Although she’s retired, the accolades for her work keep on coming.
Vicki Dobbyn, former executive director of Sunshine Coast Community Services Society (SCCSS), has been chosen to receive a 2015 BC Community Achievement Award for her 27 years of work with SCCSS.
The provincial award seeks to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to their communities.
Premier Christy Clark said this year’s recipients have “all gone above and beyond to make their communities stronger.”
“The whole province can be proud of their contributions,” Clark said.
Dobbyn is one of 34 recipients selected from across B.C.
She said this week that she was “totally thrilled” about the honour, noting it “was a complete surprise.”
“Particularly since it’s been a year or more since I retired,” Dobbyn said.
She wasn’t told who nominated her, but BC Achievement Award spokespeople said there were several nominators.
While she is humbled by the nominations, Dobbyn said the award will do more than just honour her work.
“It recognizes the value of community-based social services,” Dobbyn said. “I’m the person who’s getting this award, but really what it represents is the role that local non-profit societies have in strengthening community life for children, youth and families or anyone facing life challenges. I think the value and the importance of those services is recognized through this award.”
She also said she couldn’t have impacted the community in a positive way through SCCSS without the help of many people.
“Everything I ever accomplished in my 27 years was never single-handed. I always worked as part of a team, whether it was with staff or volunteers or our community partners and community partner agencies, so I feel really lucky that I get to kind of represent all that teamwork, having been in a leadership position,” she said.
Dobbyn was presented with the BC Community Achievement Award, which included a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson, at Government House in Victoria last Friday, April 24.
