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Community Leader Awards JUNE 18, 2015 Celebrating the building blocks of our community.

PProudd to t be b in i your community it for f 85 years!!

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THIRTEENTH ANNUAL COMMUNIT Y LEADER AWARDS JUNE 18, 2015 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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015 RECIPIENTS!

NOMINATION CATEGORIES: COACH Makes a positive contribution to their sport. Is exemplary in developing skills and confidence in participants. A role model who inspires and encourages a high level of athletic achievement. TEACHER Makes a positive contribution by being a true leader. Demonstrates a high level of ethics and professional standards, is an inspirational motivator, excellent communicator, good listener and a reliable resource to the community. COURAGE/BRAVERY This person has risen above adversity or formidable challenges to succeed and inspire others. Alternatively, this person exhibited great bravery while facing a threat to their own personal safety in coming to the aid of another. ABOVE AND BEYOND This person makes a positive contribution to their community through their work. Someone who goes beyond the requirements of their job to support the community and make it a better place. 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.

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. 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 13 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.

A N N U A L LY H O N O U R I N G A N D C E L E B R AT I N G T H E LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNIT Y WITH PRIDE.

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 different initiatives. YOUTH VOLUNTEER This young person (aged 25 and under) makes a positive contribution to the community through their volunteer efforts. 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.initiative may assist different groups to work together, address a gap in community participation, or result in a more inclusive, engaged community.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

GUEST SPEAKER

Bruce Hayne

Steve Dooley

Mark Boomhower

Former CLA Recipient

2013 Leader of the Year

2014 Leader of the Year

SENIORS’ ADVOCATE Providing support to seniors who are isolated, physically or mentally challenged, lonely, low income, or who are facing other obstacles that keep them from feeling included in the community. LEADER OF THE YEAR Rises above the rest by demonstrating leadership in all that he or she does. Makes a positive contribution to the community and is a role model to look up to.

STORIES BY LAUREN COLLINS

PHOTOS BY EVAN SEAL

Fr iday June 26 2015 The Surrey-Nor th Delta Leader

J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S LEADER OF THE YEAR

COACH

Sponsored by Community Savings Credit Union

SPONSORED BY

McDonald’s Restaurants

Tournier has worked for the organization for more than 20 years and has helped many people and their families cope with this challenging illness. “It’s difficult sometimes to find enough time, but (my neighbours) need help. Sometimes they’re ill or they need help communicating with someone,” she says. “They come to me and I help them.” Because neither Brian nor Norman can speak, Tournier, 63, learned sign language to better communicate with the brothers to keep them from feeling isolated. “It was difficult, but it’s the same as learning another language,” Tournier says. Tournier often thinks what life would be like for her if she lost the person she relied on the most. She said if you help people in their time of need, then when you need help, it will come to you. “It always comes back to you – pay it forward. I think that’s true.”

HONOURABLE MENTION

Barbara Gould A passion for the arts spans years

arbara Gould, 81, has shown a deep commitment to the arts in Surrey throughout the years. Gould has been a member of the Arts Council of Surrey since 1998. From 2002 to 2004, she served as administrator and was editor and senior writer for the publication Spotlight on the Arts. Since 2005, Gould has been a director on the arts council, serving on various committees. She is currently a director at large. Gould was the founder, administrator and mentor of the Youth Arts Council of Surrey and she initiated the high school variety show, Surrey Shines, and the one-act playwright competition, Write On! From 2006 to 2009, Gould was the executive director of the Young People’s

Opera Society of BC. During that time, Gould contributed significant personal funding to the 2008 production of “Spirit Moon.” Gould said “Spirit Moon” was brilliant play featuring First Nations performers, professional opera singers and local community players. “Unfortunately, we were under-funded. I felt it was an important work and deserved to be staged. So I made up the difference,” Gould says. Gould is now forming a not-for-profit organization – the ArtsCan Resource Network – to provide cultural assistance to emerging artists, writers, performers and painters in the Lower Mainland.

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Congratulations on behalf of Save On Foods / Price Smart Foods on your incredible contributions involving sustainability and the environment.

