PORT COQUITLAM, BC - April 22, 2024... Over 200 people gathered at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre on Thursday, April 18 to celebrate and honour Port Coquitlam's volunteers at the City's annual volunteer awards night.
The 25th Volunteer Awards have recognized countless nominees and has awarded 145 recipients to date, many of whom attended the event. Three awards were handed out at the 25th Port Coquitlam Volunteer Recognition Awards & Tribute evening, which featured entertainment from Ben Crosby. The evening was emceed by Kevin Lim from the award winning syndicated "Mornings with Kevin and Sonia" show.
"Last Thursday night's awards ceremony shone a spotlight on the incredible volunteers who dedicate themselves to improving our community. Volunteers took centre stage as they are the driving force behind our city's strength and compassion through their selfless contributions of time and energy," said Mayor Brad West. "We are very grateful for their inspiring commitment, which enriches the lives of countless individuals. Thank you, volunteers, for your unwavering dedication."
A total of 51 people were nominated this year in three award categories, and all were invited to Thursday's celebration along with other community volunteers. Fortis BC sponsored the event for the 25th year. Tri-City News was the media sponsor and Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA) was a community sponsor. This year's theme was Volunteers Take Centre Stage.2024 Award Recipients
Awards were presented in the following categories. Photos from the event are posted at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteerawards.
Lifetime Volunteer - Honours individuals who have dedicated many years to improving the community of Port Coquitlam through their volunteer efforts.Award Recipient - John Saremba
John has been a long-time resident of Port Coquitlam, who has dedicated countless years to volunteering, embodying the essence of a caring and compassionate resident who consistently goes above and beyond.
He is a steward of Port Coquitlam's natural environment, a strong advocate for improving wildlife habitat throughout the community, regularly partners with City staff to coordinate invasive removal work parties and always takes part in the City's new greener initiatives.
John is always keen to get out and take action for the benefit of the environment and the community and has dedicated his volunteer time for over 25 years.
Volunteer Of the Year Award - This category honours someone who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the community in any of the following categories:
- Arts, Heritage & Cultural Awareness - honour those who help preserve and celebrate Port Coquitlam's past, and promote the arts and cultural development of our community.
- Caring and Safety - honours those who enrich our community through their caring and humanitarian actions, and who work to make Port Coquitlam a safer place for all of us.
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement - honours volunteers who are committed to promoting and preserving Port Coquitlam's natural environment for present and future generations.
- Sports and Recreation - honours volunteers who enhance the quality of physical activity in Port Coquitlam.
- Youth Programs - recognize those who support youth through the development, provision or participation in youth programs and activities.
Nominees - Oksana Aidienova, Lillian Bilodeau, Ian Blankenberg, Jennifer Blatherwick, Julie Brassington, Jo-Ann Breden, Beatriz Castellanos, Rev. David Cathcart, Meena Dhillon, Brandy Dickie, Linda Dore, Heather Fox, Ingrid Franzke, Mark George, Owen Gibbins, Jacqueline Goring, Mithila Karnik, Fran Laidlaw, Bill Marshall, Craig Neill, Denise Nelson, Mary Ness, Ann Pratt, Jas Qualitz, Razi Rahimi, Mitch Rasche, Dacious Richardson, Carl Ronka, Elham Shiri, Denis Sleightholme, Adam Smith, Dave Spicer, David Squires and Alanna WongAward Recipient - Jo-Ann Breden
Jo-Ann is a long-term resident of Port Coquitlam and has been actively volunteering for over 25 years. She has contributed over 600 volunteer hours during the past year and has been on numerous school committees and community service groups in different roles. Known to be a great mentor, Jo-Ann is a loving, caring and selfless individual - always looking for a way to make a difference and willing to assist anyone, anywhere, and at any time.Future Leader - Youth Volunteer of the Year Award -U25 - Reserved for the recognition of a Port Coquitlam youth, under the age of 25, who has demonstrated a commitment to our community and has made extraordinary volunteer contributions in any of the categories above.
Nominees - Daniel Alvarez, Ellie Anderson, Saba Anwar, Rian Bhalla, Megan Cleave, Agraja Dabre, Insiyah Dharsee, Talia Goldstein, Katrina Herrera, Rachel Jang, Vanessa Lee, Mason Mattu, Mia Quaranta de la Rosa, Noor Shaker, Kayla Stewart, Rhodri Szeto and Fatemeh TarverdianchaeichiAward Recipient - Mason Mattu
Mason is a student who is highly engaged in numerous leadership opportunities through SD43.He holds a variety of positions in different roles for Youth Leaders in Law British Columbia, Port Moody Secondary School's UNICEF chapter, and a Youth Ambassador to the United States of America. Mason is a member of the Poco Youth Leadership Group and has helped to organize and lead a variety of community events and initiatives since 2020. Mason showcases his knowledge, experience and leadership skills to help direct the the PoCo Youth Leadership group and brings a remarkable focus and dedication in making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Each recipient received an etched glass award and their names are engraved on the honour rolls which will be displayed at City Hall.
Details can viewed at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteerawards.
Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]