Dennis Baker is 2022’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Mayor Mike Hurley and Burnaby City Council are pleased to present the Kushiro Cup to Dennis Baker, 2022's Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

Dennis won the award for his full-time volunteer work refurbishing discarded children’s bicycles and donating them to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau for families in need. In 2022, he made the Christmas wishes of more than 100 Burnaby kids come true when he repaired and donated a record 137 bicycles and tricycles. “I have the self-satisfaction of knowing I’ll make some kids happy,” said Dennis. 

Dennis, a retired office supply salesperson, has been repairing and donating bicycles for more than 17 years through the Burnaby Lougheed Lions. He’s also participated in numerous fundraising activities with the Lions for the past 35 years. 

Dennis, who spends up to 50 hours a week refurbishing the discarded and donated bicycles, says he’s completely self-taught, but admits to being very mechanically inclined. Each bike is made to look as new as possible for a needy kid. And at 85, Dennis says he’s not ready to quit yet!

The Outstanding Citizen of the Year award honours Burnaby citizens who make tremendous contributions to their community and supports the City's Corporate Strategic Plan goals of having a connected, inclusive and healthy community.

Learn more: Council report

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Chris Bryan
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