BC Owned and Operated since 1915

Jeff Enger

Ken Christensen

Adam Rondquist

Ryan Duncan

Sarb Pannu

Save-On Foods Surrey Store Manager

Price Smart Foods Fleetwood Store Manager

Save-On Foods Nordel Store Manager

Save-On Foods Newton Store Manager

Save-On Foods Scottsdale Store Manager

We have a history of taking the lead when it comes to sustainable stores and weâ€™re focused on continuing to do the right thing in every area of our business. TALK ABOUT LOCALâ€Ś

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J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER SPONSORED BY

Save-On-Foods\ PriceSmart Foods

TOP HONOUR

Taylor Ward Going greener – one step at a time

FU Surrey student Taylor Ward was inspired by the City of Vancouver’s goal of becoming the greenest city in the world when he created “Step,” a shoe insole that can transform kinetic energy from every step into electricity that can power cities. “Step” took first place at the 2015 IxDA Student Design Challenge with the theme of “envisioning the wearable city.” Each insole would contain piezoelectric nanogenerators (energy-harvesting devices) and compactors for transforming each step into energy and then store it in the insoles. The energy would then be transferred using wireless inductive charging from transfer stations into the city’s power grid. The undergraduate’s prize for winning

was valued at more than $3,000 in research and design tools and access to conferences around the world. Ward competed against four other international teams with finalists from the United States, Sweden and Italy. The competition challenged Ward, 22, to think of ways to harness the 150 million steps a person takes in their lifetime. Ward said in Canada, the domestic consumption of electricity in 2013 was nearly 560 trillion watts of power in a single hour. It’s the sixth highest in the world. “This is reflected by our city, as our residents have an ecological footprint three times larger than the Earth can sustain.”

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Linda Prai Working to make Surrey a more ecologically friendly village

inda Prai has lived in Surrey for 30 years and for her, caring for the Earth and all its inhabitants starts at home. Prai is a member of the Village Surrey Transition Initiative and blogs about community sustainability issues. She also organizes events that raise awareness of local environmental issues and inspire community-led solutions. “We can all make positive changes in our neighbourhood and take ownership by caring for the creeks, using the bike routes, reading through the city’s Sustainability Dashboard, and joining a group such as Village Surrey.” Last year, Prai completed her Permaculture Design Certificate and she has been actively building partnerships and community capacity for more permaculture work in Surrey. (Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature).

Prai is currently working with city staff to explore creating an eco-village in Surrey which could utilize Agricultural Land Reserve land in a sustainable way. “That means a place where people can live, work, grow food, and collaborate, and ideally become a ‘hub’ for education and demonstration,” Prai said. “I want Surrey to be a thriving community when my son gets older, not just an urban sprawl.” Prai says working within your own community can often have the greatest impact. “There’s much we can re-learn from the past and combine it with all we now know about the environment. That excites me – better to work towards positive things in your life than be pessimistic about the way things are going.”

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PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 13TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS

Central City is an award winning world class development located in the centre of Surrey, the fastest growing city in British Columbia. Central City is a mixed use development combining 640,000 square feet of superior retail stores, services and restaurants, a 350,000 square foot Simon Fraser University Campus and 560,000 square feet of AAA ofﬁce space. Retail Anchors include: Best Buy, Canadian Passport Ofﬁce, Shoppers Drug Mart, Winners, T&T Supermarket, The Brick, Bed Bath & Beyond, Neptune Seafood Restaurant, Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness / She’s Fit!, and Walmart coming soon. TM

We are proud to be a part of the new emerging city centre and applaud all of our community volunteers.

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604.588.5271 www.centralcity.ca

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SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER SPONSORED BY

Central City Shopping Centre

TOP HONOUR

Frank Wilkie Senior forges lasting bonds with books

nce a month, Frank Wilkie drives from his home in Coquitlam to deliver library books to home-bound Surrey residents. In 1999, Wilkie and his first wife (who has since passed away) saw an ad in the paper for the Read-Ability Home Delivery Service through Surrey Libraries, which provides books and audio-visual materials to people who are unable to visit a library branch. “I’ve been doing it ever since,” Wilkie says. “It’s been fun.” Wilkie says sometimes it can be inconvenient driving to Surrey to deliver the reading material because he occasionally has to drop off books for his clients at night. But he never misses a delivery. He always informs the library about any upcoming holidays he will be taking or changes to his clients’ schedules. Right now, Wilkie only has four clients, but he has had as many as six.

Over his 16 years of volunteering with the Surrey Libraries, Wilkie has developed special relationships with his clients and they speak about his support with great respect and admiration. His clients describe him as a true pioneer and a trusted friend. “It’s been a real pleasure to meet the folks and have a visit with them and develop an interest in them. It’s a real joy,” says Wilkie, 82. “I’ve been volunteering since before I even quit work,” he notes, referring to his time volunteering at the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities in Langley. “I’m always looking for something to help others and I find a lot of pleasure in doing that.” While devoting his time to the ReadAbility Home Delivery Service, Wilkie has also volunteered his time to Lifeline, Surrey Christmas Bureau, the Toy Bank and Tynehead Hatchery.

