mayor's Disability Advisory Committee, Lori also serves as chair of the Aging With Disabilities Committee, with the Rick Hansen Foundation Wheels in Motion, and was community liaison for the Measuring Up the North initiative. 

The recipients of the 2011 British Columbia Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 20^th.  Each will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us