On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, we hosted our civic recognition awards to celebrate the past and present accomplishments of Abbotsford residents, and their contribution to our community.
This year, we presented long-time volunteer Ann Penner with the Order of Abbotsford, champion golfer Nick Taylor with the Community Champion Achievement Award and the Board of Directors of the 2023 Abbotsford 55+ BC Games with the Community Recognition Award.
These honourees all represent our community and through their actions, Ann, Nick and the 55+ BC Games Directors have given back to the community in many ways and supported others to achieve their goals.
Ann has been an active and dedicated volunteer, coach, teacher and mentor in the community for more than 50 years. She’s also been nurturing the next generation of volunteers and humanitarians though the Key Clubs she has been leading in Abbotsford high schools for more than two decades.
Throughout his impressive professional golfing career, and following his historic 2023 Canadian Open win, Nick has become an inspiration to young athletes. He developed his golf skills at Yale Secondary and Ledgeview Golf and Country Club and is now returning the favour though his support UFV’s golf program and by hosting his annual Nick Taylor Charity Golf Classic.
The 55+ BC Games volunteer Board of Directors hosted an incredible event with athletes from around the Province and showcased all Abbotsford has to offer.
The games were a huge success, and that’s thanks to 16 dedicated Directors who carried the torch and worked tirelessly to bring the games to life. The Board of Directors were:
- Mary Boonstra, President of the Board of Directors
- Caren Duyns, Vice President
- Jas Aujla, Co-Director, Administration
- Manjit Sohi, Co-Director, Administration
- Barb Roberts, Director, Ceremonies
- Laura Hotzon D’Alva, Director, Friends of the Games
- Tyler Oosterhof, Director, Medical
- Carly Ferguson, Director, Promotions
- Alex Mitchell Produka, Director, Protocol
- Kim Hissink, Director, Registration and Results
- Leah Garrigus, Director, Security
- Chrissy Borseth, Director, Special Events
- Stan Petersen, Co-Director, Sport
- Bruce Nicholson, Co-Director, Sport
- Stacey MacLeod, Director, Tech Services
- James Grant, Director, Transportation
It is our hope that residents who see the contributions of these individuals to the community will be inspired to follow in their footsteps, and continue making Abbotsford proud. Congratulations to all the winners!
Learn more about the Civic Awards and Recognition.
Abbotsford City Council