Event video is available at the bottom of the article.

Two local individuals and three organizations were honoured at the 20th annual Archway Community Builders’ Awards presented by FortisBC, on Wednesday, October 14th at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.

For 20 years, the Community Builders’ Awards have celebrated individuals, businesses, and organizations whose contributions help make Abbotsford a more caring, connected, and resilient community.

“Tonight is about recognizing people who go above and beyond for others,” said Kim Halowski, community relations manager at FortisBC who spoke on behalf of the presenting sponsor.

“Their acts of kindness, generosity and service create lasting impact and inspire all of us to contribute in our own way.”

“Our community faces challenges that no one government, agency, or organization can solve alone. Progress happens when we all work together,” shared Mayor Ross Siemens in his speech.

Archway board member and lifelong educator Siyámíya (Dianna) Kay provided the land acknowledgment in Halq’eméylem and English while former Archway board president, Steve Carlton served as emcee. Before the event attendees enjoyed food from sponsor Chef’s Acre Catering.

Pamela Chatry, Archway board vice-president and committee co-chair, explained the event’s evolution over the years, and noted the difficulty of selecting the final recipients out of the 23 nominees. Chatry introduced a special video created to commemorate the awards’ 20th anniversary which showcased some of the services and programs that were made possible by community builders.

“Many of our community builders are often volunteering, leading, or supporting multiple people and projects. They helped launch things like the Community Law Office, our free dental clinic, the Discovery Trail, Little Free Libraries, and a youth angel tree,” shared Chatry.

Archway CEO Rod Santiago closed the event by thanking all the nominees, nominators, sponsors FortisBC and Chef’s Acre Catering, volunteers, board members, and staff whose support helped make the event possible.

Santiago also recognized the power of partnerships, “We’re just one organization amongst many other organizations that make up who we are as a community.” He encouraged attendees to be inspired by what they heard and to walk it out themselves.

Awards were presented for Community Builders, which honours long-term community service, and Emerging Community Builders, recognizing those who may be younger, new to the Fraser Valley, or recently started giving back.

David Ghimire received the Emerging Community Builders’ Award for his efforts to build meaningful intergenerational connections through youth-led digital literacy training for seniors and his dedicated support of the Archway Lunch with the Bunch program.

“Some people see a need and hope someone will do something about it; others see that same need and decide to become that someone. David is one of those people,” explained Neil Stark, director of advocacy & social equity. “Through his time, music, knowledge and friendship, he has shown us what kindness looks like in action.”

In his acceptance speech, Ghimire spoke about being inspired to give kindness back after being welcomed to Canada from Ukraine two years ago. “Community is not just a place. It’s people showing up for one another. It’s sharing what we know, learning from each other, and taking time to connect.”

Doreen Schellenberg was recognized for her decades of volunteer service through the Archway Talia’s Closet program, which helps graduates feel confident, celebrated, and empowered with donated dresses, suits and other services.

“What makes Doreen so special goes far beyond her sewing skills,” shared Carmen Machado, an Archway youth outreach worker who spoke about why she nominated Doreen.

“Doreen does not just take that in a hem. She helps bring people in. She does not just stitch fabric together. She helps stitch dignity, confidence, and belonging in our community.”

Inasmuch Community Society was recognized for advocating for and empowering refugee claimants to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope through housing, settlement support, and compassionate care.

“It’s really a joy and privilege to do the work that we do,” said Inasmuch Executive Director Kelly Rader. “We live in the best country in the world, and I believe that more now than I ever have when I hear what people from other countries have had to endure.”

Klassen Group was recognized for their longstanding commitment to strengthening communities through generosity, partnership, and practical support for families, youth, and local initiatives.

In her acceptance speech, Genny Loewen spoke about her parents who founded the Klassen Group and their belief in “hard work, strong relationships, and giving back to the community that supported them.”

“As a family business, we believe that success isn’t just measured by what we accomplish, but also by the difference we can make in the lives of others.”

Headlands Environmental received a Community Builders’ Award for their commitment to uplifting youth, families, and Indigenous communities through meaningful partnerships, volunteerism, and community investment.

“Headlands Environmental has demonstrated that being a successful business is about more than what you do. It’s about the difference you make, the relationships you build, and the responsibility you take to help the community around you thrive,” shared Cambree Lovesy, Archway board member and committee co-chair.