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Dale Toor & Paul Foodikoff Pair provides meaty support for Surrey students

ale Toor and Paul Foodikoff are both dedicated North Surrey Lions Club members and have been working together for the past three years. Several years ago, Toor and Foodikoff took over the club’s weekly Sunday meat draw. Since then, Toor and Foodikoff have expanded the draw to twice a week on Saturdays and Sundays. Other Lions also assist with the meat draw, but it’s Toor and Foodikoff who are at the pubs for the meat draws every weekend from September through June. “We devote our weekends to the meat draws to feed the hungry children,” Foodikoff explains. The money the two men raise go toward the Lions breakfast program, which buys fresh food for children who show up at school without having eaten. When Toor and Foodikoff first took over the meat draws, they were only able to help one school, but now they support more than a dozen schools by providing fresh food for breakfast. “We feed 210 hungry children in 13 elementary schools five days a week,” Foodikoff says. He hopes they can feed even more children in the future. Toor and Foodikoff raise upwards of $20,000 a year to help feed the kids. In 2013, Toor and Foodikoff were given the Governor’s Award in honour of their hard work with the North Surrey Lions meat draw. Toor and Foodikoff also support the Tiny Bundles program for moms and babies at the Surrey Food Bank.

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Faisal Durrani Unit 106 17700 Hwy 10 Surrey BC 604-575-8711

Ray Moschuk Unit 107 15277 100 Ave Surrey BC 604-581-0471

Jaspal Brar Unit 110 7320 King George Blvd Surrey BC 604-592-5454

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J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S

EMERGENCY SERVICES SPONSORED BY

The Co-operators Insurance & Financial Services

TOP HONOUR

Mark Bertoia Tough calls on the job inspire firefighter to serve others off-duty

ark Bertoia was hired as a Surrey firefighter in 2007 and since then he has served both the community and the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society with enthusiasm and professionalism. “Our charitable society has been growing and progressing in such a positive manner within the City of Surrey in my eight years on the job. I feel very grateful to be part of a well-run charity that is so diverse in who it helps within the City of Surrey and beyond its borders,” Bertoia says. Since 2008, Bertoia has been a director for the B.C. Burn Fund, which involves planning and carrying out duties to support burn survivors. Bertoia has volunteered three times as a camp counsellor for young burn survivors at the annual week-long B.C. Burn Camp hosted by the BC Professional Burn Fund. “I saw how important it was to provide these young survivors with the proper

resources, support and guidance that is needed,” Bertoia says. “It pushed me to advocate for burn survivor awareness programs, to help put on fundraisers and donate my time to the cause.” Bertoia also has contributed countless hours to charitable tree chips, boot drives, basketball tournaments and other events. He loves the fact he can make a positive difference in the community as both a volunteer and a firefighter. “On a personal level, it’s extremely rewarding to give back to the citizens whose neighbourhoods I work in.” Because of his caring attitude, Bertoia is well-respected among his peers. “Working as a firefighter and responding to calls where you see people in the community going through tough times or unfortunate events in their life definitely reinforces why I should donate my time and act as a positive role model in my community,” Bertoia says.

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Ernie Dombrowski Loss of generous firefighter leaves a void

rnie Dombrowski’s contributions during his eight years of service with the Surrey Fire Service far outnumber those of some of his more senior colleagues. “When we added them up, in his short eight-year career, he’s probably done more than 35 years of service with multiple different charitable initiatives, benevolent events and programs for our membership as well,” says Todd Schierling, the executive director for the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society. Dombrowski passed away in April of this year at the age of 44. Dombrowski was the co-director of the charitable society’s Nutritional Snack Program which provides food for over 2,000 students in more than 100 Surrey schools. “Ernie really wanted to support kids. He had been in a disadvantaged role growing up,” Schierling says.

Dombrowski organized all the Costco runs for supplies and the drivers to pick up and deliver the food. He oversaw it all for the past five years. Four years ago, Dombrowski developed a hockey tournament to help raise funds for the snack program. “If he said, ‘I want to do this, will you help me?’ Or if he would come to the charitable society and say, ‘I want to do this, how can I get it done?’ and we would guide him from an organizational standpoint,” Schierling says. He describes Dombrowski as one of a kind. “He left a void with our charitable society and he was well-liked by so many members. He was a leader. So many people would gravitate to him because of his nature.”

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J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S ABOVE AND BEYOND

COURAGE/BRAVERY

SPONSORED BY

Guildford Town Centre

Transforming Society (YTS) with three other friends. YTS raises awareness for humanitarian issues and encourages community volunteerism. Atwal currently volunteers in the emergency room at Surrey Memorial Hospital. She also volunteers as a call taker for the Fraser Health Crisis Line. On top of all that, Atwal is taking a full course load at the University of B.C. while also serving on the executive committee of UBC’s Canadian Liver Foundation. Atwal enjoys the diversity of learning experiences that volunteering brings. “There is rarely a volunteer experience where I have not learned something new and worthwhile,” Atwal says. “I have learned so many skills from volunteering that help me in my academic work and personal life every day.” From teaching leadership and event planning, to showing her how to be compassionate and empathetic, volunteering has shaped Atwal into the person she is today.

