Some of Surrey’s most inspirational unsung heroes were recognized at the 21st Surrey Now-Leader Community Leader Awards gala on Nov. 23.
The awards recognize those who do not seek recognition but continue to give back to the community.
This year’s event, held at the Westfield Country Club in Surrey, honoured 18 people in in nine categories, including Coach, Teacher, Emergency Services, Volunteer, Youth Volunteer, Environment, Community Builder, Above and Beyond, and Leader of the Year.
Read about all the recipients in the Nov. 30 issue of the Now-Leader. Click here to read our e-edition.
The Community Leader Awards were established more than two decades ago to recognize and honour the efforts essential to maintaining this vital and growing community. Each recipient’s story is inspirational, and by highlighting them, we hope others will be moved to contribute in the community and share their own skills, compassion, knowledge and heart with those around them.
This year’s awards featured a message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier David Eby. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke also spoke to the audience and was on hand to congratulate each finalist. Also attending were city councillors Linda Annis and Mike Bose.
Here are the 2023 finalists in each category:
Emergency Services Leader (sponsored by the Surrey Fire Fighters Association)
Top Honour: Tony Dyck
Honourable Mention: Keith Muller
Environmental Leader (sponsored by Dr. Kanani Guildford Orthodontics)
Top Honour: Nicole Jarvis
Honourable Mention: Ishaan Kohli
Coach of the Year (sponsored by Kids Play Youth Foundation)
Top Honour: Sanjeev Hundal
Honourable Mention: Matthew Spier
Teacher of the Year (sponsored by Simon Fraser University)
Top Honour: Rick Kumar
Honourable Mention: Christine Hart
Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Surrey Food Bank)
Top Honour: Rick Hugh
Honourable Mention: Ashpreet Dhillon
Youth Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Maduke Bulat Orthodontists)
Top Honour: Anmol Sandhu
Honourable Mention: Jasmeen Sran
Community Builder (sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University)
Top Honour: Nalini Bhui
Honourable Mention: Shanjeelin Dwivedi
Above & Beyond (sponsored by Sameer and Ankur Kaushal)
Top Honour: Jen Grelish Temple
Honourable Mention: Meheret Bisrat
Leader of the Year (sponsored by Community Credit Savings Union)
Top Honour: Martin Rooney
Honourable Mention: Dr. Jennifer Marchbank