Several 91原创 people whose accomplishments range from feeding the hungry to preserving local history were honoured with King's Coronation medals in late February.
91原创-Aldergrove MP Tako van Popta hosted a medal ceremony Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Fort 91原创 Community Hall where 21 recipients were able to attend and receive the honour. Local MPs were enlisted to help find nominees in their community.
"We went through them all in my office, and we selected the ones that we thought were worthy, and we submitted that to the Governor General," van Popta explained.
He explained that they were chosen for very specific criteria. Recipients must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
"So today's recipients certainly meet all those qualifications, and I'm sure that you will agree with me," van Popta said.
Fred Pepin has been involved in local historical preservation for decades and carries the nickname Mr. Heritage.
"It's my third [monarch medal]," he chuckled after the ceremony.
He also has two medals, the first in 1992, given during Queen Elizabeth's reign for his community contributions but felt honoured to be chosen.
"I'm glad I lived so long," he added. "I'm still enjoying volunteering."
James Robertson has always been involved in helping the community. He served 16 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including tours of Bosnia and Germany. His civil aid work has included flood, wildfire, and search missions, including for missing children. After retiring, he started a construction business doing carpentry and employs new immigrants to help them get settled.
"I spent a lot of my time trying to instruct our apprentices and pass on the skills that I'm learning over the last 20 years in the construction industry as well as the numerous leadership qualities that I developed in the military," Robertson said.
He found out he was a medal recipient in recent weeks, and chokes up at being selected for the recognition.
"it was quite a bit of a surprise. I'm quite humble to be here today," he said, adding "I mean I've got several medals from my service in the military, but that was through duty. This is kind of recognition outside of that active role."
Across Canada, 30,000 medals will be given out, with 4,000 reserved for the military.
The local recipients (in random order) at the ceremony were:
Kimberly Snow
鈥� Created and founded Kimz Angels which helps unhoused and other vulnerable members of the community
鈥� She organizes a highly popular and successful 鈥渇ill the ambulance鈥� food drive to help local families struggling with the high cost of living.
Fred Pepin
鈥� Fred Pepin, or 鈥淢r. Heritage鈥� has been the driving force behind the 91原创 Heritage Society for over 40 years and continues to lead by example.
鈥� Volunteers at the BC Farm Museum and serves on the Township of 91原创 Heritage Advisory Committee.
Melissa Hafting
鈥� Melissa Hafting is the founder of the BC Young Birders Program, which she established in 2014 to inspire and mentor youth in the fields of science and bird conservation.
鈥� Contributed to environmental initiatives, including the SGAR rodenticide ban.
鈥� Involved with Wild Bird Trust of BC and eBird.
鈥� Hafting wrote the book, Dare to Bird (2024)
Guy Corriveau
鈥� Extensive career in disaster management
鈥� Played a key role in emergency response planning.
鈥� Represented Canada in a humanitarian mission to the Philippines
鈥� Volunteer with Scouts Canada
Carl Willis
鈥� Spent more than 35 years dedicated to outreach efforts aimed at empowering youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
鈥� Brought many young individuals to church for youth programming
鈥� Believes in the power of community and faith to shape a better future for young people.
Brian Wong
鈥� Commanding officer of 746 Lightning Hawk Squadron in 91原创
鈥� Works as a federal correctional officer and plays a vital role as a critical incident stress management peer advisor.
Mary Polak
鈥� MLA for 91原创 from 2005 until 2020, winning four elections.
鈥� Served in many provincial ministries
鈥� Continues to contribute to the development of public policy in Canada, using skills and knowledge honed during years in public life.
Chris Gardner
鈥� Prominent leader in the construction and business sector, having expanded the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) to represent more than 150,000 Canadians.
鈥� Advocate for health and safety, skills training, and housing affordability, championing causes that improve the well-being of workers and businesses alike.
鈥� Supporter of mental health and wellness initiatives.
