They don’t often receive recognition and don’t necessarily have a high profile in the community, but there is a large number of people in Surrey and North Delta who do a great deal of important work.
They strive tirelessly – through countless volunteer hours, sometimes overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles – to better the community. And they don’t ask for anything in return.
You’ll find them in our schools, on sports fields, in care centres, at the food bank and at various local events.
They are truly community leaders.
Many have their own families, careers and commitments, but still find the time to make a difference by sharing their empathy, enthusiasm and energy.
The Community Leader Awards were established 10 years ago to recognize and honour the efforts essential to maintaining this vital and growing community.
Each of the award recipients’ stories 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.
Congratulations to this year's winners of the 2012 Community Leader Awards. They are all deserving and inspirational.
(Watch for a special 2012 CLA publication featuring profiles of the winners in the June 19th edition of The Surrey-North Delta Leader).
2012 CLA winners:
MENTOR
(Sponsor: Canadian Tire)
• Top Honour: Ed Griffin
• Honourable Mention: Ivneet Bains
COACH
(Sponsor: Tong Louie Family YMCA)
• Top Honour: John Sowerby
• Honourable Mention: Tracey Oye
TEACHER
(Sponsor: SFU Surrey)
• Top Honour: Harp Dhillon
• Honourable Mention: Dhana Matthews
COURAGE
(Sponsor: ABC Restaurants)
• Top Honour: Cassidy Briggs
• Honourable Mention: Chris Somerville
ABOVE AND BEYOND
(Sponsor: McDonald's Restaurants)
• Top Honour: Tracie Jones
• Honourable Mention: Susan Byrom
• Honourable Mention: Josh Waltman
SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER
(Sponsor: Central City Shopping Centre)
• Top Honour: Ted Rieder
• Honourable Mention: Marcella (who asked that her last name not be publicized)
VOLUNTEER
(Sponsor: Fraser Health Authority)
• Top Honour: Nalin Dhillon
• Honourable Mention: Laurie Larsen
YOUTH VOLUNTEER
(Sponsor: Guildford Town Centre)
• Top Honour: Anisha Virk
• Honourable Mention: Kassandra Linklater
COMMUNITY BUILDER
(Sponsor: Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino)
• Top Honour: John Volken
• Honourable Mention: Linda Stromberg
LEADER OF THE YEAR
(Sponsor: Community Savings)
• Eliza Olson
LEADER OF THE DECADE
(Presented by The Leader and CLA Partners)
• Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society