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Eight Surrey volunteers among Sovereign’s Medal winners in Victoria

Ceremony at Government House honours ‘exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians’
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Group photo of Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recipients in Victoria on Thursday. (photo: submitted)

Some of B.C.’s best, most dedicated volunteers live in Surrey.

Thirty-three recipients of this year’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers were honoured at Victoria’s Government House on Thursday in a ceremony involving Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor.

The medal is given to “exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. As an official Canadian honour, it also pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers.”

The award winners include eight people listed as Surrey residents. Their biographies are detailed below, as submitted by the awards committee:

Donald “Ian” Cunnings

“Since 1980, Ian Cunnings has had a direct impact on the safety of individuals and communities in British Columbia as a volunteer with the Coquitlam Search and Rescue Society. He has inspired others to emulate his leadership and emergency command specialist techniques.”

Simrat Dial

“Simrat Dial has volunteered for many years with the City of Surrey, most recently as the leader of service and volunteering at Southridge School. She has fundraised for Relay 4 Life, helps out at a hospital, and led the creation of a community garden that brought the school, Semiahmoo House Society and the greater community together.”

Gaby Juillet

“Gaby Juillet has devoted over 1,600 hours to volunteering at the Surrey Food Bank. She was instrumental in the success of the Tiny Bundles program, which serves around 200 families a week. Recognized for her dedication, she is always looking for ways to better meets the needs of clients.”

Clifford James Klassen

“For the past 10 years, ‘Jim’ Klassen has been using his skills to repair and refurbish bicycles for Surrey’s underprivileged children. He trained other members of the R.E.C. For Kids Society team and fully supports efforts to keep disadvantaged children active, healthy and having fun.”

Emily (Xiaojia) Liang

“Since she started high school, Emily Liang has focused her volunteer efforts on her interests in social responsibility, business and athletics. She initiated the Pay it Forward program to promote kindness and inclusivity, and has shared its message with younger students at local elementary schools.”

Rob Ross

“For 40 years, Rob Ross has made a positive difference in the lives of youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has served in various executive positions, notably as president of his local agency. He has also mentored 12 boys, transforming them into responsible, confident and caring individuals capable of reaching their full potential.”

Laura Louise Saker

“For years, Laura Saker has demonstrated her generosity and compassion through her volunteer work with the local seniors’ centre, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Variety Club, an organization that raises funds for children with special needs.”

Lois Saker

“Lois Saker has helped raise funds and public awareness through her volunteerism with the Variety Club, the Shaken Baby Awareness program and the Canadian Cancer Society. She also currently serves as the office director of the local seniors’ centre.”

Anyone can nominate a volunteer for a Sovereign’s Medal by submitting an online nomination at caring.gg.ca. There is no deadline for submissions, and nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The design of medal was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, based on a concept by Darcy DeMarsico of the Chancellery of Honours. The medal is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at its Ottawa facility.

Now staff



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news stories for the Surrey Now-Leader, where I've worked for more than half of my 30-plus years in the newspaper business.
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