Not all heroes wear capes, but the one thing they have in common is selfless service to the community.
Seven Burnaby residents were formally dubbed this week as "Local Heroes" as the city recognized their volunteerism with the annual award of the same name.
This included (in alphabetical order):
- Sharon Domaas
- Jane Leah
- Ryan Males
- Laurie Molstad
- Samantha Nelson
- Josie Polisi
- Polly Voon
The 2023 class was honoured by Mayor Mike Hurley and city council at its regular public meeting on Monday night, April 29.
The group is the 26th contingent of Local Heroes, according to the City of Burnaby's website, with nearly 300 residents named to the prestigious list since the award's inception.
"The efforts of this year’s seven extraordinary winners have contributed to community well-being by devoting countless hours to enhancing the health, well-being and overall quality of life for Burnaby citizens," a statement reads.
The seven were nominated by Burnaby residents prior to Feb. 16. Candidates must be an active volunteer in the community of at least five years in two activities or more.
Profiles of this year's heroes are as follows:
Sharon Domaas
- The well-being of children, youth and families is a priority for Sharon, who has volunteered as one of the key members of the Burnaby Association for the South East Side (BASES) for the past 12 years. BASES is a foundation dedicated to building strong foundations for children, youth and families through the work of the BASES Family Thrift Store. Sharon was the first President of BASES leading the organization formation, purpose, and visioning. Sharon has volunteered in the operations of the store as well as serving on the Administrative and Human Resources Committee. Sharon contributed wherever there was a need. Since 2002, Sharon has also volunteered at Edmonds Community School conducting the Roots of Empathy program in a grade one class which brings a young infant and mom into a classroom monthly with the purpose of building caring and developing empathy in children.
Jane Leah
- Jane has been volunteering at Citizen Support Services (CCS) since 2005 where she has dedicated over 1,100 hours of her time to seniors in the City of Burnaby. Over the last 19 years, Jane has volunteered as a Volunteer Visitor to isolated seniors, a Volunteer Driver to ensure seniors can partake in CCS events and most importantly, the team lead for the Shopping Buddies program once a week at Metrotown Mall. Jane’s punctuality, attention to detail, caring and wonderful personality endear her to all her clients.
Ryan Males
- Ryan has volunteered with Burnaby Community Services (BCS) since 2015. Through his own initiative, Ryan approached BCS to act as a community hub for receiving donations and facilitating food distribution. What began as 245 family packages in 2015 has now exceeded 600 packages for 2023. Additionally, Ryan's efforts during each holiday season to rally neighbors and the business community have supported organizations such as Margaret's Housing for Older Women, Progressive Housing Society, and The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby. These efforts provide essential life necessities, social aid, and resources, fostering independence for some of Burnaby's most vulnerable individuals.
Laurie Molstad
- Laurie is a dedicated volunteer in Burnaby who is committed to the well-being of children. Since its inception 11 years ago, Laurie has been actively involved in the Burnaby Association for the South East Side (BASES), a non-profit organization that assists children and youth attending elementary and secondary schools in Burnaby through the funding of after school programs. To accomplish this goal, BASES operates BASES Family Thrift Store and uses the proceeds to fund initiatives. To date, BASES has donated more than $750,000 to Burnaby schools and has had a huge impact on thousands of students. Laurie has helped to make that happen. In addition to her volunteer work with BASES, Laurie also volunteers as an instructor with the Roots of Empathy program where children at Stoney Creek Community School have the opportunity to develop empathy by connecting with a baby visiting their classroom throughout the year.
Samantha Nelson
- Since 2016, Samantha has dedicated her time to various volunteer efforts in Burnaby. She volunteers within her community by distributing food and goods to families in need with The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby. Samantha also helps organize the Coldest Night of the Year event for The Society to End Homelessness in Burnaby, encouraging people to sign up, setting up the routes, and organizing donations. In addition, Samantha volunteers with Edmonds Housing Coop, planning events for the community children on all occasions as a member of the Social Committee.
Josie Polisi
- Josie has been volunteering at Citizen Support Services since January 2001, dedicating approximately 1,300 hours of her time to seniors in the City of Burnaby. Over the past 23 years, Josie has served as a Volunteer Assistant, spending time socializing with isolated seniors during special events in the city. Additionally, Josie serves as a Volunteer Driver for seniors and volunteers once a week as a Shopping Buddies assistant. Her warmth, articulateness, and extreme helpfulness greatly benefit the senior clients.
Polly Voon
- Polly has been a volunteer with Lions Club International for over 35 years. During this time, she has held leadership roles, providing mentorship and leadership training to members on both local and international levels, ensuring an active role in her hometown of Burnaby. Trained members support service work in the Burnaby community, assisting numerous organizations. Polly is also involved with the Lions Club Dog Guides program and has been an active volunteer since July 1998. In addition, Polly serves as a volunteer on the Malaysia Singapore Brunei Cultural Association, where she helps organize events such as cultural dances, community picnics, and supporting individuals in need.