Ron Toigo
鈥� Businessman and philanthropist
鈥� Leads the Vancouver Giants.
鈥� Organized several major hockey events, including the 2006 World Junior Tournament and the 2007 Memorial Cup
鈥� Supports charitable causes such as the CKNW Orphans Fund and the Delta Police Board Foundation
Ryan Anderson
鈥� 22 years of experience in corporate aviation
鈥� Donated jets to BC Transplant
鈥� Donated to causes ranging from food security to hospitals and community programs.
Kamelia Fard
鈥� Impact on the development of elite athletes, coaching them at both the provincial and national levels.
鈥� Travelled with athletes to the BC Winter Games
鈥� Built one of Canada's largest karate dojos, offering online fitness classes during the pandemic, providing a space for individuals to stay active and healthy during challenging times.
Francis Cheung
鈥� Director at S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
鈥� Finance Chair of the BC Games Society.
鈥� Raising service dogs for the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society
鈥� Serving with Canoe Kayak Canada.
鈥� Developing strategic plans for BC Summer Swimming Association
鈥� Volunteering at swim meets, athletics events, and gymnastics competitions.
Jose Oliveira
鈥� Served the RCMP for 28 years, including in Burnaby, Surrey, and the BC Covert Surveillance Unit.
鈥� Held key roles in traffic safety, school liaison, and covert surveillance operations, working tirelessly to protect the public.
鈥� Outside of his professional duties, Jose coached ball hockey and managed a lacrosse team,
Barry G. Danton
鈥� With 39 years in 91原创 Little League and 27 years with the RCMP.
鈥� Border Inspector for 16 years
Dale Saip
鈥� Delta School Trustee for 31 years
鈥� Spearheaded programs with the Vancouver Giants, such as "Be A Giant" and "Read to Succeed,"
鈥� Co-founded the Valley West Stampede,
鈥� Served on 91原创 Tourism Board and Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Clayton Ennis
鈥� 23 years to law enforcement, with 19 of those years served with the Delta Police Department.
鈥� Key figure in the newly created Surrey Police Service,
鈥� Coached youth lacrosse in 91原创
鈥� Advocated for police welfare and his leadership on the police union executive,
Eleanor McComb
鈥� Dedicated advocate for refugee resettlement in 91原创, serving as the chair of the Refugee Sponsorship Committee at Willoughby Christina Reformed Church.
鈥� Led efforts to secure funding and shelter for refugees, providing much-needed support to those seeking a new life in Canada.
James Robertson
鈥� Served 16 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including tours in Bosnia and Germany.
鈥� Participated in various civil aid efforts, including flood, wildfire, and search missions.
鈥� After retiring from the military, started a construction business while attending BCIT and has since employed new immigrants to help them get settled.
Alexander Moffat
鈥� Aircraft investigator who plays a critical role in resolving legal issues related to aviation accidents.
鈥� His work provides crucial closure to families affected by crashes and malfunctions, while also saving businesses significant time and money by helping them navigate complex legal challenges.
鈥� Positive impact on the aviation industry, ensuring that lessons are learned to improve aviation safety.
Palvinder Kundan
鈥� Volunteers with the Army Cadet League of Canada currently serving as the chairperson of the Parent Support Committee.
鈥� Advocates for underprivileged students, providing tutoring and support
鈥� Contributes to the Gurdwara Kitchen and youth summer camp at Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Surrey.
Scott Taylor
鈥� Lawyer demonstrating unwavering commitment to his community through his work with Access Pro Bono Society of BC.
鈥� Provided free legal services to individuals who may otherwise not have access to justice.
Van Popta also awarded coronation medals to three longtime firefighters at a ceremony with fellow fire department members and family a few days prior. With over 32 years of service each, Township fire chief Jason de Roy, deputy fire chief Russ Jenkins, and deputy fire chief Cory Parker received medals at a ceremony on Feb. 24 at the Murrayville firehall.
