Maple Ridge Community Foundation has posted a series of videos of Citizen of the Year profiles.
The foundation described Brooklyn Nicholson, who is a finalist for the Youth Award, as a, “dedicated young leader who is making a meaningful difference in Maple Ridge through compassion, initiative, and a strong commitment to inclusion.”
Nicholson has organized large-scale school events, to leading community fundraisers, like craft fairs where she has raised thousands to support her peers and ensure everyone can participate in milestone experiences, regardless of financial barriers.
She has also led initiatives supporting local organizations, coordinated donations with businesses, and mobilized volunteers to help deliver resources to those in need.
Also a Youth Award finalist is Chelsea Jiang, who has built spaces for her peers to connect, collaborate, and challenge themselves academically.
“Through her involvement in awareness and fundraising initiatives, she has supported important causes and helped amplify conversations around inclusion and accessibility. Her work reflects a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference,” wrote the foundation.
Sandra Taylor is a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The foundation said Taylor is, “a dedicated and compassionate community leader whose generosity has made a lasting impact across Maple Ridge.”
Supporting local initiatives, donating and volunteering, Taylor has also created opportunities for youth, supported families, made sure seniors and vulnerable members of the community felt seen and cared for, and organized drives for people experiencing homelessness.
“Sandra’s actions are rooted in kindness, consistency, and a genuine desire to give back. Her ability to uplift others, across all ages and backgrounds, speaks to the depth of her character and her unwavering dedication to community,” said the foundation.
Also a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Award category is Adrienne Dale, who has been involved with numerous non-profit organizations for the past decade.
”From animal welfare and hospice care to community service initiatives, her commitment is both wide-reaching and deeply rooted in compassion,” said the foundation.
Dale, is known for her hands-on approach, organizing fundraising events, mentoring fellow volunteers, and consistently stepping into leadership roles to strengthen the organizations she supports,” said the foundation.
“Her ability to bring people together, build strong community partnerships, and create lasting impact reflects both her professionalism and her genuine care for others.”
Ellie Ollenberger is a finalist for the Teesha Sharma Memorial Award. As a hairstylist, she has offered free haircuts to people in need, “providing people with a sense of confidence, support, and being truly seen.”
She volunteers regularly with local organizations, organizes fundraising initiatives, and supports programs that provide essential resources to those in need, in addition to giving her time to support individuals on their recovery journeys.
“What makes Ellie truly exceptional is her ability to turn compassion into action by uplifting others through kindness, consistency, and heart,” said the foundation.
Teesha Sharma Memorial Award finalist, Niklas Koehn, is a “powerful example of leadership, creativity, and heart in action.”
He has been involved in theatre, taking on roles onstage and behind the scenes.
Beyond the arts, Koehn has participated in local Repair Cafes, and is now in an assistant manager role, and he has also volunteered at major community events like Celebrate Earth Day and the Maple Ridge Christmas Festival.
“Whether mentoring peers, managing teams, or stepping into new creative challenges, Niklas leads with passion and purpose, making a lasting impact on those around him,” the foundation’s post finished.
The other two finalists are Angie Rowell for Lifetime Achievement, and Regan Hamilton for Youth Achievement.
Winners will be announced at the Citizen of the Year Awards on Saturday, April 25, at the foundation’s 50 Golden Groove Gala.
It will be taking place at Meadow Gardens Gold Club, 19675 Meadow Gardens Way, Pitt Meadows.