Hubbell Designer Goldsmiths owner Darrell Hubbell is Prince George's Citizen of the Year for 2011.
Hubbell was presented the award at a gala dinner and awards night on Friday, hosted by the Prince George Community Foundation.
"This award is not just for me, I accept it on behalf of all those who contribute their time, effort and money to make this a great place to live. There are many people in this room who are worthy of being nominated," Hubbell said. "I'd like to touch on what motivates me in my contributions to the community... there is no 'them,' only us. You help people because we are all just people."
Hubbell's resume of volunteerism in Prince George includes serving on the board of The Two Rivers Gallery, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Downtown Rotary Club and Town Centre Business Association.
As a local business owner, Hubbell has donated gift certificates and custom-made jewelry to support fundraising for causes including: The Prince George Public Library, tBaldy Hughes Addiction Treatment Centre and Therapeutic Community, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Rotary International, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Ducks Unlimited, United Way, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, B.C. Cancer Foundation, RCMP Victim Services, Hixon Community Association, Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, Prince George Chamber of Commerce and the Prince George Community Foundation.
Hubbell thanked his wife, parents, siblings and friends for the support they have given him over the years.
"The family really is the springboard we all work from, so thank you to my family for being here," Hubbell said. "These are the people who let me be me."
Hubbell is no stranger to the Prince George Citizen of the Year Awards - he has worked on the volunteer team which hosts the annual galas for nine years.
"This is something I will cherish for the rest of my life," Hubbell said.
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce recognized Hubbell as their Corporate Citizen of the Year in 2004, 2005 and 2009.
In 2010 he was awarded a Community Leader Award by local MLAs Shirley Bond and Pat Bell, and was given a certificate of recognition by Rotary District 5040's district governor.
The other nominees for Citizen of the Year were Lorne Calder, Ken Pendergast, Matthew Church and Marvene Layte.
