Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards!
Every year, we ask Port Coquitlam residents to share which local volunteers make a difference in the community by recognizing them with a nomination. Our Volunteer Recognition Awards celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers in making a positive difference in the community. Their efforts inspire others to get involved and encourage ongoing volunteerism. Established in 1997, the program acknowledges and honours Port Coquitlam’s outstanding volunteers. Since the program’s inception, more than 145 individuals have been recognized, with hundreds of nominees acknowledged for their contributions.
Although volunteers work selflessly, it’s encouraging to be recognized for your hard work and sacrifice. All eligible nominees receive special treatment — whether or not they win an award. All nominees receive a commemorative pin, certificate, and two tickets to our invite-only Volunteer Recognition Awards event with fun, food and entertainment. All recipients also receive a personalized etched glass award and are added to the Volunteer Honour Roll at City Hall.
Award Categories
Port Coquitlam Volunteer of the Year
Recognizing outstanding contributions in Arts, Heritage & Cultural Awareness; Caring & Safety; Environmental Protection & Enhancement; and Youth Programs.
Recipient: Barbara Robertson
Barbara Robertson has a long history of volunteering at charity thrift shops, where she specializes in refurbishing toys and games. Since retiring to Port Coquitlam in 2015, she has dedicated her time to organizations such as the Wilson Seniors Kitchen and the Eagle Ridge Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. Her volunteer work also includes supporting the Trinity United food bank drive for SHARE, and she previously volunteered directly at SHARE.
Nominees: Alanna Wong, Ann Pratt, Barbara Robertson, Carla Vermaat, Christine Staples, Craig Neill, Darren Timmer, Donald Morrow, Dot Zhang, Duncan White, Gordon Graves, Ian Blankenberg, Ingrid Franzke, Jacqueline Goring, Kathy Simmonds, Mahmoudreza Mivehchi , Michele Malmberg, Mitch Rasche, Mithila Karnik, Ralph Laidlaw, Ravi Seru, Ricky Che, Salima Dhanji, Sandra Shaw, Sandy McIntyre, Sedigheh Tabrizizadeh, Sheri Fedeyko and Thomas Loss.
NEW - Sports & Recreation Volunteer of the Year
Honouring individuals who contribute to sports, fitness, and recreation programs, including coaching, event support, and accessibility in sports.
Recipient: Spencer Rieu
Spencer Rieu is a lifelong resident of Port Coquitlam with a deep involvement in lacrosse, having played box, field, sixes, and masters lacrosse. He dedicates his time to coaching and mentoring young lacrosse players, including coaching U7 and U13 teams, and running a pickup sixes lacrosse club. Rieu also volunteers his time to organize free lacrosse practices, support major lacrosse events, and promote the growth of female lacrosse in Port Coquitlam.
Nominees: Craig Giesbrecht, Jacob Shkwarok, Jim Swelander, Katelyn Walker, Mike Comey and Spencer Rieu
Future Leader, Youth Volunteer of the Year
Recognizing volunteers under 25 who demonstrate leadership and dedication to their community.
Recipient: Noor Shaker
Noor Shaker has been a resident of Port Coquitlam for eleven years and is a passionate advocate for accessibility for people with disabilities. She has worked with the provincial government and is currently serving her second term on the Community Mosaic Roundtable. Shaker's advocacy efforts aim to improve the quality of life for vulnerable people in her community, and she aspires to be a voice for those who may not be able to speak for themselves.
Nominees: Agraja Dabre, Amy Wang, Daniel Alvarez, Giovanni Porta, Mohit Patel, Noor Shaker, Shoun Kimoto, Sonoma Booth and Zoe Dellera.
Lifetime Volunteer
Celebrating individuals with a longstanding commitment to volunteering and making a lasting impact.
Recipient: Gordon Graves
Gordon Graves moved to Port Coquitlam in 1972 and dedicated 30 years of his career to Port Coquitlam Fire/Rescue, retiring as a Captain in 2006. His extensive volunteer work includes over 40 years with the Port Coquitlam Legion, involvement with the Port Coquitlam Lions Club since 1989, and participation in various community committees and events. Graves' commitment to service has been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting his significant and long-lasting impact on the Port Coquitlam community.
