Forty-five British Columbians representing 27 communities throughout the province were honoured at the fifth annual BC Community Achievement Awards ceremony held at Government House in Victoria.

Lieutenant Governor Stephen Point and Premier Gordon Campbell presented each recipient with a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson on behalf of the BC Achievement Foundation.

“The BC Community Achievement Awards recognize people from across our province who enrich the lives of others, give freely of their time and energy, and who embody the spirit of and passion of our communities,” said Premier Campbell. “Through their actions, they demonstrate the power of one person to make a positive impact on an entire community, and an entire province. It is an honour to recognize their achievements and celebrate their contributions towards making British Columbia the best place on Earth.”

“This year’s recipients demonstrate that British Columbians are making a difference in every area of our province,” said foundation chair Keith Mitchell. “Whether they live in smaller communities such as New Hazelton and Tofino or the major centres like Victoria, Cranbrook and the Lower Mainland, they have found ways making each of their communities a better place to live.”

Bio: Salina Dharamsi is a Grade 12 student who through her high school years has made significant contributions to her school and the wider community. She has organized fundraising events such as Legs for Literacy and her school’s first-ever 30 hour famine which raised almost $5,000. She has been a student council member and a peer counselor and tutor and she has been very active in her school’s partnership with an inner city school. An exemplary leader, Salina does not seek the spotlight with her actions but she naturally attracts it exuding an authentic compassion in all her pursuits.

Online: http://www.bcachievement.com/community/recipients.php?year=2008