Do you know someone who is an “unsung hero” in the B.C. outdoor community?
If so, they could be up for recognition. Nominations are now open for the 12th annual Tim Jones Community Achievement Award. The award, co-presented by the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) and North Shore Rescue, is given to a person or organization who has made a huge impact in the B.C. outdoor community.
The award was created in honour of former North Shore Rescue team leader and paramedic Tim Jones, who died in 2014 while hiking on the North Shore. Jones was the face of the search and rescue team for more than 25 years, and during his tenure took part in more than 1,600 rescues.
North Vancouver “bear whisperer” and North Shore Rescue member Ellie Lamb claimed the 2024 award, while adaptive ski instructor and president of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Anne Bethune took home the award the previous year.
In the past, the award has been given out to North Shore, Howe Sound and Whistler residents. Last year organizers opened the award to those who served throughout B.C. to recognize more contributions across the province.
Nominees can also be younger folks as well, said VIMFF spokesperson Sieneke Toering. Myia Antone was only 24-years-old when she won the Tim Jones award in 2021, becoming the youngest recipient to obtain the title.
Criteria and how to apply
A nominee must be active in the outdoor community, have made an outstanding contribution in a social, environmental, educational or public safety capacity and hasn’t received remuneration for their volunteer work or performed the services as part of their regular business activities. The nominee must also be an “unsung hero” who has received little public recognition for their accomplishments.
Anyone wishing to nominate someone must submit a letter of 500 to 700 words explaining the person’s involvement and impact in the B.C. outdoor or sports community along with supporting pictures, videos and any other documents.
Tim's daughter Taylor Jones, former North Shore Rescue team leader Mike Danks and former District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton will select this year’s winner.
Nominations are open on the VIMFF website until Feb. 6, and the winner will be announced at Centennial Theatre on March 1.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
