Kamloops, BC—At an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Mayor and Council bestowed Exemplary Service Awards upon nine members of the community who have dedicated their time and service to the city.
For a list of past recipients, visit the Exemplary Service Award page on the City’s website.
Bottom left to right: Deb McDougall-Bergstrand, Spencer Bryson, Janet Bryson, Jeanette Souliere
Spencer and Janet Bryson
Spencer and Janet Bryson’s commitment to making Kamloops a better place is truly inspiring. That commitment is evident in their tireless efforts as Board Directors of their family foundation, the Stollery Charitable Foundation. Spencer and Janet have shown unwavering dedication to personally engaging with every organization seeking funding, from initial applications to post-award follow-ups. Their willingness to immerse themselves in these organizations’ stories, challenges, and triumphs demonstrates a unique level of care and empathy.
Aside from their known philanthropic contributions to Kamloops, Spencer and Janet have greatly impacted the Kamloops community during their time as educators and supporting extracurricular activities, such as sports and theatre. They have also coached and managed youth sports teams and advocated strongly for the local non-profit and charitable sector. As teachers in our community, they each applied for Stollery Charitable Foundation support for playground redevelopments in their respective schools. They’ve participated in book drives and book cleaning events for the Bright Red Book Bus in support of Literacy in Kamloops.
What truly sets Spencer and Janet apart is their humility and kindness. Despite their significant contributions and impact, they remain humble and grounded, embodying the spirit of selfless service. Their decision to dedicate themselves to this noble cause following their retirement as teachers is a testament to their unwavering commitment to making a difference in our city.
Terry Denike
Terry Denike is a star volunteer, a top-notch community leader, and a model citizen and has been dedicated to athletics and community betterment for several decades. She has volunteered to coach various sports, from masters games in rugby and hockey to volunteer ski patrol to high school basketball. Terry was even a volunteer coach for the men’s four rowing team. She has passion for physical literacy and dedicates a considerable amount of time to sharing her passion with others.
Regardless of what Terry does, she lives the values of honesty, integrity, and self-respect. She is the neighbour, friend, co-worker, and teammate we all want to know in a time of need. One of Terry’s most impactful contributions has been her work with youth. Through her guidance and mentorship, she has positively influenced countless young lives.
Terry works for the St. John Ambulance Brigade as a first aid volunteer and, over the years, has volunteered for the local fire department and in the St. John’s therapy dog program with her. Terry also volunteers at emergency support service centres, helping those affected by fires and flood, sometimes dedicating 10–12 hours a day for weeks on end. She has volunteered at Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks Resort providing first aid and mentorship and being part of a helping team.
Terry’s courage, energy, positivity, caring, hard work, and compassion are what set her apart form the many others who dedicate their time to making our community a better place.
Jennifer Harbaruk
Jennifer Harbaruk, through her diverse volunteer endeavours, has enriched the lives of others and sparked a spirit of giving back in those around her. Serving as an inspiration to community members, a mentor to youth, and an exceptional woman, she constantly demonstrates the act of doing good simply because it is the right thing to do. Her unwavering dedication to compassion and kindness reflects her commitment to making the world and our community a better place.
Jennifer’s resume of work and volunteerism is outstanding. From raising funds for the Royal Inland Hospital to being well known for her dedication to the Kamloops Ambassadors Program, Jennifer has made a profound impact on our community. Ask any past or present Kamloops Ambassador and they will tell you she is a true role model.
Jennifer has volunteered with:
- Interior Children’s Expo, with proceeds donated to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation
- Relay for Life
- Father Daughter Ball
- Former Kamloops Food Bank as a volunteer coordinator
- Kamloops Ambassador Society since 2016.
Leann Kopytko
Leann Kopytko has been a youth councillor in the Raven Program with the One Day Society—formerly known as the Phoenix Centre—for the last 15 years. In this role, she has provided substance and misuse counselling to over a thousand students in the Kamloops-Thompson School District. She is a caring and compassionate counsellor who meets youth in a supportive, strength-based, stigma-free environment.
Leann’s support has allowed students to be positively connected to services and programs while increasing their self-worth, confidence, and independence. She was a counsellor in many schools prior to moving to a leadership role as program supervisor.
