Len Soet has volunteered for several Burnaby organizations for nearly 20 years.
He continues to be active in the community to this day and his dedication was recently honoured by the city.
Soet received the Kushiro Cup as Burnaby's Outstanding Citizen of the Year for 2023, announced by Mayor Mike Hurley and city councillors in a news release on Tuesday, March 26.
Soet's résumé consists of countless hours at local non-profits, including serving meals at The Society to End Homelessness and teaching English as a second language to new immigrants at Willingdon Church.
"Len was born to volunteer," nominees stated in their submission for Soet, who also serves on the Journey Home board of directors.
"He has given generously of his time to volunteer in his community for causes he has a passion for. When it comes to volunteering Len steps up.
"The success of non-profit organizations are dependent on volunteers who give tirelessly of their time back to the community. Len has been exceptional in this respect. He brings excellent interpersonal skills, delivers on his commitments and is truly a very caring and honest person."
The Kushiro Cup tradition began in 1982, when a delegation from Burnaby's sister city Kushiro, Japan, gave the cup to Burnaby, according to the city's website. Kushiro awards a similar cup to its citizens, named the Burnaby Cup.
To be nominated for the annual award, candidates must:
- be a Burnaby resident
- have volunteered in several Burnaby community programs for at least 10 years
- have positively influenced the community and the lives of its citizens
- not be an elected official holding office
- have the support of at least two nominators
- have a resume submitted by nominators
Soet succeeds Dennis Baker, who was the 2022 recipient of Burnaby's Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
- with a file from Lauren Vanderdeen, Burnaby NOW
