Citizen of the Year

 

Presented by:    

 

Created in 1969, the Citizen of the Year award is Whistler’s longest standing celebration. The Community Foundation of Whistler is honoured with the task of selecting the annual recipient of this prestigious award.

The Whistler Citizen of the Year is an outstanding community member who contributes significant volunteer time to enhancing the quality of life in Whistler. This individual demonstrates extraordinary leadership and community service outside of employment. Well-respected in the community, they inspire others with their caring and positive attitude and spirit of cooperation.

An eligible candidate must:

  • Be an individual- couples must be submitted as two individual nominees
  • May reside outside of Whistler but must make their volunteer contributions to the Whistler Community
  • Be recognized for their volunteer contributions
  • Volunteer their time, outside of the realm of their employment, in one or more activities or with one or more organization
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude
  • Works respectfully with others in the spirit of cooperation
  • Be an exemplary leader who displays honesty and integrity
  • Have made a lasting impact on a variety of community members or aspects of community life
  • Continuously inspire others to give to the community

 

NOMINATE

 

2019 Winners: Keith Reynolds & Pat Montani

 

 

The 2019 winner 

 

Keith Reynolds

Keith witnessed firsthand the challenges of life in war-impacted countries, specifically children without happy childhoods. Keith founded Playground Builders which has constructed more than 240 playgrounds.

 

The 2019 winner 

 

Pat Montani

Pat Montani’s life work was to create an efficient model  of empowerment,  without a single cent being spent on overhead or staff.   Pat founded Bicycles for Humanity, a  chapter lead, global grassroots movement that has delivered over 180,000 bicycles to 18 African countries and  it continues to grow.

 

The 2018 winner 

 

Steve Bayly

Vancouver born and raised, competitive sailor, worked fish packers through UBC. Post graduation 10 years real estate development finance. Two years offshore sailing. Self employed for last 30+yrs builder, developer, landlord. Developed eight projects in FJ, and Barnfield, Lakecrest, and Nesters Crossing. Founding director of WHA and director of WDC, builder of 2010 Athletes Village now Cheakamus Crossing.

 

The 2017 winner 

 

Heather Paul

Heather founded ShortSkirtTheatre and Chairs the Whistler Arts Council. She advocates for cancer awareness and woman’s rights. Heather’s deities are kindness, perspective, hope and humour.