I deeply regret that I had a previous commitment in Winnipeg and missed the “Spirit Awards” at the Key City Theater on January 21. Thank you to Mayor Scott Manjak, City Council, the Award Selection Committees, Chamber of Commerce, BC Hydro and Master of Ceremonies Loree Duczek for putting together a wonderful evening in celebration of the social fabric of our community. I feel truly honored to receive the Inaugural Award for Community Builder of the Year 2009.

I wish to recognize my fellow award nominees and award recipients for their valuable contributions in helping to build a stronger community in which we can all be proud of. I believe in the United Way philosophy that everyone in our community has value, deserves respect, can realize their potential and has something to offer.

Working with hundreds of children, youth, parents and volunteer mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs for the past 23 years has been immensely rewarding. The local agency initially started in the late seventies with the Big Brothers program where adult males mentored boys from father absent homes. The Big Sisters program was added in 1990 providing female mentors for girls. In 1994 the Couples for Kids program began, which is where a caring couple mentors a boy or girl. 2001 a site based mentoring program started at two elementary schools where volunteers mentor students in grades 2 to 6. The organization continues to grow and expand to serve more children in need of a mentor and friend. The Go Girls’ group program where adolescent girls are mentored by female leaders at Cranbrook Middle Schools began in 2009. The Big Brothers Big Sisters’ community and school programs are very successful and make a huge difference for children and youth. Their success is due to the tremendously dedicated and caring volunteer mentors I’ve had the privilege of working with.

I’d like to extend my deepest appreciation to current and former Big Brothers Big Sisters’ board members for their support and hard work, to our School Program Coordinator Natasha Burgess for accepting this award on my behalf, to the many individuals and local businesses for their financial contributions and belief in the work that we do and lastly my family and friends.