The Forward House Community Society in Parksville held their annual Dragonfly Awards Dinner in celebration of Mental Health Awareness last month and want to recognize the winners.
The mental health and addictions recovery society thanked the community members who are mindful of prevailing issues and who demonstrate empathy, advocacy and inclusion for all people. Forward House understands that individuals share responsibility for individual and community well being and the ‘dragonfly’ recognizes those who are most forward thinking, most empathic and whose activities set the standard for others to follow.
Award winners this year were Camelot Homes, business partner; Oceanside Community Arts Council, agency partner; and B.C. Ambulance Service, health care partner.
The partners also recognize the achievements of their peers, with honours this year going to Angela Bosnich for courage, Irene McColl for transformation and Gordon Anderson for contribution to community. The volunteer of the year is Abi Taylor.
The partners and the staff of PASS-Woodwinds school created an award for youth who understand the fundamentals of social responsibility, give of themselves to their community to promote understanding and inclusion, and who are respected by their mentors and peers.
Marina Cleveland, long time volunteer with the Parksville Food Bank, is the first recipient of the Humanitarian Award for Youth.
“Maria has acquitted herself with sensitivity and integrity, providing an important example to others in communication, work ethic and compassion,” said executive director Carol Richardson.
In addition to her award, Forward House has written a letter of recommendation to her prospective employers or post-secondary institutions.
Forward House thanks everyone who participated including Helen Corcoran, catering manager of the Bayside, George Dunning and Helen Chapman of Galloping Gourmet for the delicious food, and prize donors June Boggs, Lois Lane, Joan Shaver, Eileen Scott, Camelot Homes and Infinity Gifts for the Soul.
For more information call 250-954-0785 or e-mail forwardhouse@bcsupernet.com.
— Submitted by Forward House