Chris Wilson - KidSport Tri-Cities (Nominated by SD 43, Coquitlam)

Since 2005, Chris Wilson has been the Executive Director of KidSport Tri-Cities, an organization that believes that all children should be given a fair opportunity to take part in sports to support their social, mental, and physical well-being. Chris has been the Coordinator of Operation Red Nose since 2015, and uses the funds raised to support students through KidSport. He was a volunteer in the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Force in 2003 and, in 2012, he was presented with the SHARE Volunteer of the Year Award. He was a Coquitlam City councillor for nine years and consistently supported programming and initiatives for daycare, housing, and youth in the city of Coquitlam.

“Pretty much from day one, KidSport Tri-Cities has partnered with SD43 to make sure that ALL kids get a chance to play. We truly believe that the life skills kids learn from sport – goal setting, teamwork, time management, experiencing failure, and constructive criticism – are all building blocks for a successful, contributing life and should be accessible to all.”

- Chris Wilson, Executive Director, KidSport Tri-Cities

Victoria Coats For Kids Association, (Nominated by SD 61, Greater Victoria)

The Victoria Coats for Kids Association is a registered non-profit society that has been serving families living on the homelands of the Songhees and Esquimalt people for the past 24 years. VCKA board members are professionals who are employed by their school district in various roles. VCKA’s goal is to provide cold weather coats to any child in need in the Greater Victoria area. They operate by accepting new or gently used coats, and cash donations. VCKA supports all schools across SD No. 61, numerous community centres, and individual families. This year, they are set to distribute more than 600 coats.

“We are truly appreciative of this recognition. Every day in our work lives, we ‘show up’ and strive to meet the needs of each and every student. This is often challenging to navigate, but when we look closely and notice where the gaps are, it becomes apparent, and that is when and where we need to take action. Our hope is that VCKA fills one of those needs. We are grateful to our volunteers, donors, and partners. Every child deserves a warm coat.”

– Leila Durzi, Cathy Carter, Joanne Buxton, and Lara Fraser, VCKA Board

Nechako Valley Food Network (Nominated by SD 91, Nechako Lakes)  

The Nechako Valley Food Network, governed by the Nechako Healthy Community Alliance, is a non-profit society aimed at supporting local initiatives that encourage healthy living. The NVFN originated from a group of concerned residents of Vanderhoof over the need to support the local food economy and educate residents on how to increase their own food security through backyard and community food production. Their mission is to promote the growth and distribution of local agricultural products in the Nechako Valley, and educate and aid individuals to grow and eat their own produce in an environmentally sound way.

“What an honour! The Nechako Valley Food Network is proud of the partnership we have with schools in Vanderhoof, and especially WL McLeod Elementary and their Farm to School Program. We feel privileged to be part of and support students’ learning at the community garden. Our goal and hope are that students come away with lifelong skills that will make them more food secure now and into the future.” 

– Maya McCully, Chair, and Michelle Roberge, member, and Farm to School liaison, NVFN

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Nutritional Snack Program Society (Nominated by SD 36, Surrey)

For more than 25 years, the Surrey Fire Fighters have been supporting the students in SD 36 through this program. Throughout the school year, firefighters volunteer to purchase healthy snack options from the grocery store – items like fruit juice, granola bars, sesame snaps, fruit cups, cheese and crackers – and deliver the snacks to participating schools. Despite the increasing costs of food, the Surrey Fire Fighters have been dedicated to continuing to support students, and they take care of all transportation, labour, and administrative costs. This past year, donations collected through the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society helped provide funds for the snacks for more than 5,000 students.

“The Surrey Fire Fighters' Nutritional Snack Program was organized by the charitable society and is part of our commitment to help Surrey’s youth. It is anticipated that this program will impact approximately 10% of the 82,000+ students in the Surrey School District. We must acknowledge the impact of the educators, who are the frontline workers in the school system. This nutrition program would not be the success it is without the benevolent work of the school staff.”

– Saverio Lattanzio, President, Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association