The Abbotsford Youth Commission (AYC) presented its annual URoc Awards to several groups and individuals on Wednesday afternoon.
The event took place at the AYC youth centre at Abbotsford Recreation Centre and was followed by a community appreciation ice cream social.
The awards have been presented since 2002 in three categories: Youth Awards, Youth Friendly Adult Awards, and Youth Friendly Businesses and Organizations.
"We really want to thank you. You are the people who make a difference in our own community," said AYC executive director Bev Olfert in presenting the awards.
Each honoree was given a certificate and a painted rock.
The Youth Awards recipients were Jaymie Thompson, who has been president and a junior leader with the 4-H Club, and Victoria McMillan (photo at left), who sits on the AYC youth council and has been an advertising sales intern at the Abbotsford News.
Youth Friendly Adult Awards went to:
•
Tamara Smith for her role as a foster parent;
• Karl Olfert (left) for his nine years of service on the AYC board of directors and his volunteer work with Bakerview Centre for Learning;
• Joanne Hamm (photo second from bottom) for providing nursing care at the Abbotsford Youth Health Centre and serving as the "continuity of care" project manager;
• Krista Bryde (bottom photo) for her 12 years of work as AYC supervisor of recreation and events; and
• Dylan Thiessen, Jessica Warkentin, Pearl Penner, Afruze Bahraini, Matt Murdoch and Gugan Sidhu (in photo below from left to right, receiving their award from Olfert) for their volunteer roles with Diversity Education and Resource Services at Abbotsford Community Services.
Youth Friendly Business Awards were presented to:
• Canadian Tire, which has partnered with local organizations to provide sports equipment and funding to run day camps and recreational activities for youth;
• Abbotsford Dance Centre for pushing kids to excel but not over their limits and for encouraging all kids to shine; and
• Prospera Credit Union, which sponsors youth leadership camps, movie nights, festivals, educational workshops and scholarships for youth.
