Community

For 17 years, Heather Ney has worked tirelessly as executive director of the Comox Valley Transition Society. During COVID, she ensured the most vulnerable members of the community received the support they needed. She has been instrumental in getting the Connect Warming Centre and the Travelodge programs up and running to provide shelter for many who live on the streets.

For 27 years, Larry Street has coached basketball at Vanier Secondary, where he primarily taught physical education. Before coming to the Comox Valley, he had coached boys and girls for 20 years in Vancouver, Burnaby and Coquitlam.

Payge Doty-Brown, 14, a Grade 10 student at Isfeld Secondary, comes from four generations of women who have lived and made their mark in the Comox Valley. She believes that action changes lives — which is why she wants to act in the here and now, and to leave a proud legacy.

For years, Jim Palmer has worked to protect the local watershed, specifically Morrison and Arden creeks — which are critical to the natural ecosystem, and which add value to the everyday lives of residents. Both are home to several species of salmon, trout, and lamprey.

Marie Irving faces different challenges than most teachers. With Marie and some of her students, there is a language barrier… at least at the start.

More often than not, when a local choir performs, Wendy Nixon Stothert is standing with her back to the crowd.

Justin Federici believes it’s everyone’s job to contribute something to the world.

Kelly Ferguson’s best and most rewarding days are spent helping those who cannot help themselves.

One effective way to immerse oneself into a new community is through volunteering.

Rebecca Nicol (she/her) is a well-known ally to the LGBTQ2S community in the Comox Valley.