Okanagan resident honoured for community service
An Okanagan resident is among 21 current or former B.C. citizens being honoured with the Medal of Good Citizenship (MGC) for extraordinary contributions to community life.
The medal recognizes people’s generosity, service and acts of selflessness in their local areas.
“Each one of these medal recipients has made their community a better place,” Premier David Eby said. “They have shown kindness and generosity while making sacrifices for the benefit of others. Their contributions serve as a reminder to all of what we can do in ways large and small to improve life for everyone.”
Spring Hawes of Kelowna is one of the recipients, with the province calling her a trailblazer for accessibility and inclusion.
“Spring Hawes is an exceptional advocate whose remarkable 18-year journey embodies the spirit of good citizenship. With an unwavering commitment to creating positive change, Hawes has been a driving force in raising awareness advocating for inclusivity and working to dismantle ableism. As a wheelchair user, Hawes’ personal experiences fuel her passion for addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.” (Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport)
The 2023 Medal of Good Citizenship recipients are:
- Ruth Billmann, Cranbrook
- Joyce Bueckert, 100 Mile House
- Tim Cormode, Victoria
- Brian DeBeck, Vancouver
- Vishad Deeplaul, Coquitlam
- Vivian Edwards, Ashcroft
- Gail Elder, Winlaw
- Craig Evans*, Nanaimo
- Madison Fleischer, Surrey
- Spring Hawes, Kelowna
- Brian Ironmonger*, Elko
- Mohammad Aminul Islam, Surrey
- Talia Lorincz, Vancouver
- Navjit Moore, Burnaby
- Johannes Mulder, Hope
- David Reid*, Squamish
- Jim Sawada, Nelson
- Rhoda Taylor, Duncan
- Andrew Tom, Smithers
- Ricky Tsang, Vancouver
- Parminder Virk, Saanich
*posthumous appointment
To read the biographies of the 2023 medal recipients, click here.
The medals will be presented at ceremonies throughout the province in early 2024.
Nominations for the MGC are accepted year round. Nominations for the 2024 cycle must be received by April 5, 2024. Any current or former long-term resident of B.C. is eligible to be nominated. Youth and posthumous nominations are welcome.