Dedication. Integrity. Leadership. Generosity. Those words came up over and over in the letters nominating David Halikowski for 2013 Citizen of the Year.
His volunteer experience in Prince George filled an entire page single-spaced, with most of it devoted to David's work helping the most vulnerable members of our community. He is currently the treasurer for the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society, as well as the Elizabeth Fry Housing Society, and has been a member of both boards for the past 14 years. His efforts helped lead to the development of the Elizabeth Fry Place housing project for seniors and persons with disabilities. He is the current president of the B.C. Schizophrenia Society and has sat on that group's board for the past 12 years. He helped incorporate the Prince George branch of the B.C. Schizophrenia Society and was instrumental in the establishment of the Activity Centre for Empowerment, which provides social, recreational and vocational services for residents coping with mental illness and addictions. He is a current member of the Surpassing Our Survival Society, which devotes itself to sexual violence prevention and victim counseling services. David is also an active member of the John Howard Society and CASEY (Communities Against Sexual Exploitation of Youth). In the past, he served as a member of the city's homelessness committee and has taken part in Take Back The Night marches and Victims of Crime Awareness Week.
Somehow, David also finds time to volunteer in other areas. He is the B.C. representative for the MTS Allstream Pensioners Association and he is responsible for the disbursement of funds from the Canadian Auto Worker's fund for women's issues to help Prince George transition houses. He is an active member of the Prince George branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he has served in various board positions and helped organize the annual poppy campaign and Remembrance Day ceremonies. He volunteers with the Prince George Navy League and is a member of the Prince George branch of the Royal Canadian Naval Association. He also lends a hand to the Yalenka Society, the Sons of Scotland and the Celtic Society.
"He's a quiet doer and truly an unsung hero," read one of the letters supporting his nomination. His heroism is unsung no longer. Earlier this year, David Halikowski received the Community Service Award from the City of Prince George and now he is a fine nominee for the 2013 Citizen of the Year.
