Two Nanaimo residents are being recognized for their efforts to better the lives of others.
Grace Elliott-Nielsen and David Kim are among 35 recipients of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.
The awards honour individuals who have made a significant contribution either as a volunteer or in the course of their work.
Elliott-Nielsen, executive director of Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, is a leader in the field of social service, creating a legacy for generations of aboriginal families through advocation for improved housing, human rights, health, education and employment.
She said the award caught her by surprise.
“You’re only as good as the team that works with you, and I’ve had a good team,” she said.
While recognized for her work with aboriginal youth, Elliott-Nielsen is equally proud of her early work with the community at-large.
“I worked in the schools, with disabled children and Vietnamese and East Indian youth,” she said. “When I first started, there wasn’t enough services for a lot of people.”
Kim was featured by the News Bulletin in 2009 as one Our Best and Brightest for his community work, and the 20-year-old has continued his helping ways while pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biology at the University of British Columbia.
He founded the UBC Students Offering Support club two years ago to help first- and second-year students prepare for exams. Sessions cost $20 and the group raised $13,000 for students in Latin America.
“The community made me who I am and it’s always nice to give back,” said Kim. “Knowing you can use your skills to help other people is always inspiring.”
An independent advisory council selects the winners of the B.C. Community Achievement Awards.
Recipients receive their awards April 25 at Government House in Victoria.
The B.C. Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed by the province to recognize and celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise and community service.