It's one of the enduring pleasures for community news organizations like the NOW that good news often gets as much play in our pages as the bad. And this year was certainly rife with the positive in Burnaby; from top-notch students netting national honours to community organizations pulling together to improve the lives of local folks. A few stories particularly caught our eye this year, and since we enjoyed talking about them so much the first time around, we're more than happy to give them a little more ink:
First up is the story of a massive philanthropic effort by a local family - so large, in fact, that it was the singlest biggest bequest in B.C. history. In all, $21.4 million for the B.C. Cancer Foundation, presented by William McCarthy in keeping with the wishes of his grandfather, the very successful businessman John Jambor.
Like any large donation, this one certainly garnered attention across the province - but, for the most part, the family kept to their tradition of quiet good deeds, offering comment when asked, but content to simply let the money create a positive impact for the community and province.
We can't leave this category without making note of Curtis Moss.
The Burnaby Central grad made his city proud by qualifying to travel to the Summer Games in London this year. A community fundraiser held earlier in the year had helped raise enough money to allow him to compete in events in Europe in preparation.
The Burnaby resident ultimately didn't make it into the finals for a shot at a medal. Still, his position as one of the best in the world is an incredible accomplishment - kudos to Moss, and to all those who supported him in his efforts.
