13 amazing Fraser Valley volunteers

People are at the heart of any community—and the Fraser Valley is home to some great individuals.

Nearly every week, local volunteers are recognized and thanked for their unwavering commitment to serve their community.

Today, The Current spotlights 13 amazing volunteers who are making a difference in the Fraser Valley.

Langley Township

Last month, Jayne Burton, Darcy and Manjit Gill, and Brandon Leung were recognized for their work during the Langley Township’s annual volunteers award celebration.

For the last three decades, Jayne has devoted herself to organizations, including the Langley Child Development Centre, Special Needs Advisory Council, Langley Human Dignity Coalition, and Special Olympics BC-Langley. The latter is particularly meaningful to Jayne and her family; the group provided a welcoming space for her son. Jayne was honoured by the township with the Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award, an award given to a person who nurtures an active lifestyle and promotes community spirit.

Darcy and Manjit Gill’s philanthropic efforts in the community isn’t news to its residents. The couple not only campaigned for the expansion of the emergency department at Langley hospital they also donated $1 million. (For more than half a century, the couple have owned and operated Cloverdale Fuel, a recycling centre for wood waste.) Manjit’s involvement in the hospital was sparked more than 50 years ago, when she spent two weeks in a hospital room after getting married in India. The Gills have also supported a range of other community causes, including the lunch program at H.D. Stafford Secondary, where Manjit was recognized as citizen of the year on the 50th anniversary of her immigration to Langley. For their efforts, the couple was awarded the John and Muriel Arnason Award, which recognizes a pair of volunteers who work to improve life in the township.

Brandon Leung’s volunteer career isn’t as long as the others but his list of accomplishments is. A Grade 12 Walnut Grove Secondary student bound for UBC, Brandon has been described by his teachers and peers as “a role model, an ‘A’ student, a coach, an organizer, a gifted musician, and an extraordinary curling skip.” Brandon is credited for re-establishing the school’s curling program. He has also assumed leadership roles with school youth programs and volunteers as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Langley. Brandon was awarded the Swensson Award, which honours a senior high school student for their athletic, academic, and leadership achievements. The award came with a $750 scholarship. The award.

Jayne and the Gills were also awarded $750 to donate to a charity of their choice.

Chilliwack

In Chilliwack, Vince Merritt was recently awarded the country’s highest honour for volunteerism: the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. The medal, awarded by the Governor General, recognizes Canadians who have made “significant, sustained, and unpaid contribution to their community.” Merritt, 85, was selected for his 14 years of service at the Thrifty Boutique with the Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Prior to his duties there, Vince volunteered with the RCMP’s victim services for 13 years. Merritt was presented the medal during a ceremony at the boutique.

“It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said about the honour while fighting back tears. You can watch the ceremony here. 

In March, Chilliwack’s Lily Renaud was recognized at the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards as this year’s Youth Champion of Diversity.

The Grade 12 student at G.W. Graham Secondary has championed fundraisers for cancer research, shelter, food, and clothing drives. She was also recognized for promoting female empowerment at school and for helping find the Indigenous Leadership Club. Renauld currently volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentorship program, the Girls to the Power of Math Organization and the Youth Advisory Committee in Chilliwack, where she and her peers work to provide children with access to healthcare products.

Hope

In Hope, Inge and Gordon Gray were recognized at the annual Hope Healthy Living Fair for their volunteerism during the pandemic. The couple worked with the Community Food Resource Centre to deliver food to others during the lockdown, the Hope Standard reported. They continue to do that crucial work today. When not behind the wheel to deliver food, the pair volunteer driving with Care Transit, a free transportation service for those who need a lift to a medical appointment.

“When you give yourself to help others, the blessing comes back to you,” Inge told the local newspaper. “It’s a way to be unselfish. You’re not just thinking about yourself, but you’re thinking about other people. And it’s important to reach out to other people.”

Abbotsford

The Fraser Valley’s Brenda Kawasaki was heralded last month as the first volunteer to register for the upcoming Abbotsford 2023 55-Plus BC Games.

Volunteering for sporting competitions is Kawasaki’s forte. Over the last 20 years, she has donated her time to the Mission Skating Club, BC/YK Section, and Skate Canada. She also volunteered for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

“I’m 57 and can’t imagine life without volunteering,” Kawasaki said in a press release. “Volunteering allows you to build confidence and camaraderie, give back to the community, and, best of all, gain opportunities to learn, grow, and add new friends.”. (The 55-Plus BC Games kick off in Abbotsford Aug. 22.)

Harrison Hot Springs

In Harrison, Rosa Quintana Lillo is the community’s shining star.

Rosa has been one of the longest-serving volunteers for the Harrison Festival Society and the Kent Harrison Arts Council. She also volunteers for the Fraser Valley Conservancy, the Watershed Coalition and has also volunteered for the Green Legacy Society. An artist by profession, Rosa brings creativity and passion to her volunteer positions, Harrison Festival Society general manager Bryan Cutler said.

In the past, she has sold buttons on the beach during the Festival of the Arts, served beverages at the concession, and hung artwork in the Ranger Station Art Gallery for the Kent Harrison Arts Council.

“Rosa makes all those around feel good and we can't thank her enough!” Cutler said.

Mission

Mission’s council recognized Daniel Pognuyev, Clint Nelson, and Charlie Nelson last month during National Volunteer Week for serving as snow angels over the winter. City council expressed their gratitude to the trio for their “willingness to lend a hand to those in need by shoveling a driveway or sidewalk.”

The Current is always looking to profile the amazing people in the valley. Do you know an awesome local we should spotlight in the newsletter? Let us know here.