The City of Prince George has announced this year's annual Appreciation Award recipients and its first-ever Community Champion Award winners.
"This is a new category which recognizes the individuals who have inspired others to take positive action through volunteerism," said Terri McClymont, chair of the City's Advisory Committee on Enhancing Prince George.
The first Community Champion Award will go to Mike Burt, a longtime volunteer with the RCMP Community Policing Unit.
"Mike has volunteered 6,637 hours of volunteer service since 2010. His main role is to recruit volunteers and then train and place them," Livingstone-Leman said. "He always gives 110 per cent."
The second Community Champion Award will go to Jamie Kranrod, past president of the Blackburn Community Association.
"The Blackburn Community Association was struggling and Jamie jumped in to help. She rallied troops and has totally turned the association around offering a variety of programs including preschool and after school programs," Livingstone-Leman said.
Along with the new Community Champion Awards, the City of Prince George honours citizens with the following Volunteer Recognition Awards.
The Recreation & Culture Award recognizes individuals who have and still may be contributing to the development of recreation or culture in areas such as, sport, culture and visual arts for a minimum of 5 years. This year's winners are Greg Pocock, June Berreth Yiqun (Ian) Ying.
The Outstanding Volunteer Award congratulates individuals who volunteer their time to various organizations, groups or disciplines. This year's recipients are Tamara Sweet, Robin Norman and John Vogt.
The Community Service Award winners are Jay Khatra and Ruth Walter. These individuals are recognized for significant contributions to the development of community services in Prince George for a minimum of five years.
The Youth of the Year Award commends youth from 13-18 who are attending school and who have made significant contributions in the community. This year's winner is Lila Mansour.
Honourable mentions go to Mohamed Shubair and Zachary Bundock.
The awards will be handed out at the Civic Appreciation Dinner to be held at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre on June 23.
