November 18, 2009
MLA Lee Congratulates Local Heroes

VICTORIA – Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee congratulated the most recent recipients of Burnaby’s Local Hero Awards in the Legislature today.

“Mr. Speaker, on November 2nd, Burnaby City Hall honoured 13 remarkable individuals from Burnaby,” said Lee. “Burnaby’s Local Hero Awards are given to those ‘who have made outstanding contributions to community well-being.’ These awards have been granted since 1997, recognizing 187 people to date.

“From local business owners to retirees, teachers and parents, these awards recognize the efforts and contributions of a diverse group of individuals, all of whom have been nominated by the people in the community.

“Burnaby’s Local Hero Awards, therefore, not only acknowledge the hard work of active citizens, but also encourage and enhance the sense of community living in Burnaby,” said Lee. “This year’s recipients of the award, Mr. Speaker, have unique stories to share.

“Stella Castillo, who is originally from Colombia, arrived in Canada in 2000 after being held hostage by a guerrilla group for five months. In Canada, she has been facilitating a Latin American women’s group through the REACH Community Health Centre.

“Other winners are Merrilyn Cook, Sidney Cumbers, Sharon Freeman, Fatehali Jetha, Jack Kuyer, Tammy Ozero, Wanley Poh, Deepak Prasad, Wendell Ratcliffe, Mohammad L. Shamsi, Millie Wylie and Keanna Driedger, who is the youngest member of this group, at 16 years of age.

“These remarkable individuals have devoted numerous hours and have demonstrated courage, commitment and dedication to the variety of different causes they champion and to a better quality of life for the residents of Burnaby. 

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the House to join me in congratulating all of Burnaby’s Local Heroes,” concluded Lee.

Visit Richard’s website at www.richardleemla.bc.ca

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