The Tri-Cities is full of volunteers willing to be kind, selfless and generous with their time to make the region a better place.
The B.C. government is hoping to hear about them, and reward and acknowledge them with a special medal that recognizes their leadership and service.
Nominations for the province's Medal of Good Citizenship are now open until Sept. 4.
Local residents can nominate individuals, youth or organizations from across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
The 2023 recipients are set to be announced later this year.
Port Moody's Farhad "Fred" Soofi was the lone Tri-Cities recipient of the last edition of the Medal of Good Citizenship.
@tricitynews Medal of Good Citizenship. 🎖 #tricitynews #portmoody #goodcitizen #medal #greenscreen ♬ original sound - TriCityNews
He was praised for his commitment to supporting local charitable organizations, often through food served from his restaurant: Pasta Polo.
In 2022, Soofi provided housing for a family from war-torn Ukraine for six months, helping them get settled and get connected with services.
Soofi, an immigrant from Iran in 1972, said he enjoys being part of the community and taking an active interest in what goes on around him.
"Being active in the community keeps you motivated, you get up in the morning and you have something to do," Soofi said.
The Tri-Cities also had two medal winners in 2021: Amber Gregory (Coquitlam) and Jeff McLellan (Port Moody).
Any current or former long-term resident of B.C. is eligible for nomination, the province said, including:
- Child and youth nominations are welcome (ages under 25)
- Individuals and couples can be nominated
- Organizations or groups of three or more individuals may be considered
- Posthumous candidates
To solidify a nomination, you can visit the Medal’s page on the provincial government’s website.
Submissions beyond the Sept. 4 deadline will be considered for the 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship cycle.
