Williams Lake’s own Robin Dawes was one of 20 people honoured by the province with a 2024 Community Award from the BC Achievement Foundation.
The recipients were honoured at a ceremony in Victoria Wednesday, May 8 in the presence of the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. Dawes is one of only two recipients from the interior of the province, the other hailing from Kamloops, making her the northernmost person to be recognized.
Dawes has been instrumental in helping to lead the Williams Lake Cross Country Ski Club in recent years and spearheaded a number of projects for the organization.
Thanks to Dawes’ tireless efforts and forward-thinking initiative the club has been able to provide a cross-country ski school program to School District 27 and the club now also has a ski rental program to remove barriers to the sport.
Dawes oversaw the construction of a state of the art daylodge, and equipment building, along with the purchase of a new piston bully groomer, and snowmobile groomer through grants she helped secure.
Beyond administering the big projects, she personally volunteers with hands-on aspects of the operations, helping to seal floors in the new daylodge and doing water tests for the facility. Until recently, she organized and led much of the ski school program herself.
Despite having run into countless challenges along the way, from needing to widen the trail network for the piston bully to have to get building permit approval to build the new daylodge on Agricultural Reserve Land, she worked through each one to find a way forward.
Dawes genuine and generous spirit have made her an integral part of the community.
“She truly welcomed us to the club and helped us find a wonderful community after moving to Williams Lake from Peru in 2018,” said Kristi Denby, who worked with Dawes on many of the grant applications.
“Community Award recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions in making life better through innovation, dedication, and volunteerism,” said Premier David Eby in the release announcing the awards. “From young leaders to experienced organizers, from entrepreneurs to educators, this year’s honorees show us the benefits of working together to build a happier, healthier and stronger British Columbia. Their good works are an inspiration to us all.”
Each awardee will receive a medallion designed by Robert Davidson, OC, OBC. They will also be celebrated through an online campaign #shinethelightbc to commemorate their inspirational achievements positively impacting British Columbians.
READ MORE: Williams Lake Apple Pie Society recognizes Robin Dawes
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