2024 Volunteerism & Service Award Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALS Society of BC Recognizes 2024 Volunteerism & Service Award Recipients

Richmond, BC – February 27, 2025 –The ALS Society of British Columbia is honoured to announce recipients of the society’s annual Volunteerism & Service Awards for 2024. Thirteen individuals, groups, and organizations have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the ALS Community in British Columbia and the Yukon. The recipients for 2024 are as follows:

• Pam Caron, Rossland, BC
  Roy Slater Volunteer of the Year Award
  The society’s most prestigious annual recognition, honouring exemplary volunteerism and dedication in the ALS Community.

• Sheldon Cleaves, Duncan, BC
  Dr. Andrew Eisen Leadership Award
  In honour of the Society’s founder, this award recognizes outstanding leadership of an individual’s efforts to the ALS Society of BC.

• Williams Lake, Williams Lake, BC
  Move To Cure ALS Event of The Year Award
  Coordinated by Sandra Scott & Charlotte Lundeen, this award recognizes their outstanding contributions and fundraising efforts of a Move to Cure ALS event hosted in a BC or Yukon community.

• Norm Jackson, Duncan, BC
  Exceptional Public Awareness (Individual)
  Recognizing the efforts of an individual who has significantly contributed to educating and increasing public awareness about ALS/PLS over the past year.

• Global BC, Burnaby, BC
  Exceptional Public Awareness (Corporate Partner)
  Recognizing the efforts of a corporate partner that has significantly contributed in spreading awareness about ALS/PLS in a larger capacity.

• Concert for PROJECT HOPE, Vancouver, BC
  Exceptional Public Awareness (Group)
  Through the work of organizing committee members Roxie Giles, Mary Ella Young, Georgina Arntzen, & Marcus Mosely as a tribute to Julie Brown, this award recognizes their group’s exceptional awareness efforts in educating the community about ALS/PLS.

• Raffle for a Quilt, Burns Lake, BC
  Exceptional Fundraising Award (Group)
  Recognizing Barb Durban-Wilson, Ronda Payne, Jenny Pirie & Adrienne Hiebert, this award goes to a group of individuals who have demonstrated excellence in organizing and executing a fundraising program or event.

• Steve Huska Memorial Golf Tournament, Cobble Hill, BC
  Exceptional Fundraising Award (Event)
  Tournament Co-Chairs Judy Huska and Tyler Gladstone are recognized for their third-party community event that has showcased exceptional fundraising efforts towards ALS/PLS patient services and research.

• Annual Coast Hotels Shuhachi Naito Golf Classic, Vancouver, BC
  Exceptional Fundraising Award (Corporate Partner)
  Recognizing a corporate partner of the ALS Society of BC who has delivered exceptional fundraising efforts.

• Nancy Greene Raine & Al Raine, Sun Peaks, BC
  Exceptional Advocacy Award
  Recognizing individuals who have shown exceptional advocacy efforts to bring awareness of ALS and PLS.

• Annie Wei & Richard Yang, Burnaby, BC
  Exceptional Advocacy Award (Public Policy)
  Recognizing individuals or a group who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy in the public sector in benefit for those affected by ALS/PLS.

• Simone Donor, Mission, BC
  Leaders of Tomorrow Award
  This award recognizes youth and young adults who demonstrate their exemplary leadership and volunteerism in benefit of those living with ALS/PLS.

• Zainab Ali, Surrey, BC
  Leaders of Tomorrow Award
  This award recognizes youth and young adults who demonstrate their exemplary leadership and volunteerism in benefit of those living with ALS/PLS.

The annual awards program celebrates volunteerism and service that amplifies awareness and gratitude by highlighting volunteers’ vital role in supporting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) patients, their families, and caregivers.

“Congratulations to all those who have been honoured for their contributions in 2024” said Donald Miyazaki, Executive Director of the ALS Society of BC. “We are immensely grateful for our volunteers’ unwavering support, commitment, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS and PLS. This list reflects leaders amongst hundreds of others who have given back to our community throughout BC and the Yukon. Their contributions are the backbone of our mission, and this event is our heartfelt tribute to their invaluable service”.

The ALS Society of BC, a beacon of hope in the fight against ALS and PLS, remains dedicated to advocating for patients, providing essential programs & services such as Equipment Loan Program and Support Groups at no cost to registered patients, and funding research through the ALS BC PROJECT HOPE initiative. The Society’s mission is made possible through the tireless efforts of our volunteers and organizations whose passion and dedication are the foundation of our success.

An event celebrating their selfless contributions and recognizing their achievements will take place on Friday April 4, 2025, commencing at 5:30 PM at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport in Richmond, BC. For more information about the event or request attendance, please click the link below or contact Rena Mendoza, Director of Operations, at [email protected] or 1-800-708-3228. Please note that space will be limited.

• Click Here to Request to Attend the Event Celebration

For more information, please contact:
Navin Autar, Communications & Social Media Coordinator
ALS Society of British Columbia
Phone: 1-800-708-3228 Ext. 231
Email: [email protected]

About the ALS Society of BC: ALS BC was founded in 1981 by Dr. Andrew Eisen, ALS patients and family members to meet the physical and emotional needs of people living with ALS and their caregivers. Our mission is to cure ALS through funding research, while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS.

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