Awards
DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact
Celebrating changemakers making an impact in the community!
Through our annual DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society recognizes and celebrates inspiring changemakers — individuals, community groups and organizations — who are making a social impact in the community in British Columbia.
Join us at the 2026 Awards of Impact on September 22, 2026, at DIVERSEcity 13455 76 Avenue, Surrey, BC. Registration is now open here.
2026 nominations phase is now closed.
There are eight award categories that cover diverse areas of impact:
- Youth Leadership Award
- Food Justice Advocate Award
- Strengthening Safety Award
- Inspiring Seniors Award
- Community Changemaker Award in honour of Susan Wells
- Gender Equity Award
- Reconciliation in Action Award
- Diverse Abilities Award
Eligibility
Individual nominees must be at least 18 years of age and be residents of British Columbia or Yukon.
After the nominations phase
After the open nomination process ending on July 31, 2026, finalists are selected by a DIVERSEcity selection committee, notified and invited to attend our DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact event, where winners will be formally announced. Winners will then be featured in a content campaign to spread awareness of their work and impact.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 4 pm, at DIVERSEcity Surrey Community Campus (13455 76 Avenue, Surrey, BC).
Join us and get involved!
Want to get involved in the awards as a sponsor or presenter?
Download our Signature Events and Awards of Impact sponsorship package here or email marketing@dcrs.ca for more information.
Awards of Impact Categories
Youth Leadership Award
The Youth Leadership Award is awarded to a rising star (19–29) who has overcome social or personal challenges to transition successfully into a career, showcasing leadership and courage in their journey, while inspiring others to do the same. This award is presented in connection with DIVERSEcity’s Youth Employment programs.
Food Justice Advocate Award
The Food Justice Advocate Award is awarded to an individual who has worked in supporting poverty alleviation or food security issues in the community as a volunteer, student, professional or grassroots organization. This award is presented in connection with DIVERSEcity’s Food Security programs.
Sponsor: Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society
Strengthening Safety Award
The Strengthening Safety Award is awarded to an individual who has overcome multiple barriers, violence or trauma, and inspired others through their journey or contributions to creating safe spaces for others. This award is presented in connection with our Gender-Based Violence Services, and Refugee and LGBTQ+ newcomer programs.
Sponsor: Jane Shin in honour of Myung-Bok Lee
Inspiring Seniors Award
The Inspiring Seniors Award is awarded to an inspiring older adult (55+) who is empowering other seniors to live happier, healthier and more independent lives, either through volunteering, community building, working, sharing their culture or talent, or caregiving. This award is presented in connection with our Seniors Services.
Community Changemaker Award
The Community Changemaker Award is awarded to an established leader who has gone above and beyond to create positive change in the community to improve the lives of others, in particular those who are underserved. This year the award will be in honour of late Board Director Susan Wells.
Gender Equity Award
The Gender Equity Award recognizes an established leader, community group or organization who has done work to uplift women or women’s issues for gender equality.
Sponsor: Westland Benefits
Reconciliation in Action Award
The Reconciliation in Action Award recognizes an established leader, community group or organization who is advancing the principles of truth and reconciliation.
Sponsor: KPU
Diverse Abilities Award
The Diverse Abilities Award recognizes a newcomer with diverse abilities who inspires or advocates for others.
Individual Sponsors: Katie & Geoff Crocker
Community Partner: Open Door Group
