The nomination period for Burnaby's outstanding citizen of the year for 2023 ends this week.
Residents have until Friday, Feb. 16, to submit a form to recognize a volunteer or neighbour that's gone above and beyond to help "make Burnaby a world-class community through volunteering" and have "volunteered a heroic amount of time in the community," according to a news release.
The winner will receive the Kushiro Cup, a tradition that started in 1982 when Burnaby's sister city —Kushiro, Japan — presented the award as a gift.
Dennis Baker, who restores old children's bikes for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, was awarded the 2022 installment of the Kushiro Cup.
Additionally, "local heroes" who've made long-term contributions as volunteers will also be recognized by the city.
The 2023 heroes included:
- Wendy Beerling
- Lori Geosits
- Navjit Moore
- Joanne Morgan
- Tom Su
- Beverly Thacker
- Helen Wu
For more information or to submit a nomination, you can visit the City of Burnaby's website.
Criteria for Kushiro Cup
Candidates must:
- be a Burnaby resident
- have volunteered in several Burnaby community programs for at least 10 years
- have positively influenced the community and the lives of its citizens
- not be an elected official holding office
- have the support of at least two nominators
- have a resume submitted by nominators
Criteria for Local Heroes
Candidates must:
- live, work or participate as a volunteer in Burnaby
- have volunteered in their community for a combined minimum of five years through at least two volunteer activities
- have the support of at least two nominators
