The search is on for Burnaby’s most outstanding citizen of the year.
Locals can nominate a “special someone who’s volunteered a heroic amount of time in the community” for two different awards: Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Local Heroes, according to the city's website.
The Outstanding Citizen wins the Kushiro Cup, awarded to local leaders who have made significant contributions to culture, arts, recreation and other non-elected civic activities in Burnaby.
The Local Heroes awards honour residents who have made a long-term contribution to the city through their commitment to volunteerism.
Last year’s Kushiro Cup winner, Len Soet, was recognized for “countless hours” of volunteer work at multiple non-profits, including Journey Home and the Society to End Homelessness, over more than 16 years.
Dennis Baker won the 2023 Kushiro Cup for his full-time volunteer work refurbishing bicycles and donating them to families in need.
The Kushiro Cup tradition began in 1982, when a delegation from Burnaby's sister city Kushiro, Japan, gave the cup to Burnaby.
Kushiro awards a similar cup, named the Burnaby Cup, to its citizens.
Nominations for the 2024 awards will close Sunday, Feb. 16. The nomination application is available on the city’s website.
Criteria for Kushiro Cup nominees:
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