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rade 12 student Olivia Helmer cannot pinpoint where her desire to volunteer stemmed from, but she has always aspired to change the world in some shape or form. Since November 2012, Helmer has run the REACH Club at Kwantlen Park Secondary. Helmer and the rest of the club members open their doors once a week at the school, organizing activities, preparing food and creating a safe environment for a welcoming social hub. The group was started after Helmer’s social studies teacher mentioned how many students at Kwantlen Park were unable to connect with the rest of the student body. “In every high school there have always been walls built up between different social

HONOURABLE MENTION

Olivia Helmer

Saurabh Bangar

Promoting a culture of family over cliques in schools

‘Giving back to my community is something I will do for the rest of my life’

groups and grades which causes students to not be able to connect with others easily,” Helmer says. “I, my peers and my social studies teacher wanted to carry out an innovative idea in my school and help our school community become more of a family rather than cliques.” Helmer, 18, is also part of “Inspire,” a club where girls in Grades 10 to 12 come together to mentor girls in Grades 8 and 9 to help them through their first years of high school. Earlier this month won a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership, which is valued at $70,000 for up to four years of postsecondary schooling.

or a 20-year-old, Saurabh Bangar has accomplished quite a bit. Bangar began volunteering in his early high school years at Queen Elizabeth Secondary. His main focus was on organizations that serve youth in the community. Now attending SFU Surrey, Bangar is the president and CEO of SOAR Philanthropic Society. SOAR (Success, Opportunity, Achievement, Results) started back in 2012 when Bangar realized many high school students going into post-secondary education were in financial need. Later this year, SOAR will be awarding five scholarships worth $1,000 each to five Grade 12 students across the Lower Mainland. “Every day there are many people that are born within this world and many people that leave. We

come here with nothing and leave with nothing,” he says. “Throughout our lives we notice there are people who require support and it’s important to share with others by giving back to them.” Bangar was recently appointed as the vicepresident of corporate development for Kids Play, which focuses on keeping youth away from the lifestyles of drugs, gangs and violence. “Giving back to my community is something I will do for the rest of my life because without the support of my community I would not be where I am today,” Bangar says. Bangar encourages youth in the community to volunteer their time toward their passions. “Grow that passion to greater heights because in the long run when you look, you will be happy for what you always believed in.”

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Fr iday June 26 2015 The Surrey-Nor th Delta Leader

J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S

TEACHER

TOP HONOUR

Paul Langton Surrey educator comes full circle

ith more than 30 years of teaching experience under his belt, Paul Langton is back teaching at the high school he graduated from. Throughout his career, Langton has supported, encouraged, educated and positively changed hundreds of lives in Surrey. Langton spent two years as a vice-principal, however he returned to teaching because he missed the enjoyment of the classroom. “It is always special to run into former students who are excited to talk to you or receive emails from former students who let you know how they are doing and that you were one of the teachers who made an impact in their life,” he says. “It is rewarding to hear that you made a difference in a student’s life.” Langton says his style of teaching involves building relationships with students and to make learning fun so they want to come to class. Forty years ago, Langton graduated from Semiahmoo Secondary. He now teaches PreCalculus 11 and Leadership Skills 11/12 at the school. Langton recently started the first year-long

SPONSORED BY

Simon Fraser University

Pre-Calculus 11 course aimed for students who struggle with math, but need the credits for post-secondary. “This course really helps students who would struggle with the fast pace of the regular semester math course,” Langton says. “One year saw over 90 per cent of the students in the class earn a significantly higher percentage than in their previous Math 10 course.” He also created the first science cooperative program in Canada, which gives scienceoriented students a broader experience than found in textbooks. Schools in Surrey and across the country have copied the program. Along with teaching academics, Langton has also coached school sports every year of his teaching career – sometimes multiple sports in the same year. “I have tried to instill into hundreds of young athletes the meaning of teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship,” he says. Langton is a student-centred teacher who works with teens as individuals. He is not concerned about the class average, but what success means for each individual student.

