EIGHTEEN people in British Columbia 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 on Monday. “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:
* Louise Allen, East Vancouver, for championing affordable housing
* Helen Campbell and Bill Erving, Saanich, for transforming lives through agriculture
* Janice Dallaire, Invermere, for pioneering fire rescue
* 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.
RABIAH Dhaliwal’s citation reads:
Rabiah Dhaliwal is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and advocating for mental health awareness. Overcoming her own personal challenges, Rabiah turned obstacles into a platform for advocacy and community service.
At the University of British Columbia (UBC), Rabiah co-led the Disabilities United Collective, championing inclusivity for disabled students. She established weekly support group sessions, providing a vital network for neurodivergent and physically disabled peers. Her advocacy extended beyond campus, when she and other students successfully advocated for the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act at UBC, leading to the creation of the university’s first accessibility committee.
Rabiah’s commitment to accessibility is highlighted by her role in helping create two sensory rooms at UBC, offering safe havens for students experiencing sensory overload. Rabiah oversaw daily maintenance to keep these spaces functional and accessible. This year, Rabiah curated ‘TouchScapes,’ the first 3D-printed art exhibition in Western Canada, for individuals with visual impairments and other sensory needs, to promote inclusivity in the arts.
As director of the Voices for Hope Foundation, Rabiah led impactful initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. With support from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, she coordinated donations of over 1,000 self-care items and meals to frontline healthcare workers, sourced from local B.C. and indigenous-owned businesses, highlighting her commitment to community support and equity. Most recently, she distributed 250 care packages including art supplies and essential items to the unhoused population of Whalley.
At just 19, Rabiah testified before the House of Commons on mental health parity and partnered with Mesut Ozil for the #YourStoryOurVoice campaign, amplifying the voices of 80 million global viewers on mental health stigma.
Rabiah’s mental health advocacy help make a more accessible and compassionate world.
Learn More:
To read the biographies of the 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/
