With more than 20 years serving his community and raising close to $3 million for local organizations, it’s no wonder he was singled out.
Quesnel City Councillor Peter Couldwell was named a winner of the BC Community Achievement Awards Monday by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.
“On behalf of Quesnel City Council we are extremely pleased that Peter has been recognized in this fashion,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said.
“It is a well-deserved award for a lifelong member of this community who has contributed significant volunteer hours and helped raise more than $2.8 million for a wide range of fundraising endeavours. We also congratulate his wife Elaine for the dedication and volunteer hours she has given in support of her husband.”
Couldwell is among 36 individuals receiving the prestigious award.
“Each of these people has a remarkable record of enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout the province,” Clark said.
“And each truly deserves to be singled out and recognized by all British Columbians for their contributions.”
“I thank my family, council colleagues and city staff for all the hard work they did to prepare the nomination package,” Couldwell added.
“I’m very humbled by this. I wasn’t expecting an honour of this magnitude. I don’t do the work I do for the awards, I do it so that Quesnel is a better place, a community that one can be proud to raise a family in.”
Couldwell was recognized for his 20 years of service as a city councillor as well as his volunteer efforts as an auctioneer to raise money for community fundraising causes.
An independent advisory council selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards. This year’s council members are Mayor Peter Fassbender of Langley, Mayor Mary Sjostrom of Quesnel, Kim Capri of Vancouver, and past recipients Patrick Kelly of Victoria (2009) and George Puil of Vancouver (2008).
Couldwell receives a certificate as well as a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson at Government House in Victoria, April 20.
Previous BC Community Achievement Award winners from Quesnel are Ron Silver in 2008 and Susan Maile in 2009.
“These individuals work diligently all year round and their contributions yield concrete and lasting benefits for all of us,” chair of the B.C. Achievement Foundation Keith Mitchell said.
“Their work stands as a beacon to selfless community service and our lives are richer for it.”