Two Surrey women are among 18 British Columbians receiving a 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship from the provincial government for "extraordinary contributions" to their community.
They are Rabiah Dhaliwal "for promoting community empowerment and mental-health equity," and Margaret Mubanda "for working toward the elimination of poverty and social exclusion in the Lower Mainland."
A government bulletin says Rabiah co-led the Disabilities United Collective at UBC, "championing inclusivity" for disabled students by "providing a vital network for neurodivergent and physically disabled peers."
Her work resulted in the creation of UBC's first accessibility committee. She's also director of the Voices for Hope Foundation. "With support from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award," Dhaliwal's biography reads, "she coordinated donations of over 1,000 self-care items and meals to frontline healthcare workers, sourced from local B.C. and indigenous-owned businesses, highlighting her commitment to community support and equity.
"Most recently, she distributed 250 care packages including art supplies and essential items to the unhoused population of Whalley."
Dhaliwal has lived in Surrey her whole life, 25 years. "To be honest I was in complete disbelief," she told the Now-Leader on receiving the medal. "The work that I do, it's never been done with any sort of expectation of recognition or award. What really fuels the work that I've done is making historically marginalized communities feel heard and seen in their experiences and so to be recognized by the government of B.C. with this medal, I mean, it's incredible. I'm so honoured that my story and my work is being heard and reaching other people and truly it motivates me to do even more."
Mubanda is a retired social worker from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the same bulletin states, and "has dedicated her life to supporting and empowering new immigrants, particularly women and children" and is co-founder of Daughters of Hope Resources Society.
"Her unique perspective, shaped by her roles as both a social worker and foster parent, has allowed her to provide unparalleled support to children in need, fostering over 20 children at different times and maintaining lasting relationships with them."
Moreover, Mubanda's "visionary leadership led to the initiation of the Youth Aging Out of Care Project in Surrey, resulting in extended government support for youth beyond their 19th birthday. The bulletin adds that her "relentless compassion is evident in her continued volunteer work even after retirement," running a weekly traumatic bereavement support group and assisting with translating immigration documents."
In 2020 Mubanda received the YWCA Women of Distinction Connecting the Community Award. She's been a Surrey resident since 2005.
The Now-Leader asked her how she feels about receiving the Medal of Good Citizenship. "How do I feel? My first reaction was surprise. After thinking it through, actually grateful."
