Recipients of the City’s Fourth Annual Community Service Awards were presented with a plaque during an official ceremony as part of the Christmas in Pitt Meadows Celebration on December 2.

“We have the best community for a reason,” says Mayor Nicole MacDonald. “Residents go above and beyond to help their neighbours and I am so pleased to recognize these individuals for their efforts. Our Community Service Awards nominees and recipients deserve special recognition for their outstanding commitment to the well-being of our community.”

Each year, these awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievements by individuals, organizations and businesses that help make Pitt Meadows a better place to live. The award program includes categories for youth, arts, athletics, volunteerism, businesses and volunteer organizations.

The City of Pitt Meadows congratulates the following recipients of the 2022 Community Service Awards:

1.    The Spirit of Pitt Meadows Award (recognizing Outstanding Resident of the Year), which recognizes the contributions of an individual for their overall outstanding community service, dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Pitt Meadows, is awarded to:

Tom Hardy for his outstanding dedication to strengthening the community through his work with the Pitt Meadows Lions Club. He has been a Pitt Meadows Lion for over 40 years, having held all the seats, including the position of President. Tom is recognized for his tireless volunteerism in the community.

2.    The Community Service Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership and outstanding community service without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Daniel Whelan for his long-time commitment to volunteering with Ridge Meadows Hospital & Baillie House. He assists staff with daily activities, including transporting residents by wheelchair, visiting with residents, playing games, and much more. For his dedication to volunteerism, Pitt Meadows is truly thankful.

3.    The first Community Service Youth Award, which recognizes the positive contributions of a youth under 18 years, who has provided outstanding service to the community without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Ruby Gibb for her commitment to helping her peers at school and in the community. She volunteers with the Student Leadership Group at her school, to welcome and create connections between incoming students, and organize events for her school. Outside of school, she has volunteered for many years as a coach at Celestina Popa Gymnastics Club. Pitt Meadows is proud of this young leader for making a difference in the community.

4.    The second Community Service Youth Award, which recognizes the positive contributions of a youth under 18 years, who has provided outstanding service to the community without regard for personal gain, is awarded to:

Karl Estampador for showing what it means to be a role model for his peers through volunteerism. He has been a volunteer with Levra Foundation for over two years, with their Reading Beyond Borders program. Last year, he applied for a grant from Rising Youth and distributed food and care packages to 15 migrant farm workers in Pitt Meadows. For his profound efforts to give back to his community, Pitt Meadows is very grateful.

5.    The Good Neighbour Award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to their neighbourhood community through acts of kindness, is awarded to:

Ena d’Ambrumenil for her dedication to helping others in her community. She has helped out at many community events in the past, including Canada Day and Christmas in Pitt Meadows. Additionally, she has volunteered with Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store for many years and is an ambassador for Alisa’s Wish. Pitt Meadows is very proud and appreciative of Ena’s impact on the community.

6.    The Business of the Year Award, which recognizes a local business that, on a regular basis, contributes to the overall quality of life in Pitt Meadows through community service endeavours, is awarded to:

Hollywood 3 Cinemas for their philanthropy and commitment to the well-being of Pitt Meadows. Hollywood 3 Cinemas has serviced Pitt Meadows since 2010. Located in Meadowvale shopping centre, the theatre offers second showings of blockbuster films for community members of all ages. Hollywood 3 Cinemas also often partakes in community fundraisers. Their presence in Pitt Meadows is greatly appreciated by the City and its members.

“The Community Service Awards are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to promote community spirit and wellbeing,’ says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “We are Pitt Meadows Proud^TM to celebrate this year’s winners and we thank those who have nominated them.”

Nominations were received, reviewed, and selected by the citizen-led task force. Thank you to the 2022 Community Service Awards Task Force, which included Danielle Spraggs, Gay Conn, and John Barnes.

For more information or to view past award winners, visit pittmeadows.ca/awards.