Volunteers are kind, selfless and dedicated.
Some can also be lovingly stubborn for refusing to be recognized for the impact their work has done for the community.
But those in Port Coquitlam will soon be honoured by city officials in showing appreciation for contributing to local residents' quality of life.
PoCo is calling for nomination submissions for its annual volunteer recognition awards, which will add to the more than 140 etched glass hardware the city has handed out since 1997.
"It is important to recognize and celebrate volunteers for all their great work that they do for Port Coquitlam," said Coun. Paige Petriw, designate for community experience, celebrations, events and inclusion issues.
"I encourage everyone to nominate a volunteer and let's recognize their many contributions for making our community a better place for all."
There are three categories listed by the City of Port Coquitlam for the 2023 volunteer awards:
Volunteer of the Year
May be involved in any of the following volunteer areas:
- Arts, heritage and cultural services
- Preserves and celebrates Port Coquitlam's past and shares our community heritage with others and/or promotes the arts and cultural development of our community.
- Caring and safety
- Enhances and promotes the community through caring actions and outstanding acts of humanitarianism; contributes towards making Port Coquitlam a safer place for residents of all ages.
- Youth programs
- Recognizes volunteers of all ages who support our community’s youth programs, excluding amateur athletics (see Sports and Recreation category).
- Environmental protection and enhancement
- Demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the promotion and preservation of Port Coquitlam’s natural environment for present and future generations.
- Sports and recreation
- Enhances the quality of physical activity in Port Coquitlam; contributes to the management and/or operations of a sports or recreation activity; demonstrates outstanding dedication to Port Coquitlam’s sports and recreation community.
Future Leader/Youth Volunteer of the Year
Under 25 years old:
- Reserved for the recognition of a Port Coquitlam youth, who has demonstrated a commitment to our community and has made extraordinary volunteer contributions in any of the categories above.
Lifetime Volunteer
Dedication and passion:
- Nominees in the other categories may also be considered for the Lifetime Volunteer award, which recognizes an individual who has dedicated many years to improving the community through their volunteer service in any area.
"Volunteers are the backbone of our community and embody the strong sense of community spirit known as PoCo Pride," said PoCo Mayor Brad West.
"Through their everyday efforts and genuine kindness, volunteers help build and strengthen our community. The selfess actions of each volunteer, brings all of us together in so many ways and I thank them for their relentless dedication."
The 2023 award winners are set to be unveiled at an invitation-only event during National Volunteer Week in April.
For more information and nomination criteria, you can visit the city's website.
The Tri-City News is the media sponsor of the Port Coquitlam 2023 Volunteer Recognition Awards.
