Community contributions cited

Vickie Cammack was was among the winners of the 2012 B.C. Community Achievement awards

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Two Semiahmoo Peninsula couples are among the latest recipients of awards recognizing citizens across the province for time, dedication and energy spent making a difference in their communities.

Russ and Ellen Cmolik and Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack were announced as 2012 B.C. Community Achievement Award winners Friday.

"The community achievement awards honour individuals who have made a significant contribution either as a volunteer or in the course of their work," said Keith Mitchell, chair of the B.C. Achievement Foundation.

"Today's recipients contribute in many areas – health, education, multiculturalism, arts and culture,environment, philanthropy, and youth or seniors' leadership, among others."

The Cmoliks were noted for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people.

"They are extraordinary philanthropists who believe in the transformative power of education," a statement announcing the awards notes. "The Cmoliks provide generous scholarships to post-secondary institutions for students who otherwise would not be able to attend. As well, they support opportunities for younger students that highlight life's possibilities and the students' own potential."

Etmanski and Cammack are described as "visionary social thinkers."

The pair co-founded the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network Society, a support network that enables B.C. parents to plan for the future security of their children with disabilities, in 1989. Adopted across Canada and around the world, PLAN and its related organizations – Tyze Personal Network and PLAN Institute for Caring Citizenship – "have had a monumental impact on the wellbeing of communities everywhere."

Award recipients were selected by an independent advisory council, and will be formally recognized in a presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 25. Each will receive a certificate and amedallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.