More than 30 individuals and groups have been nominated for the 2023 Volunteers Are Stars Award this year.
The annual award celebration, which is organized by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), highlights community service in Richmond and gives local volunteers the spotlight for their volunteer work.
“Nominations come directly from residents and community organizations,” says Ed Gavsie, president and CEO of RCRG.
“That grassroots element is important. The nominees are being recognized by fellow community members, who have seen the impact of their contributions.”
An awards ceremony will take place on April 19 to announce the final winners in each category of individual, group, youth and leadership volunteers.
“The winners are chosen by an impartial panel of judges,” says Gavsie.
“In the meantime, we want to share the story of each nominee, because they’ve all made a meaningful difference in our community. Whether or not they receive an award, every one of them is a star.”
The nominees this year are as follows:
Star of Richmond
Recognizing outstanding leadership volunteers
Lillian Callegari, Mary Derksen and Susan Ness
Shooting Star
Recognizing outstanding youth volunteers
Megan Chan, Serena Chin, Ava Koldenhof, Christopher Mok, Eden Wu and Micah Wu
Constellation
Recognizing outstanding volunteer groups
A Not So Silent Night Committee, Richmond Advocacy and Support Committee, and the Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop
Nova Star
Recognizing outstanding individual volunteers
Leon Chew, Don Danyluk, Frank Fowlie, Raymond Goh, Patricia Gustafson, Jackie Lee, Marcus Narsaiya, Charles Pinto, John Read, Linda Shirley, Erika Stewart, Ron Toffolo, Grace Turner, Ray Wang, David Wong, Rosemary Yee, Jasmine Yip, Claire Zhang, Melissa Zhang
Tickets to the awards ceremony range from $50 to $75 and can be purchased here.
