Congratulations to all our past winners!
This 2023 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.
The City of Pitt Meadows congratulates the following recipients of the 2022 Community Service Awards:
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.
The recipients were recognized at the Christmas in Pitt Meadows event on December 2, 2022 which was livestreamed and is available here.
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The City of Pitt Meadows congratulates the following recipients of the 2022 Community Service Awards:
1. The Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award (recognizing Outstanding Resident of the Year), 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:
Tom Hardy for his outstanding dedication to strengthening the community through his work with the Pitt Meadows Lions Club. He has been a Pitt Meadows Lion for over 40 years, having held all the seats, including the position of President. Tom is recognized for his tireless volunteerism in the community.
2. The Community Service Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and outstanding community service without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:
Daniel Whelan for his long-time commitment to volunteering with Ridge Meadows Hospital & Baillie House. He assists staff with daily activities, including transporting residents by wheelchair, visiting with residents, playing games, and much more. For his dedication to volunteerism, Pitt Meadows is truly thankful.
3. The first 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:
Ruby Gibb for her commitment to helping her peers at school and in the community. She volunteers with the Student Leadership Group at her school, to welcome and create connections between incoming students, and organize events for her school. Outside of school, she has volunteered for many years as a coach at Celestina Popa Gymnastics Club. Pitt Meadows is proud of this young leader for making a difference in the community.
4. The second 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:
Karl Estampador for showing what it means to be a role model for his peers through volunteerism. He has been a volunteer with Levra Foundation for over two years, with their Reading Beyond Borders program. Last year, he applied for a grant from Rising Youth and distributed food and care packages to 15 migrant farm workers in Pitt Meadows. For his profound efforts to give back to his community, Pitt Meadows is very grateful.
5. The Good Neighbour Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to their neighbourhood community through acts of kindness, is awarded to:
Ena d’Ambrumenil for her dedication to helping others in her community. She has helped out at many community events in the past, including Canada Day and Christmas in Pitt Meadows. Additionally, she has volunteered with Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store for many years and is an ambassador for Alisa’s Wish. Pitt Meadows is very proud and appreciative of Ena’s impact on the community.
6. 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:
Hollywood 3 Cinemas for their philanthropy and commitment to the well-being of Pitt Meadows. Hollywood 3 Cinemas has serviced Pitt Meadows since 2010. Located in Meadowvale shopping centre, the theatre offers second showings of blockbuster films for community members of all ages. Hollywood 3 Cinemas also often partakes in community fundraisers. Their presence in Pitt Meadows is greatly appreciated by the City and its members.
Read the full news release here.
The recipients were recognized at the Christmas in Pitt Meadows event on December 3, 2021 which was livestreamed and is available here.
Pictured from left to right: Danielle Spraggs from the Community Service Awards Task Force; award recipients Thelma Rodriguez, Ali El Massri, Amy Shaw, Tristan Kennedy, John Barnes; Mayor Bill Dingwall.
The City of Pitt Meadows congratulates the following recipients of the 2021 Community Service Awards:
- The Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award (recognizing Outstanding Resident of the Year), 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:
Amy Shaw for her outstanding dedication to enhancing the community with the Hearts on the Fence initiative at Pitt Meadows Elementary. Amy spearheaded the initiative to decorate the fence as part of the school’s karate program and grew it into a larger public art project, ensuring each student had the opportunity to paint a heart for the school’s fence. Amy is recognized for helping to beautify Pitt Meadows and spread positivity through community service during a challenging year.
- The Community Service Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and outstanding community service without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:
John Barnes for his selfless commitment to Pitt Meadows through volunteerism and community contributions. John is involved with the Pitt Meadows Seniors Centre, volunteering his time helping with events, organizing trivia and the pool team, and assisting seniors with computer challenges. John and his wife are also recognized for helping to improve local park space after beavers removed several trees, which were replanted by parks staff. John spearheaded a group of residents in his building to ‘adopt’ the trees and expanded small gardens around the plantings. For his care and commitment to our community, Pitt Meadows is truly thankful.
- The Community Service Youth Award (ages 13-18), which recognizes the positive contributions of a young member of the community, who has provided outstanding service to the community without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:
Ali El Massri for showing what it means to be a role model for his peers through volunteerism and academics. A bright 16-year-old student at Pitt Meadows Secondary School, Ali volunteers many hours at the Friends in Need Food Bank during school holidays. Ali is also an excellent student, with plans to go into computer programming after graduation. Ali continues to give back to his community and maintain excellent grades. Pitt Meadows is proud of this young leader making such a positive difference in our community.
- The Community Service Youth Award (ages 5-12), which recognizes the positive contributions of a young member of the community, who has provided outstanding service to the community without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:
Tristan Kennedy for his inspiring desire to help others and promote positivity in the community during a challenging time. During lockdown in April 2020, Tristan and his mom started posting riddles and jokes outside their house in an effort to make their neighbours smile. Over 150 jokes later, they created a book out of them and sold it with the profits benefitting the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society and the Friends in Need Food Bank, raising over $1,500! Pitt Meadows is very proud to recognize Tristan for his outstanding community service and desire to help others in a tough time.
