It was the first time we've held the Volunteers Are Stars Awards during National Volunteer Week. It was also the first time that River Rock Casino played host. And it was definitely the first time that Rick Hansen has given a keynote presentation at the event. (Needless to say, his speech was pitch perfect for the occasion, and inspired everybody in the room.) As we said all along leading up to the Awards - sometimes with complete confidence, sometimes a bit nervously - "change is good." That turned out to be true, thanks to amazing support from our sponsors, equally amazing support from the community, and a group of nominees whose dedication, passion, enthusiasm, and creativity speak to the enduring strength of Richmond's volunteer spirit. Among the 52 nominees there were 10 winners, whom you can read more about below. And of course there were no losers on the evening, just 52 stars shining brightly, making our entire community shine with them.
Milan Ilich Award for Leadership
Honours an individual who has demonstrated exeptional leadership in the non-profit sector.
Brian Williams
Constellation Award - Individual
Honours individual volunteers for their service and contribution to the community.
George Atkinson
Gaby Merner
Constellation Award - Group
Honours volunteer groups for their service and contribution to the community.
Richmond RCMP Auxiliary Constables
Richmond Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary
Shooting Star Award
Honours youth volunteers under 25 years of age.
Amy Wang
Catherine McDonald
Nova Star Award
Honours organizations that have carried out their objectives with creativity and innovation, responding to the needs of the community.
Steveston Salmon Festival
Cinevolution Media Arts Society
Shining Star Award
Honours businesses for their contribution to strengthen the community either through volunteer time/programs, expertise, or funding to non-profit groups.
Ampri Group
Who can be nominated?
Any individual, organization, association, or corporation whose voluntary, unpaid efforts have positively impacted the Richmond community. This includes:
- non-profit organizations, groups, or service clubs
- educational institutions, hospitals, government departments, unions, professional and trade associations
- media organizations, public or private corporations
- individuals or groups of individuals
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone! Both individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations for consideration. All nominees will receive a certificate of nomination.
How are the winners chosen?
The Volunteers Are Stars Awards Committee reviews all nominations. Committee members are representative of the Richmond community, with extensive knowledge, experience, and involvement in the voluntary sector. Awards recipients are selected on the basis of the information submitted and the criteria outlined for each particular category. Length of service is not necessarily a determining factor. The awards are designed to represent a variety of volunteer and community involvement in Richmond and recipients will reflect this diversity.
Award Categories
Constellation Award
Honours volunteers and volunteer groups for their service and contributions to the community. Four awards are given: two individuals and two groups.
Shooting Star Award
Young people are leading the growth in volunteerism today. The Shooting Star Award honours youth volunteers under 25 years of age.
Nova Star Award
Honours organizations that have carried out their objectives with creativity and innovation, all while responding to the needs of the community.
Shining Star Award
Honours businesses for their contribution to strengthen the community either through volunteer time/programs, expertise, or funding to non-profit groups.
Milan Ilich Award for Leadership (Formerly Star of Richmond)
Named after the late philanthropist Milan Ilich, one of Richmond's most inspirational figures, this award honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the non-profit sector.
Nominations for the 2013 Volunteers Are Stars Awards are now closed, but it's never too early to start thinking about who to nominate next year! Nominations will re-open in February 2014.
The Volunteers Are Stars Awards are over for another year, but they'll back in April 2014, bigger and better than ever! Check this space in March 2014 for information on purchasing tickets.
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A celebrated athlete, a dedicated social innovator, and a man committed to making a difference, Rick Hansen is best known in Canada and globally as the Man in Motion. On a night when we honour the change makers in our community, we'll hear from one whose work is changing the world.
Learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation's efforts to create a healthier, more inclusive society. |
The Volunteers Are Stars Awards would be nothing - seriously, they wouldn't exist - without our amazing sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge their support.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available! To learn how you can be part of the 13th Annual Volunteers Are Stars Awards, call 604-279-7020 or e-mail info@volunteerrichmond.ca.
Star of Richmond Award
Honours an individual who has demonstrated exeptional leadership in the non-profit sector.
Kim Jones
Constellation Award - Individual
Honours individual volunteers for their service and contribution to the community.
George Agnew
Louise Young
Constellation Award - Group
Honours volunteer groups for their service and contribution to the community.
The Richmond Youth Foundation
Hand Up to Hope
Shooting Star Award
Honours youth volunteers under 25 years of age.
Som Ghosh
Teddy Shih
Nova Star Award
Honours organizations that have carried out their objectives with creativity and innovation, responding to the needs of the community.
Team ALS of BC and Yukon
Shining Star Award
Honours businesses for their contribution to strengthen the community either through volunteer time/programs, expertise, or funding to non-profit groups.
Innovation Networks
Since “International Year of the Volunteer” in 2001, the Volunteers Are Stars Awards have been shining a spotlight on the tremendous work of volunteers in our community. The Awards help build a legacy of volunteerism and showcase the voluntary efforts of countless individuals and groups. As well, by recognizing specific individuals and organizations, they focus public attention on the broad spectrum of voluntary service and community participation that sustains the vibrant and caring community in which we live.