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Michelle Nilson Early education sets the foundation for higher learning

hroughout Michelle Nilson’s 17year teaching career, her focus has been on helping vulnerable children – in particular, addressing the causes of chronic absenteeism in elementary schools. Nilson’s interest in absenteeism started when she decided to research the issue in the Surrey School District. She examined student engagement in the home, community and school and the factors that contribute to success. “I was and continue to be interested in this topic because while I am a scholar who focuses on the study of higher education, early education sets the foundation for higher education,” says Nilson. A faculty member in Educational Leadership at SFU Surrey, Nilson says her research is important because it shows the likelihood of post-secondary attendance as early as Grades 3 and 4. Absenteeism in kindergarten to Grade 3 forms the

foundation of behaviours and mindsets that can shape the future for students, she explains. “As a person who is interested in what helps shape post-secondary aspirations and participation, having a thorough understanding of these precursors is fundamental to understanding this phenomenon,” she says. Nilson has contributed valuable insight to Surrey’s “Attendance Matters” and “Expanding Horizons” programs, which support vulnerable students and families. Nilson continues to teach because she enjoys being exposed to fresh ideas. “I love being in a group of people who are considering questions from a variety of perspectives and where anything can be considered as an alternative,” Nilson says, “where we are focused on developing solutions and ways forward by sharing and co-developing new pathways.”

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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 201 Com Award nominees! The YMCA is pleased to sponsor the coach category for the 201 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 it’s up to all of us to positively impact today’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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J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S

COACH

TOP HONOUR

John Carroll Longtime coach gives youth a solid start

ohn Carroll’s 44-year involvement with gymnastics is not stopping any time soon. Carroll, the program director at Surrey Gymnastics Society, was a competitive gymnast himself for 13 years, until the age of 20. Then coaching came calling. “When I was 15, I wanted a part-time job, so I began coaching recreational kids at my home club in Richmond,” Carroll says. He adds cash was the incentive. Carroll took a coaching position in Coquitlam at the age of 18 and he’s been working with competitive boys and girls ever since. On top of his coaching career, Carroll has been a gymnastics judge for 32 years. “I am also an international judge who judges as many local competitions as I am available for. I have represented Canada myself at Commonwealth and Pan American Games and recently at two World Championship,” Carroll says. His judging panels include the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India and

SPONSORED BY

Tong Louie Family YMCA

the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Earlier this year, Carroll received the Sport BC Athlete of the Year award for Official of the Year. He’s hopeful he’ll be picked as a judge for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But for Carroll, working with youth right here in Surrey has been spectacular. “Sport is just an avenue for creating passionate, hardworking and motivated youth,” he says. “In the big picture, I am just helping the community to gain adults in the future who know what it is like to work hard for a successful outcome.” Some of Carroll’s favourite moments during his years coaching include when former kids return to the gym to visit, sometimes with a wedding invitation or a baby announcement. “You know you have something special with kids when they come see you as adults and are sharing their new achievements,” Carroll says. “It definitely makes you feel like you had a positive affect through those formidable years.”

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Robert Esmie Coach helps others score their own goals

obert Esmie, a decorated track-andfield Olympian, fell into coaching by accident. “My last coach, the legendary Mike Murray, tricked me into being his assistant for about eight years,” Esmie says. From then on, Esmie’s talent as a coach travelled by word of mouth. Esmie is the head coach of the South Fraser Track Club. He co-manages workshops for distance runners which sometimes requires he travel around the world. He is also the founder of both the Speed Centre and Air Blastoff, with a vision of providing Olympic-level training to young athletes. At Air Blastoff, Esmie coaches athletes

from sports such as baseball, football, soccer, kabbadi and rugby. After all this time in the game, Esmie says he still enjoys helping people of all ages, genders and abilities in all sports. One of the aspects Esmie enjoys the most about coaching is talking with his clients on their first day. “Hearing them share their goals and passions of what they would like to achieve and asking me to mentor and lead them to their destination and achieve the goals that were set is an enjoyable, yet humble feeling,” he says. “To be trusted with their dream and be a part of it using my Olympic process method to make that happen is a joy.”

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Proud Sponsor

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VOLUNTEER

TOP HONOUR

K.C. Gilroy Christmas charity leader gives the gift of extra time

.C. Gilroy is the paid co-ordinator for the Surrey Christmas Bureau, but she definitely works more than the usual nineto-five hours during the holiday season. Gilroy doesn’t mind putting in the extra hours. She doesn’t want to leave people standing out in the cold. Gilroy usually arrives at the Surrey Christmas Bureau hours before the doors open. “We open at 10 a.m., but people come at five in the morning for the first few days particularly,” Gilroy says. “So I like to make sure I’m there just to tell people, ‘here’s your number, please go home.’ They can’t stand there for five hours until we open. It’s crazy.” Gilroy adds that in the afternoon when staff try to wind things up, there’s usually a lot left to do. So sometimes she stays until nine or 10 at night. “This is one of those roles where you’ve got

SPONSORED BY

Canadian Tire

a salary, but you’ve got to make it happen. And it’s all on what you make happen.” The Surrey Christmas Bureau provides gifts and food for hundreds of less-fortunate local families who would otherwise have nothing at Christmas time. On top of working for the Surrey Christmas Bureau, Gilroy has had two other volunteer jobs that she is proud: at the B.C. Summer Games and on the Surrey Environmental Advisory Committee. Gilroy was a director for the B.C. Summer Games and she says she enjoyed preparing for the two years leading up to the games. Gilroy was also the first chair of the Surrey Environmental Advisory Committee for a two-year term. “I always felt interested in environmental issues and it just felt like a natural fit,” Gilroy says.

