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The group of Community Service Award winners in front of a backdrop that says "City of Pitt Meadows Community Service Awards"
This year’s recipients were recognized at a private event on January 24, 2024. Pictured left to right (back row): Richard Harmston, Everett Crowdis, Deb Pearson and Tim Nica (The Jolly Coachman Pub), Chris Ellis, and Len Pierre. Picture left to right (front row): Susan Harmston and Sienna Gubert.

 

Congratulations to the 2023 Community Service Awards recipients!

1. The Against the Odds Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals successfully overcoming extraordinary obstacles, being resilient in difficult times and situations, and showing perseverance during exceptional circumstances, is awarded to:

Chris Ellis for his commitment to the Golden Ears Pickleball Club, despite significant physical and mental health challenges. Under his leadership, the club has secured playing time, landed sponsorships, and become one of the fastest-growing clubs in BC. He initiated the first ever Pickleball tournament in Pitt Meadows in honour of professional player, Steve Deakin, drawing participants from all over BC. Chris, a retired RCMP officer dealing with PTSD and multiple back surgeries, is deeply appreciated for his volunteer efforts in Pitt Meadows.

2. The Community Service Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and outstanding community service without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Len Pierre for his dedication as an educator and traditional knowledge keeper. Len is Coast Salish from q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation. He received a Master’s Degree in Education from Simon Fraser University focusing on Indigenous education and program leadership. Today, he and his consultant group develop and facilitate educational programs and services, and share free, educational Truth and Reconciliation information online. Len is recognized for his leadership, teachings, and outstanding contributions toward Truth and Reconciliation.

3. The Community Service Youth Award, which recognizes the positive contributions of a youth under 18 years, who has provided outstanding service to the community without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Sienna Gubert for her commitment to her fellow students in the community. As a student leader, she plans school events and tutors local elementary students. Recently, Sienna represented Pitt Meadows Secondary School at the SD42 Student Voice forum, where she shared an original poem about the high school experience. The City is proud of this young leader for making a difference in the community.

4. The Good Neighbour Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to their neighbourhood community through acts of kindness, is awarded to:

Everett Crowdis for his efforts in establishing the Alouette Men’s Shed (AMS). AMS is a new grassroots organization that assists the community with building projects. The group has gained 75 members since it began last year and is a social lifeline for many of its members. The group has completed several community projects, including work for the Pitt Meadows Museum. For his leadership and dedication to AMS, Everett has earned the community’s appreciation.

5. The Business of the Year Award, which recognizes a local business that, on a regular basis, contributes to the overall quality of life in Pitt Meadows through community service endeavours, is awarded to:

The Jolly Coachman Pub in recognition of their philanthropic efforts and dedication to the community’s well-being. The pub supports local organizations through monetary and prize donations and is a welcoming gathering spot for them. The Jolly Coachman was founded in 1999 and continues to be a cornerstone in Pitt Meadows. The City deeply values their contribution to the community.

6. The Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award, which recognizes the contributions of an individual for their overall outstanding community service, dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Pitt Meadows, is awarded to:

Susan and Richard Harmston for their outstanding volunteerism. They have volunteered numerous hours with city special events and sports including forming the slo-pitch league in 1989. Richard was a member of the Pitt Meadows Fire Department for 32 years and helped initiate the Salmon BBQ at Pitt Meadows Day. They have a passion for Pickleball and were instrumental in advocating for outdoor Pickleball courts in the City. They have served on the Golden Ears Pickleball Club board of directors since 2022 and successfully organized this year’s Pickleball tournament. Their ongoing volunteer work in the community is highly valued by the City.

Read the full news release here.

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