Eighteen people in British Columbia, including an Invermere resident, are being honoured with the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship for their extraordinary contributions to their communities.

“These 18 people have made a profound impact on their communities and a positive difference in the lives of so many,” said Premier David Eby. “By sharing their time, energy and talents, they are making B.C. a better place. Their selfless generosity is a model for us all and I thank them for it.”

The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward. It was established by the Government of B.C. in 2015.

“The incredible kindness and service of people like this year’s medal recipients make B.C. communities such thriving and welcoming places,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee. “I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of these extraordinary individuals. They exemplify the true spirit of community service, touching the hearts of all they meet.”

The 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship recipients are:

* Janice Dallaire, Invermere, for pioneering fire rescue;

* Louise Allen, East Vancouver, for championing affordable housing;

* Helen Campbell and Bill Erving, Saanich, for transforming lives through agriculture;

* Mary Daniel, Port Moody, for inclusion and empowerment advocacy;

* Dale Douglas and Murray Stewart, Victoria, for driving success of children’s charities;

* Rabiah Dhaliwal, Surrey, for promoting community empowerment and mental-health equity;

* Donna Furneaux, Qualicum Beach, for a lifelong commitment to resilience and community service;

* Steve Hamilton, Prince George, for conservation and community stewardship advocacy;

* Matthew Heneghan, Falkland, for mental-health advocacy and dedication to veterans;

* Jim Kojima, C.M., Richmond, for a lifetime of dedication to martial arts and community service;

* Christopher Lee, Vancouver, for inspiring youth to volunteer;

* Reihaneh Mirjani, Coquitlam, for addressing food insecurity;

* Margaret Mubanda, Surrey, for working toward the elimination of poverty and social exclusion in the Lower Mainland;

* Lawrence Napier, Mackenzie, for promoting volunteerism and community spirit;

* Thelma Rodriguez, Pitt Meadows, for migrant farm-worker support and advocacy in the Fraser Valley;

* Carla Stephenson, Ymir, for championing arts and community engagement in the Kootenays.

Medal presentation ceremonies will be held in the province in August 2024 and early September 2024.

Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round. Any current or former long-term resident of B.C. is eligible to be nominated. Youth and posthumous nominations are welcome.

Lead image: Four Invermere Fire Rescue (IFR) members recently answered the call and deployed with an engine to the Okanagan to assist with the McDougall Creek Wildfire. Captain Erik McLaughin, Captain Janice Dallaire (second from left), firefighter Brendan Garies and firefighter Nick Melnyk (all pictured above) answered the call. IFR file photo

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