Leann and her late husband created the Out of the Ashes bursary more than 18 years ago to help youth in recovery to further their educational pursuits. Her leadership and vision have resulted in over $100,000 being distributed to 45 grateful recipients. She is passionate about positively changing the trajectory of youth. Leann was also involved in the 2002 development and implementation of the Provincial Youth Substance Abuse Management Program for Corrections Canada
Geordon Lloyd
Geordon Lloyd is being recognized for his outstanding dedication and commitment to the Starfish Backpack Program, a collaboration between the Kamloops Food Bank and School District No. 73. Since its inception in 2016, the Starfish Backpack Program has been a beacon of hope for elementary school children in our community who face food insecurity. Every Friday, over 200 bags of nutritious food are distributed to these children, ensuring they have access to nourishment over the weekend. The program’s success is largely due to volunteers like Geordon Lloyd.
For the last eight years, Geordon has demonstrated unwavering dedication by personally delivering bags of food to the participating schools every Friday. Rain or shine, holiday or weekend, Geordon can be counted on to ensure these children receive the support they need. His generosity and compassion make him a true role model in Kamloops.
Deb McDougall-Bergstrand
Deb McDougall-Bergstrand grew up in a close-knit family in the Okanagan where music and community service were important values instilled in her at an early age. Coupled with her love of journalism and her love for her community, she has enriched the lives of people who live in and around Heffley Creek for over a decade. She volunteers her time managing the Heffley Creek Community Hall, which brings people and groups together for many occasions. From seniors gatherings to car shows to exercise classes to dog training and everything in between, Deb works tirelessly so the many groups have this space to enjoy.
Deb started writing the local community newspaper, the Heffley Creek Hollar, and is now the administrator of the Heffley Creek Community Facebook page, informing and inviting the masses to the many exciting events she organizes at the Heffley Creek Community Hall.
Each December, Deb ensures that EVERYONE is served a Christmas dinner. The Heffley Creek Community Hall puts on a community Christmas dinner, with every child receiving a gift and a visit on Santa’s lap. Following dinner, she and her husband deliver packaged Christmas dinners to those are shut in or in need of an extra meal. She also hands out generous Christmas hampers to families in the community who may be facing hard times.
In addition to her many years as a teacher/tutor/ administrator in the education system, Deb’s volunteerism in the little community of Heffley Creek has had many roles over the years, including:
- Volunteer secretary for the Heffley Creek Gun Club
- Volunteer publisher/editor/writer for free local weekly newspaper
- Volunteer secretary/treasurer for there Heffley Creek Community Hall
- Head of the Heffley Creek Community Recreation Association
Deb’s reputation precedes her as a hardworking, community-spirited individual who has given thousands of hours to the community of Heffley Creek and the surrounding areas.
Jeremy Salamandyk
Jeremy Salamandyk generously donates his time and energy to many different organizations in our community. He can be found at every Kamloops Blazers hockey game offering his assistance as an usher and helping at concerts and fundraising breakfasts. His passion for rodeo shines through as he tirelessly supports rodeo events throughout the region.
Jeremy can always be counted on to help out at every event hosted by the Kamloops Food Bank Society. From food drives in pouring rain to holiday festivities in freezing temperatures, Jeremy's dedication to the Kamloops Food Bank’s cause is unwavering.
Jeremy’s involvement in 35 special events throughout the city further illustrates his deep-seated commitment to positively impacting our community. His tireless efforts to support local causes and events exemplify the kind of individual who goes above and beyond to contribute to better our community.
Jeanette Souliere
Jeanette Souliere was born and raised in Kamloops. Now a retiree, she spends countless hours giving back to the community. We have all visited the Little Farmers Zoo in Westsyde Centennial Park to enjoy the petting zoo and its many animals. Jeanette has been integral in keeping operations at this petting zoo going for the last three years. Behind the scenes, Jeanette’s raking pastures as well as feeding and socializing with the many critters. Rain, snow, or shine, Jeanette comes three mornings a week to help maintain the farm. In addition to her hard work at the Little Farmers Zoo, Jeanette volunteers her time at the SPCA Thrift Store on 8th Street and in a mentoring program at the Full Gospel Church.
With her vibrant and sunny personality, Jeanette does everything from her heart and never asks for a thing in return.