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Mike Schinkelwitz Building community through leadership

ike Schinkelwitz has been community-minded as far back as he can remember. Back in the seventh grade, Schinkelwitz recalls being given an annual citizenship plaque by the school. Today, Schinkelwitz works tirelessly as Fraserview Terrace’s strata council treasurer in order to keep the multi-unit property on budget. Whether it’s insurance claims, new fencing, security upgrades, garbage removal issues, bylaw infractions, property crimes or landlord/tenant issues – Schinkelwitz does it all without complaint, expecting nothing in return. “Our community at Fraserview is a new one, so we needed a couple residents to build the team to bring the community together, learn who the residents are and communicate with them,” Schinkelwitz says. “If you don’t have those community leaders,

your neighbourhood will have trouble progressing and building.” Schinkelwitz has spearheaded campaigns such as community-wide water reduction plans (Save H2O), Block Watch and the Fraserview Block Party & BBQ. Schinkelwitz chose to be co-captain of the Block Watch, as well as attending an RCMP seminar on public safety. Schinkelwitz is described as the “glue that keeps (the) community together.” “My community knows that if they’re having a problem they can come and talk to me. Whether it’s a problem with a water leak or a problem with a neighbour of theirs – I always listen and offer solutions.” As for continuing to volunteer his time, Schinkelwitz says “you get what you give. Volunteering teaches you that.”

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Fr iday June 26 2015 The Surrey-Nor th Delta Leader

J U N E 18, 2015 T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S

COURAGE/BRAVERY

TOP HONOUR

Ashley Gowanlock Paralympian helps others realize their dreams

hen Ashley Gowanlock was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills) at age two, her parents were told she would never walk or talk. Six months later, Gowanlock’s physiotherapist had her try horseback riding, since Gowanlock didn’t like physiotherapy. “I loved it as soon as they put me on the horse,” Gowanlock says. “Riding is good for stretching, balance and coordination which are things I don’t possess in large quantities.” Gowanlock says her life story would be completely different if she had not started horseback riding. “Most days, I feel nothing close to courageous or brave.” When she was 14, Gowanlock attended a Scouts camp for disabled riders looking to develop their skills. The camp led her to qualify for international events. Gowanlock was also given the chance to compete for Canada in the para-dressage event at the

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Guildford Orthodontic Centre

Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2006 and London in 2012. Gowanlock has spoken to students about overcoming her obstacles in life. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without horses, like being a Paralympian and riding horses and travelling around the world. It’s amazing I even have stories to tell at schools,” Gowanlock says. “I almost love talking to kids and people as much as I love horseback riding.” Gowanlock, 28, says seeing how her stories help others realize they can have goals and dreams as well is deeply rewarding. “I don’t think you wake up every morning, going, ‘today, I’m going to inspire five people to never give up,’ but it’s human condition for people to learn by example,” she says. “If they’re watching you go through a struggle or a hard time, or nothing’s going your way and you’re still trying to find the silver lining in the situation, that’s one of the biggest gifts you can give someone.”

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lthough Shawn Rill was diagnosed with autism at two-and-a-half-years old, it has not stopped him from forging a successful life for himself. According to Rill’s dad Stephan, Rill was a typical kid until his second year, and then he began withdrawing. “Unfortunately because it was the early 1990s, autism wasn’t something that everybody knew. We didn’t even realize what it was until we were sat down and it was explained to us,” Stephan says. On the wide spectrum of autism, Rill, 27, sits somewhere in the middle, between those who are uncontrollably hyper and those who are completely withdrawn. He sometimes jumbles sentences and it takes longer for him to perform certain physical tasks. Rill’s parents put him in speech therapy and he attended a pre-school specifically for children with special needs called the Surrey Association for Early Childhood Education.

HONOURABLE MENTION

Shawn Rill

Nenita Yap

Persevering past the challenges of autism

Focusing on the future after Typhoon Haiyan

Rill’s main obstacle, according to Stepahn, is his social awkwardness. “He finds it very difficult to open up to a lot of people unless it’s a topic that he’s very excited about and there’s very few topics he gets excited about.” After high school, job opportunities were scarce, as few employers wanted to take a chance on Rill. But Rill persevered, and for Earlier this year, Rill told his parents he wanted to go to Japan. He’d travelled there in 2012 with his dad, but this time he planned to go alone. According to Rill he wants to visit different locations, such as temples and parks. “He does challenge himself sometimes,” notes Stephan.

