Celebrating Service, Leadership, and Community Connections
On March 8, 2026, Connections Community Services Society (CCSS) proudly hosted the Volunteer Appreciation Awards 2026, bringing together over 100 volunteers, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the dedication and impact of volunteers who contributed their time and talents throughout the past year.
We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests including MP Chak Au (Richmond Centre—Marpole), Minister Kelly Greene (BC Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness & MLA for Richmond–Steveston), MLA Hon Chan (Richmond Centre), Acting Mayor Alexa Loo and Councillors Bill McNulty and Andy Hobbs from the City of Richmond, and Councillor Richard Lee from the City of Burnaby.
In 2025, a total of 268 volunteers contributed 4,835 hours of service across CCSS programs supporting seniors, youth, and families in Richmond. The afternoon featured volunteer recognition, community sharing, and the presentation of awards recognizing volunteers across a wide range of CCSS programs, including Digital Literacy for Seniors, Generations Homework Club, Youth Focus Group, community outreach initiatives, and special events.
Recognizing Volunteer Excellence
The event also recognized volunteers through the CCSS Volunteer Recognition Program, celebrating the many individuals who contributed their time and skills across CCSS programs in 2025.
Awards included service milestones recognizing volunteers who contributed 30+ hours, 60+ hours, 100+ hours, 150+ hours, 200+ hours, and 300+ hours of service, along with special recognition awards celebrating leadership, dedication, and community impact.
A special congratulations goes to Tom Cheung, recipient of the Connections Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication and exceptional contribution to CCSS programs and community initiatives.
Youth Leadership Scholarships
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of two youth scholarships recognizing exceptional young leaders in the community.
Connections Youth L.E.A.D Scholarship
・Michelle Tu
・Jonathan Zhou
・Sana Zahoor
Connections Youth of the Year Scholarship
・Aiden Luo
These scholarships recognize youth volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to community service.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
CCSS programs are made possible by the incredible commitment of volunteers who dedicate their time, compassion, and talents to support children, youth, seniors, and families in the community.
The Volunteer Appreciation Awards serve as an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements, but also to recognize the spirit of connection and service that continues to bring our community together.
To every volunteer who contributes to CCSS: thank you for helping build a stronger, more caring community.
Quotes
“The return that you get, is not monetary reward, but something money cannot buy. The experience, the learning, the connections, the personal developments and the talents that you get further sharpen are all very important for your future life.”
Chak Au, Member of Parliament (Richmond Centre – Marpole)
“CCSS does so much for our community and I think some of your volunteer programs have the word connection right in the name: Connection. Is us being connected with each other, the volunteerism that not only helps people in their moment of need they needed. Digital literacy, help their homework, tax services information, those are all things but the Connections, is the thing that endures.”
Hon. Kelly Greene (BC Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness & MLA for Richmond-Steveston)
“When I looked at the leaflet, there are people who actually spend 300 hours to serve our community. That’s like two weeks of non-sleep non-stop work in the community, and I just truly wants to appreciate you.”
Hon Chan, MLA for Richmond Centre
“I have always told our volunteers that Connections should feel like a second home — a place where you can share your happiness, talk about your frustrations, support one another, and grow together into better people. Our mission at Connections is simple but important: to connect people together. But connection begins with ourselves and our families before it extends outward to the wider community and the land we share together.”
Daniel Suen, Executive Director
For more information:
Intergenerational Connect Programs
iconnect@ccssociety.ca
604-271-7600
Corporate Communication & Media Relations (Media Only)
media@ccssociety.ca