- The Good Neighbour Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to their neighbourhood community through acts of kindness, is awarded to:
Thelma Rodriguez for her outstanding dedication to help others in her community. Thelma regularly helps out others in the community looking for assistance with everything from acquiring boxes to transportation. For many years she has volunteered her time and resources to temporary farm workers in Pitt Meadows, providing them with meals, clothing, and bicycles during their stay here. Thelma is known for stopping her car to give random people an umbrella on rainy days. She has an enormous impact on her community and her acts of selflessness make Pitt Meadows the welcoming and caring place we all love.
Read the full news release here.
The 2020 Community Service Awards recipients were recognized during the Council Meeting that was livestreamed on March 2, 2021 and is available to view online at pittmeadows.ca/councilmeetings.
The City of Pitt Meadows congratulates the following recipients of the 2020 Community Service Awards:
Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award (recognizing Outstanding Resident of the Year)
Patricia GordonCommunity Service Award
Dave SaddlerCommunity Service Youth Award (ages 16-18)
Fatima Oday Al-JumailiGood Neighbour Award
Diane SiemensBusiness of the Year Award
Envision FitnessLearn more about the recipients and read the full media release here.
A photo album of the winners with their awards is available on our Facebook page.
Recipients of the first Community Service Awards were presented with certificates during an official ceremony as part of the Christmas in Pitt Meadows celebration on December 6.
The City of Pitt Meadows congratulates the following recipients of the 2019 Community Service Awards:
The Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award for the Outstanding Resident of the Year was awarded to Zabrina Braithwaite-Kelso, who over the years has been instrumental with the Pitt Meadows Day event. She has been the President of the Pitt Meadows Day Society and frequently volunteers for other events in our community including Canada Day. Zabrina is always the first to lend a hand and help out. Zabrina works full time as a first responder in both the Police and Paramedic fields. She is currently training for the Cops for Cancer bike riding fundraiser. Her community service and volunteer work is exemplary and makes Pitt Meadows a great place to live.
The Against the Odds Achievement Award was awarded to Gordon Kirkland, who is an award-winning and best-selling author, who was recognized for overcoming adversity in his life, and for his accomplishments in his career, as well as in Pitt Meadows. Between newspaper columns, magazine articles and trade publications, Gordon has more than 1000 publication credits. His syndicated humour column Gordon Kirkland-At-Large was published in numerous North American newspapers. Gordon is also an advocate for wheelchair accessibility and was the recipient of the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Medal in 2012 for his advocacy work.
Community Service Awards were awarded to:
- Fran Preston who has invested a great deal of her life to volunteering. Her most recent focus has been connecting adults over 55 to a happy and healthy life. Fran is a group leader for a very inclusive local ladies walking club in the community. She has also been an integral part of assisting in the creation of a strategic plan for the Ridge Meadows Seniors Society and modernizing the growth of Pitt Meadows Seniors Activity Centre. For two years in a row, she spearheaded the fund raising efforts of a Seniors Education Day using the Rotary Duck ticket program. She organized and kept track of the entire project that helped to raise over $5000 total. Fran is always willing to step up to a task no matter how big or small.
- John and Yvonne McDonald who have given many, many hours given to the community through hospital and police support, including St. John’s Therapy Dogs program, volunteering with Ridge Meadows Hospital and assisting with RCMP community safety programs such as speed and phone watch; and
- Grant "Bud" Livesey who has spent countless hours of his personal time walking around selflessly collecting litter from the side of the road and from ditches and making Pitt Meadows a cleaner and safer place for all to enjoy. He has also contributed much voluntary time helping his neighbours.
The Community Service Youth Award (for ages 18 and under) was awarded to Madison Ferguson, a Pitt Meadows Secondary student and athlete, who volunteers with the early-morning Community Breakfast Program, which serves more than 4,000 meals per year to 125 students. Madison will also be awarded $500 for community service.
The Good Neighbour Award was awarded to Angela MacPherson who has an enormous heart. Angela single-handedly rallied the community to raise money to ensure that a family didn’t have any financial worries while their child was being treated at BC Children’s Hospital for cancer. She also made sure he didn't miss out on the Pitt Meadows Day parade by using Face Time during the event so that he could be included from his hospital bed.
The Business of the Year Award was awarded to Eric and Lorie Muller from the Sole Experience who actively raise funds and awareness through Athletes In Kind, a non-profit organization that supports families who are struggling financially because of childhood cancer. They also promote health and wellness in the community by regularly hosting running clinics and on most days, groups of runners are seen on the dikes, no matter the weather. Together Eric and Lorie are a positive role models and the epitome of what makes Pitt Meadows worthy of its motto “The Natural Place.”
More than 20 nominations were received and reviewed by the citizen-led task force. Thank you to the 2019 Community Service Awards Task Force which included: James Lapierre, Angela Williams, Leslie Bennewith and Carole Kubb.
Read the full media release here: Community Service Awards Recipients Honoured.