fter waiting for more than a year, Nenita Yap’s daughter Samantha is finally living in Canada after surviving Typhoon Haiyan. In November 2013, Yap was waiting for any news about her family in the Philippines in the wake of Haiyan – a Category 5 typhoon that was one of the strongest tropical storms ever recorded. It slammed into Southeast Asia on Nov. 8, 2013, causing mass devastation – especially in the Philippines. It killed more than 5,000 people. Yap lost 10 members of her family to the typhoon, including her mother and sister. “As painful as it is to have lost 10 family members, at the same time, we choose to concentrate on the lives of those who survived and to their future,” Yap says. In July of last year, Yap was completing the paperwork needed to grant her and her 14-year-old daughter permanent residency. Yap was also hoping her niece would be able to come to Canada as well.

In February, Samantha moved here to live with her mom. “As for my orphan niece, who I am adopting, it’s still in process,” Yap says. During her struggle with grief, Yap found support among Surrey’s Filipino community. “We stumbled and fell, but managed to stand again with the support of our friends, relatives and church family.” Since the typhoon, Yap has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship through Sprott Shaw College at the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver for an essay she wrote about the natural disaster. The money paid for her seven-month Health Care Assistant diploma program at the college. Yap is currently completing her courses and will be done by June 19. “With me going to school in the morning, and a parttime job in the afternoon, we get by financially,” she says.

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SURREY’S AFFORDABLE SENIORS’ COMMUNITY

Amenida Seniors’ Community e a L d y e t r i n A u w m ards m o C “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy” -Meryl Streep Amenida Seniors’ Community would like to sincerely thank Marco Chorbajian and Avtar Singh Sidhu for their contribution to improving the lives of seniors and congratulate them RQ ZLQQLQJ WKH ¿UVW Community Leader Award in the Seniors’ Advocate category.

Independent & Assisted Living Call or email to arrange your tour today (604) 597-9333 Ext 126 teena.love@homecareliving.ca 13855 68th Avenue, Surrey www.homecareliving.ca

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SENIORS’ ADVOCATE

TOP HONOUR

Marco Chorbajian Spirited senior helps others battle back from stroke

even years ago, Marco Chorbajian had a massive stroke. He spent three months in hospital and was told he would never be able to play tennis again – a sport he loved and coached. At 70 years old, he was paralyzed on the right side of his body. He couldn’t stand on his own or speak. A nurse had earlier given him the news he didn’t want to hear – that he would never play tennis again. “She said you have no grip, no hand-eye coordination… nothing. Don’t get your hopes up.” But Chorbajian wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. “I wanted to be independent and I tried very hard,” Chorbajian says. “I wanted to play tennis again. This is what got me going.” Without consent from his doctor, Chorbajian checked himself out of the hospital. And while he went to physiotherapy four days a week for a half an hour, he felt that wasn’t enough, so he decided to push himself harder. With the help of his wife and his family, Chorbajian began going to the pool at SunGod Arena every day. And one day, after 30 minutes in the jacuzzi, Chorbajian got

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Amenida Seniors’ Community

out and took seven steps. That eventually increased to walking six or seven kilometres in the pool each day. He soon progressed from wheelchair to walker to 6,000 steps a day. Now, Chorbajian plays tennis twice a week. He also serves as an inspiration to other stroke survivors, volunteering his time to visit them in hospital. “I visit stroke survivors all the time. I try to inspire them. I want to motivate them. Sometimes I get them mad so they get working.” During his time in hospital, Chorbajian repeatedly asked nurses to bring him someone who’d had a stroke so he could talk to him. “They brought me no one. They could not find anyone,” Chorbajian says. “I said, ‘I am going to get better and (helping stroke survivors) is going to be the job for the rest of my life’.” Chorbajian is part of a program with the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation called Living with Stroke. The sessions cover topics such as impact of stroke, physical changes and keeping active, how to deal with emotions and relationships, nutrition and reducing future risk. Chorbajian says he is getting great response from the program.

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HONOURABLE MENTION

Avtar Singh Sidhu 82-year-old shows newcomers the way

or 10 years, Avtar Singh Sidhu has been helping newcomers to Canada adjust to their unfamiliar surroundings. Sidhu helps new immigrants and seniors with basic but necessary tasks such as buying a bus pass, learning to use transit, or obtaining a medical card. Four times a week, Sidhu meets with other South Asian seniors at Killarney Seniors’ Centre (Mondays and Wednesdays) and Sunset Community Centre (Tuesdays and Thursdays). During one of his get-togethers, it was suggested that Sidhu could help other seniors and newcomers to the country. Sidhu, 82, says people would come and ask him to accompany them to various appointments so Sidhu could help translate. “When we would sit together, somebody would say, ‘Tomorrow I have an

appointment with the doctor, come with me.’ Then I would go with him.” Sidhu’s English isn’t perfect – he calls it “Indian-English” – but he helps his friends and to the best of his abilities. When Sidhu first moved to the Lower Mainland, he worked in lawn maintenance which helped him to build his English vocabulary. “We can’t understand some very technical words, but sometimes we’d learn from them,” Sidhu says of his lawn maintenance job. “Or sometimes they’d learn from us.” In 1986, Sidhu and his family moved to Vancouver from the Punjab region of India. Then in 1992, Sidhu and his family moved to Surrey. For the last 10 years, Sidhu has been the secretary of the Senior Progressive Society.

