Help us find outstanding Burnaby volunteers
The City of Burnaby recognizes individuals who show remarkable spirit, positivity and leadership by volunteering. Giving their time and energy to non-profit or community organizations to better our city, volunteers help support our goal of having a connected, inclusive and healthy community.
Do you know a dedicated volunteer? It could be someone who supports a local charity or community school, coaches a sports team or contributes to the arts, recreation or other activity. If so, nominate them for this year’s Outstanding Citizen award, or as one of our Local Heroes.
Award categories and criteria
1. Outstanding Citizen of the Year - Kushiro Cup (one award)
Candidates must:
- be a Burnaby resident
- have volunteered in several Burnaby community programs for at least 10 years
- have positively influenced the community and the lives of its citizens
- not be an elected official holding office
- have the support of at least 2 nominators
- have a resume submitted by nominators
2. Local Heroes (multiple awards)
Candidates must:
- live, work or participate as a volunteer in Burnaby
- have volunteered in their community for a combined minimum of 5 years through at least 2 volunteer activities
- have the support of at least 2 nominators
Submit your nomination
Nominations closed on February 16, 2024.
The winner of Outstanding Citizen of the Year and the Kushiro Cup will be announced in March and winners of Local Heroes will be announced in April.
Past award recipients
The Kushiro Cup has been presented to Burnaby’s most outstanding citizen every year since 1982, when the cup was presented to the City by its sister city, Kushiro (Japan).
In the fall of 1982, Professor Takayoshi Makino, head of the Languages Department of the University of Hokkaido, accompanied 16 students from his English class to British Columbia for a five-day “Canadian Experience.” Professor Makino brought with him a trophy from Mayor Wanibuchi of Kushiro. Makino gave the trophy to Mayor Bill Lewarne, which has since been used each year to honour the contributions of our outstanding citizens. A similar cup is awarded annually in Kushiro and is called the Burnaby Cup.
All the past winners of the Kushiro Cup are from diverse backgrounds but share the common values of leadership, service and community.
| 2023: Len Soet 2022: Dennis Baker 2021: Mary Gates 2020: Simone Brandl 2019: Ruth Gautschi 2018: Laida Falsetto 2017: Douglas (Bill) Corson 2016: Jim & Lindy McQueen 2015: George Kawaguchi 2014: Elsie Dean 2013: Georgie Cole 2012: Lou Beaubien 2011: Kehar Singh Aujla 2010: Gloria Kravac 2009: Chris Hildred 2008: Ruby Johnson 2007: Gloria Inglis 2006: Nancy Thomas 2005: Dennis Brown 2004: Les Lee Lowe 2003: Cice Brown |
2002: Grace Joe 2001: Pixie McGeachie 2000: Phil Henderson 1999: Keith Harris 1998: Ray Abernethy 1997: Joan Hess 1996: Linda Gravlin 1995: Thomas Mark 1994: Donna Nosella 1993: Harry Pride 1992: Don and Helen Brown 1991: Ken Legge 1990: Donald Wrigley 1989: Evelyn Salisbury 1988: Rachael (Ray) Ribchester 1987: Pearl McPhee 1986: Gail Yip 1985: Sylvia Stillwell 1984: David Mercier 1983: Una E. Carlson 1982: Donald Copan |
Since 1997, the Local Heroes award recognizes individuals who make our city a better place through their commitment to volunteerism.
