Township Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers

The Township of Langley is proud to recognize members of our community who are committed to enhancing Langley through volunteerism. This year, an individual who dedicates her time to help those coping with loss, a married duo who run a local charitable organization, and a grade 12 student who is a member of the BC Youth Parliament have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to our community.

Every spring, the Township recognizes its many committed volunteers during a celebration which includes the presentation of the Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award, the John and Muriel Arnason Award, and the Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award.

This year’s Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Evening was held on Thursday, April 11 at the Langley Events Centre where community members were thanked and recognized for their contributions to the community. The evening included dinner and the awards presentations.

“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Volunteer Awards,” said Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward. “It’s important to recognize and thank all our community members who contribute their time and energy to volunteer. We are grateful for your dedication to enriching the quality of life for our residents and for making Langley a better place to live, work, and play. Thank you.” 

During the event, three awards were presented to recognize community members for their exceptional volunteer contributions.

Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award

Named after a former Parks and Recreation commissioner, school trustee, and municipal councillor, the Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who promotes an active living lifestyle that enhances Langley’s quality of life and community spirit through creative, cultural, physical, or social pursuits.

The 2023 Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award was presented to Sharon Wood.

Described as caring, compassionate, and an excellent listener, Sharon Wood is highly regarded for her dedicated work with the Langley Hospice Society. Sharon volunteers with the Adult Bereavement Program, where she supports individuals who are grieving the loss of a significant person in their lives. Through this program, she co-facilities 10-week bereavement support groups and weekly drop-in coffee groups. Sharon actively encourages clients to engage in social, recreational, and activity-based peer support programs, including the Supportive Steps walking groups, Cooking Together, and yoga programs at the Supportive Program Centre.  

Through her volunteering, Sharon has become a great advocate for the Langley Hospice Society and regularly assists at special events and community awareness activities to help promote hospice programs and services.  

Sharon's exceptional commitment extends not only to her clients at the Langley Hospice Society but also to her fellow volunteers, who admire her for her wealth of knowledge, experience, and generous nature.

John and Muriel Arnason Award

The John and Muriel Arnason Award is named after former Township of Langley Councillor and Freewoman Muriel Arnason and her husband John. It is given to two people who volunteer together to make the Township a better place.

The 2023 John and Muriel Arnason Award was presented to Cheryl Young and Nigel Thom.

Cheryl Young is the Founder and Executive Director of Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation, an organization she initiated following her own diagnosis with Fibromyalgia and discovering a lack of support groups or organizations dedicated to help support those with the disease. Together with her husband of 24 years, Nigel Thom, they not only manage the foundation but also run the foundation’s thrift shop and gently used furniture warehouse. Among their significant achievements for the foundation are the implementation of the Supportive Work Program and the Supportive Living Program—two initiatives designed to provide flexible work options and secure living arrangements for Fibromyalgia sufferers.

Throughout the 18 years leading the Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation, Cheryl and Nigel have significantly raised awareness surrounding Fibromyalgia all while fostering an indispensable community in Langley full of acceptance, support, and care for individuals living with the disease.  

Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award

Presented to a student in Grade 11 or 12 in recognition of their athletic achievements, academic accomplishments, leadership and commitment to the community, the Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award is named after the Township’s first Recreation Director, an internationally recognized athlete, photographer, and originator of the Langley Walk.

The 2023-2024 Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award was presented to Ranaiman Dhaliwal.

Ranaiman Dhaliwal is currently in his final year at R.E. Mountain Secondary School, where he is applauded by his peers and teammates for his dedication, hard work, and perseverance.

An accomplished straight-A student, Ranaiman also excels on school teams for badminton, cross country, rugby, and volleyball. He also volunteers his time both within the school and the wider community. Serving as the Student Council Vice President, he has worked to create a more diverse and inclusive school environment by organizing cultural events such as Diwali and Vaisakhi celebrations, as well as initiatives promoting mental health awareness like arranging puppy visits for students.

Ranaiman is also a member of the 94^th BC Youth Parliament, which has given him the opportunity to speak in the BC Legislature about issues affecting youth in the community. In his spare time, he volunteers at the West-End Coal Harbour Policing Centre, where he was recently awarded the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award for devoting his time to help make their crime prevention and personal safety programs a success.

Recipients of the Flowerdew and Arnason awards each received $1,000, to contribute to a recognized charity or society of their choice. The Swensson award recipient received a $1,500 scholarship.

To learn more about the Township of Langley’s Volunteer Awards visit tol.ca/awards.