It's finally time to reveal the annual Best of Richmond where we survey our readers and ask them to rank local businesses – everything from pizza joints to hair salons.
Along with businesses and organizations, we also love to highlight Richmondites who make a difference in the community and who make the city strong. Some you may have heard of, others maybe not. Either way, their contribution towards building a healthy, vibrant community has been invaluable. Each day this week, we will introduce three of these people to you.
Carolyn Hart
On any given day, especially during the hockey season, there is a good chance you will see Carolyn Hart at the Richmond Ice Centre.
This “super volunteer” has poured a tremendous amount of time in overseeing the Richmond Minor Hockey Association as president for the past four years and will continue on in an executive role with the newly merged Richmond-Seafair association.
Whether it’s spending an afternoon with her husband Richard talking to families at a “First Shift” session, or scorekeeping at a tournament, Hart approaches her role with tremendous passion. She strives to make hockey accessible to Richmond families while embracing the city’s diversity.
Her ties to Richmond extend to her childhood when her father worked in the city as an elementary school teacher. Away from the rink, she held variety of positions with the Bank of Montreal, including manager of the main office in Burnaby before the birth of her second son.
Armed with degree from UBC, her second career focussed on child and family literacy. For more than a decade, Hart was self-employed and offered literacy programs at Richmond Community Centres. She also worked as a tutor and led professional development and parent education workshops throughout southwest B.C.
How do you stay healthy?
I love to walk in our community. It is not only good for my physical health, it is also a great opportunity to gain perspective and think about challenges that I am experiencing.
What's your favourite Richmond Park
Definitely Steveston Park. I have many memories of time spent at the park with my two sons including one very rainy day where we were the only ones there!
What's on your bucket list?
I don't have a "bucket list." I love travelling and attending theatre and concerts. I can't imagine my life without volunteering.
What's your favourite food?
Sharing a great seafood meal with friends while enjoying a glass of BC wine.
What's the best thing about Richmond?
I have had the good fortune to get to know many wonderful people in our city. I like the people best!
Who's your favourite celebrity?
Tom Hanks. Whether starring in a comedy or a drama, he demonstrates an amazing range. He is a remarkable actor and filmmaker.
What's your favourite sports team?
I love all Richmond Minor teams but especially enjoyed cheering for my son's team, the Richmond Minor Juvenile A1s.
What's the best place in Richmond?
Definitely Steveston harbour at sunset.
What city would you compare Richmond to?
There's no place like home for me.
Christine Wong
She was one of the country’s top amateur players and enjoyed a decorated NCAA career at San Diego State University on a full-ride scholarship. Now, Christine Wong is taking aim at the next chapter in her career as an aspiring touring golf professional. The 26-year-old lifetime Richmond resident learned her craft at the Quilchena Golf and Country Club which is still her home course.
The two-time B.C. Amateur champion won three NCAA tournaments during her career with the Aztecs and also made the cut one year at the prestigious U.S. Open, finishing as runner-up low amateur.
This executive assistant with Sport B.C. also finds the time to work with former LPGA Tour member Jennifer Wyatt as a golf instructor at Savage Creek and personal trainer David Kemp at Russel Sean Fitness.
She enjoys strength training, yoga, walking her dogs and, spending time with family and friends. Fun fact: she has an interest in cars and loves working on her own.
How do you stay healthy in Richmond?
I train with my strength coach David Kemp at Russel Sean Fitness and golf everyday at Quilchena GCC
What’s your favourite Richmond park?
Garry Point
What’s top of your bucket list?
Skydiving
What’s your favourite food?
Sushi
What do you like best about Richmond?
It has a small town feel and embodies a sense of community and gives you the feeling that people care about one another.
If Richmond was a celebrity, who would it be?
Ryan Reynolds
What’s your favourite sports team?
Vancouver Canucks
Best place to take an out-of-town guest?
Steveston
What other city would you compare Richmond to?
To be honest, Richmond doesn’t compare to anywhere else!
Dakota Chan
Don’t tell Dakota Chan you need to specialize in one sport to achieve the highest levels. This Grade 12 student at McMath Secondary School is proof participating in multiple sports will only make you a better all-around athlete and thrive on the biggest of stages.
She fell in love with athletics at a young age and was encouraged by her parents to participate in a variety of activities. Chan did just that, excelling in soccer, field hockey and swimming. Once in high school, she added to her growing resumé as a member of McMath’s basketball, cross-country and track and field teams.She recently earned her the Richmond Female High School Athlete of the Year Award.
Although, she earned all-star honours at nationals in field hockey, it’s soccer where Chan is putting her focus at the collegiate level, attending the University of Nebraska next fall on a scholarship where she will study Applied Climate Science in the College of Agriculture. She is also currently playing for the TSS FC Rovers in their inaugural season in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.
She loves to volunteer at Mike Quinn’s Summer Soccer Camps, and is also coaching a Richmond Field Hockey Club team this spring.
How do you stay healthy in Richmond?
I swim at Steveston Pool. Go for runs on the dyke. Workout at the Richmond Oval.
What’s your favourite Richmond park?
Terra Nova Adventure Park
What’s top of your bucket list?
Travel to every continent in the world (maybe not Antarctica)
What’s your favourite food?
Pancakes
What do you like best about Richmond?
There’s always something to do, whether it’s enjoying the breathtaking scenery by the water, going to a local event, or trying a new place to eat. Diverse in culture. The immense amount of support I’ve gotten from the community in pursuing excellence athletics and academics.
If Richmond was a celebrity, who would it be?
Dwayne Johnson, because it’s solid as a rock
What’s your favourite sports team?
Barcelona FC
Best place to take an out-of-town guest?
Steveston
What other city would you compare Richmond to?
San Francisco
Along with these profiles, more than 6,000 people ranked companies in four categories: Food & Entertainment, Shopping, Services and Health & Fitness this year. This week, we will share the winners of one category each day. Today, it’s Fitness and Health, which can be found here.
See the full, digital version of our special Best of Richmond edition here.