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Acorn Oak Tree

Good leadership comes from the ability to see potential. As the sponsor of this yearâ€™s Leader of the Year award, we would like to thank all of the 2015 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.

1.888.963.2000 | www.comsavings.com

Fr iday June 26 2015 The Surrey-Nor th Delta Leader

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LEADER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY

Community Savings Credit Union

COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR

Kerry Taylor Caring about the individuals beyond the sport

erry Taylor’s coaching career started in the 1970s and he continues to mentor young people to this day, coaching at least one sport every year. Growing up, Taylor was an active participant in many sports and he had a very competitive nature. “I coached my first team in community baseball with my older brother when I was in Grade 10,” Taylor says. “I really liked the competition and the reward associated with practice and dedicating yourself to skill development, and ultimately winning competitions.” Taylor has coached many years in both community and school programs. He’s trained beginner and elite teams at the senior secondary school level and has won numerous awards for his efforts. A member of the BC High School Boys Basketball Association, Taylor is currently involved in coaching basketball and guiding up-and-coming young coaches. “I mentor them on practice plans, game strategies and game-coaching by modelling and providing feedback on their interactions with athletes.” One way Taylor is committed to developing his young high school athletes is by sticking to a five-year plan. With this play, Taylor coaches a group of players from Grade 8 to 12. He has committed his time and expertise to this strategy. Taylor thinks many attributes combine to make a good coach. He says coaches need to have a strong knowledge of the sport and the fundamental skills required to be successful. “Good coaches take this knowledge and have the ability to break down the more complex skills and drills to be practised and then put into a competitive game setting.” Taylor adds that above all, successful coaches have a passion for their sport and have an ability to challenge their athletes while constantly providing positive feedback. “Good coaches recognize the differences in their players and over time, build a trust relationship whereby they truly believe you care

about them as individuals beyond the sport itself.” Taylor says he likes to think he has these qualities. For eight years, Taylor put on basketball camps for elementary school students in Grades 4 to 7, focusing on the fundamentals. Throughout the years, Taylor has coached both male and female teams in sports such as basketball, volleyball, baseball, rugby, tennis, soccer and hockey. His philosophy is centred on the athlete, with his first priority being to ensure that a team exists and that they have the opportunity to be on the court, diamond, rink or track. Taylor’s second priority is to make sure the athletes are getting the most out of the experience. While encouraging competition, Taylor also makes sure his teams enjoy the season. His favourite aspect of coaching is seeing the improvement in both the individuals on the team and the impact it has on the team’s overall success. Taylor also volunteers for international trips. Since 1990, he has organized nine trips for basketball and rugby teams. Hawaii, England and Wales have been popular destinations. Along with international trips, Taylor has taken his students all over B.C. Over the decades, he has had championship success at all levels: league, zone, city, Fraser Valley and provincially. His most recent championship was a Provincial Senior Boys Basketball Championship which Taylor cocoached with his son. Taylor has so many fond memories of coaching, but there’s two personal moments that stick out: winning a Provincial High School Volleyball Championship with his son as a key player, and watching his son eventually become the head coach of their senior boys basketball team that won the championship. With decades of commitment and experience on the court, rink, diamond and field, Taylor is considered a dedicated coach and a master teacher.

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T H I R T E E N T H A N N UA L CO M M U N I T Y L E A D E R AWA R D S

Th nks!

The Leader would like to thank our many community partners and sponsors who made this award winning annual event possible.

AWA R D S P O N S O R S

COMMUNITY JUDGES

SURREY PUBLIC LIBRARY

MANY THANKS TO OUR 2015 JUDGES Jim Mihaly, The Surrey-North Delta Leader Paula Carlson, The Surrey-North Delta Leader Sheila Reynolds, The Surrey-North Delta Leader Judy Krawchuk, The Centre For Child Development Kevin DeBoice, Surrey School District

Yvonne Comfort, YMCA Melanie Houlden , Surrey Public Library Marilyn Hermann, Surrey Food Bank Doug Sabourin, Deltassist

Jane Adams, Fraser Health Lloyd Lees, Surrey Fire Fighters Brock Lazaruk, Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino Stephen Dooley, SFU