PORT COQUITLAM, BC – APRIL 24, 2025… Over 200 people gathered at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre on Thursday, April 24 to celebrate and honour the City’s dedicated volunteers at the 26th annual Volunteer Awards.
This year's recipients bring the total number of individuals honoured over the past 26 years to 149, with many past recipients attending this year's celebration. The evening, emceed by Port Coquitlam actor, writer, and educator Jake Gillespie, featured entertainment by Miss Shauna.
"Tonight, was a powerful reminder of the incredible heart and dedication within Port Coquitlam," said Mayor Brad West. "For 26 years, we've had the privilege of celebrating the unsung heroes who build a stronger, more vibrant community through their selfless volunteer efforts. The stories shared and the contributions recognized truly exemplify the spirit of Port Coquitlam."
A total of 43 individuals were nominated across four award categories. All nominees, along with other community volunteers, were invited to the celebration. Fortis BC sponsored the event for the 26th consecutive year, with Tri-City News as the media sponsor.
2025 Award Recipients
Awards were presented in the following categories. Photos from the event will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteerawards.
Lifetime Volunteer Award
Honours individuals who have dedicated many years to improving the community of Port Coquitlam through their volunteer efforts.
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.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Honours individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the community.
Categories:
- Arts, Heritage & Cultural Awareness - Honours those who help preserve and celebrate Port Coquitlam’s past, and promote the arts and cultural development.
- Caring and Safety - Honours those who enrich our community through their caring and humanitarian actions, and work to make Port Coquitlam a safer place.
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement - Honours volunteers committed to promoting and preserving Port Coquitlam’s natural environment.
- Youth Programs - Recognize those who support youth through the development, provision or participation in youth programs and activities.
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.
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.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Sports and Recreation
Honours individuals who contribute to sports, fitness, and recreation programs, including coaching, event support, and accessibility in sports.
Nominees: Craig Giesbrecht, Jacob Shkwarok, Jim Swelander, Katelyn Walker, Mike Comey and Spencer Rieu
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.
Future Leader – Youth Volunteer of the Year Award -U25
Recognizes a Port Coquitlam youth, under the age of 25, who has demonstrated a commitment to our community and has made extraordinary volunteer contributions.
Nominees: Agraja Dabre, Amy Wang, Daniel Alvarez, Giovanni Porta, Mohit Patel, Noor Shaker, Shoun Kimoto, Sonoma Booth and Zoe Dellera.
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.
Each recipient received an etched glass award and their names are engraved on honour rolls displayed at City Hall. More details can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteerawards.
- 30 -
