The City of Burnaby is adding eight new heroes to its growing roster.
Prominent seniors' rights activist George Doering is one of the winners of the 19th annual Local Hero Awards, selected by the city’s social planning committee from a pool of 12 publicly nominated Good Samaritans.
Doering teaches workshops through the Council of Senior Citizens Organizations of B.C., has volunteered at the office of NDP MLA Raj Chouhan for a decade, and was a member of the New Vista Society executive for 18 years, according to the report.
“George has been a tireless advocate and volunteer all his life,” his nomination stated. “He has been an instrumental member of the Burnaby-Edmonds community.”
Rotarian Janice Froese was nominated for her work with the Rotary Club of Burnaby Deer Lake. She is involved with a number of schools and youth organizations, and coordinates the club’s Burnaby Boots for Kids program in the winter.
Aliya Jiwa has volunteered with the Burnaby Art Gallery for more than five years and works with the organization, Apathy is Boring.
Maureen Kirk was nominated for her support of seniors. She has volunteered with Citizen Support Services for more than 18 years, according to the report.
Lindy McQueen was nominated for her work in the community, specifically at Gordon Presbyterian Church. She recently founded the Edmonds People in Residence Association, the report stated.
Heather Podrow has volunteered with palliative care patients and their families for 13 years, and is also a docent at the Burnaby Art Gallery.
Claire Stegen was nominated for her volunteer efforts, specifically through the Deer Lake United Church.
Tony Wong is active with the Alpha Secondary and Sperling Elementary parent advisory committees. He has also served as chair of the District 1 community policing advisory committee for more than seven years, according to the report, and served on the mayor’s task force on graffiti.
The local heroes will receive their certificates of recognition at the Oct. 5 council meeting.
