Four Abbotsford citizens were presented with Character in Action Awards on Thursday (May 8).
The Character Abbotsford Council presented the awards to Megan Capp, Mike and Anna-Marie Bakker, and Hersimer Dhaliwal.
At the awards event, Mayor Ross Siemens, a member of the Character Council, shared personal inspirational stories highlighting each recipient and thanked them for their contributions to Abbotsford.
“Good character isn’t something we do but, rather, how we do everything," he said.
Capp has spearheaded the successful implementation of the Hearthstone supportive living apartment building and is the executive director of Cedar Outreach Society.
Nominator Sgt. Kevin Murray of the Abbotsford Police Department said Capp's work "has positively impacted countless lives.”
Shairose Jinnah, a director at Archway Community Services and a founding member of the Character Council, described Capp as “an extraordinary individual who is a change-maker in Abbotsford through her dedication to service.”
The Bakkers were recognized for their work with at-risk individuals.
Sheri Yakashiro, a partner at RDM Lawyers and a member of the Character Council, spoke about their “love and compassion for others” and the "hundreds, if not thousands" of people who have been positively impacted by their work.
One of their nominators said: “They do not expect anything back. They truly love and respect every single person, regardless of their position or walk in life. All people are treated with dignity and respect. They are a truly amazing couple."
Dhaliwal was the recipient of the Character in Action Youth Award. She has been involved in high school leadership, student council, the City Youth Council and “countless other initiatives," according to one nominator.
Dhaliwal has also been involved in raising thousands of dollars for various organizations in Abbotsford and has invested more than 1,000 volunteer hours in her senior year.
“Hersimer is known throughout our school and community as a bright, friendly face and a helping hand. She spreads positivity and kindness wherever she goes. She goes above and beyond no matter what she is doing whether that be a science project, community event, or simply a friendship," another nominator said.
Each recipient was presented with a Character Abbotsford pin and a $500 gift card.
The Character Abbotsford Society presents three awards to residents every year. Learn more at CharacterAbbotsford.com.
