2026 Award Recipients
Each year, More Than a Roof Foundation disburses scholarships, bursaries, and community-building grants to MTR residents. Recipients are celebrated at our annual Awards Celebration.
Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients, and thank you to the donors who make these awards possible.
Cranswick Creighton Collaboration Scholarship
Evan Varghese
Evan has always been driven by curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. From building with Lego as a child to competing in science and robotics competitions, he has consistently challenged himself to think critically and creatively about how things work and how they can be improved. This mindset naturally led him to pursue engineering, a field where he can apply his skills to develop meaningful solutions to real-world problems.
As he prepares to begin his university journey, Evan is excited to learn alongside other passionate, like-minded students, form new friendships and continue building on the legacy of engineers who shape and improve our world. He is currently deciding between offers from the Mechatronics Engineering program at the University of Waterloo and the Engineering program at UBC.
Saif Munir Asad
Saif Munir Asad is looking forward to continuing to study in the Mechanical Engineering Technician program at BCIT. For Saif, this scholarship will relieve the financial pressure on his family, allowing him to stay focused on his education as he pursues his goals.
Northern Promise Scholarship
Shawna Mallett
Inspired by her own lived experiences, Shawna Mallett has been passionate about social work since her teenage years, with a deep commitment to helping others navigate challenges and emerge stronger.
Shawna is currently completing a two-year Social Work diploma at the College of New Caledonia, with plans to continue her studies toward a Bachelor’s and eventually a Master’s degree.
We are thrilled that Shawna is here tonight — all the way from Prince George — to celebrate these awards with us.
Julia Britton
Julia Britton is pursuing her path toward CPA accreditation through accounting studies at Thompson Rivers University, taking a thoughtful and measured approach that supports both her academic goals and her ongoing recovery.
This scholarship will support Julia to focus on individual courses so she can build a strong foundation in areas like corporate finance and taxation. Despite financial challenges and a reduced capacity for full-time work, Julia remainssteadfastly committed to her education and long-term career.
Cynthia Burke
Cynthia Burke is hard at work on her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Northern BC. This scholarship, combined with support from her community — the Fort Nelson First Nation — will help Cynthia pay for tuition, textbooks and a laptop she can use to complete assignments. Cynthia is unable to be with us tonight.
Lermitte Family Scholarship
Kali Taylor
Kali’s journey reflects resilience, determination and a deep commitment to helping others.
Drawing from her own experiences with mental health and addiction, Kali is studying online with Thompson Rivers University, and in person, in the fall of this year at Langara, with the goal of working towards Social Work & Psychology
Christine Vicencio, MTR’s Addiction Recovery Program Coordinator, shared this about Kali:
“Kali is deeply committed to giving back to the community, with a strong focus on supporting individuals in recovery. Her work is especially meaningful in empowering women who have experienced abuse, offering compassion, understanding, and hope. Her dedication and lived passion make her highly deserving of this scholarship.
Rekawt Salih
For years, life in Iraq was promising for Rekawt and his family. Through his job, he was able to provide a good life for his loved ones.
But in an instant, everything changed. Forced to flee his homeland due to political persecution, his entire world was upended in a matter of weeks.
In January 2023, Rekawt, his nine-year-old son, and his pregnant wife arrived in Vancouver as refugees. However, with no Canadian work experience, Rekawt’s path to employment has been challenging. Rekawt is determined to build a new life for his family here in Canada. The scholarship he’s receiving today will help him pursue a Masters Degree in Global Business at the University of Victoria. Rekawt is unable to join us this evening.
Ventura Enterprises Skilled Trades Scholarship
Maria Ponce Blanco
Seven years ago, Maria and her family immigrated to Canada from Nicaragua, leaving behind an insecure and hostile environment.
In Nicaragua, Maria had worked as a civil engineer with a focus on developing construction plans and project supervision.
In Canada, Maria has been on the long journey to re-certify and will use this Bursary to study Home Maintenance at the DIY Training Centre in Maple Ridge.
Maria shares: “This training allowed me to do hands-on work that I truly enjoy and opened up new job opportunities…It has also helped address barriers I face when looking for work, particularly the lack of Canadian experience, by providing valuable practical experience.”
Josifs Altuhovs
For Josifs Altuhovs, the last few years have been full of change. He, his wife and their newborn son moved from Latvia to Canada, believing that life here would provide their family with a better future.
In Latvia, Josifs was a locksmith and the bursary he received from More Than a Roof Foundation will help fund his re-certification here in BC. From helping him pay for licensing and certification fees, to purchasing tools and equipment, your support is helping Josif and his young family establish themselves in Prince George.
While Josifs can’t be here today because he lives in Prince George, he sent a note: “Today, I thank God for the opportunity to live and grow in Canada and for this important chapter in my life. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to More Than a Roof Foundation for your support and assistance.”
Josifs is unable to join us this evening.
Eshetu Bekele Wegi
This bursary will support Eshetu to continue at BCIT in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program. Currently he is learning about electrical systems, safety procedures, wiring and installation.
His journey began with a desire to learn a practical skill that allows him to work with his hands and solve problems. He ultimately chose to study electrical work so he could build a stable career and continue developing his technical skills.
His goal is to become an electrician and build up significant hands-on experience in the industry. Eshetu is unable to join us this evening.
Dan Flinn Memorial Scholarship
Somayeh Mansouri Nejad
For Somayeh Nejad, her choice to study pharmacology is deeply personal.
She shares: “I’ve always been interested in healthcare, but my personal experiences with chronic physical challenges played a big role in guiding me toward pharmacy. Living with cerebral palsy has given me firsthand insight into how important medications are—not just for treatment, but for improving quality of life. That motivated me to pursue pharmacy so I can help others manage their conditions more effectively.”
With help from this scholarship, Somayeh will continue into her third year of the four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program at UBC.
Jamie Nordio
For Jamie Nordio, the journey to achieve his dream of being a mathematician has been hard fought. After years of struggling with substance abuse, Jamie found his footing in recovery and began pursuing his dream of studying Applied Mathematics through a master’s program at Simon Fraser University.
Christine Vicencio, MTR’s Addiction Recovery Program Coordinator, shared this about Jamie:
“Jamie demonstrates strong commitment and discipline in maintaining his recovery while balancing academic demands. In addition, he is passionate about supporting others on their recovery journeys, offering encouragement, empathy, and lived insight. His dedication to personal growth and giving back to the community makes him very deserving of this bursary.”
Charlotte Bonney
Charlotte plans to begin her university studies in biology this September, with the goal of one day becoming a pediatrician. She has already been accepted into multiple programs, including the University of British Columbia Okanagan and the University of Victoria.
With a clear vision for her future in healthcare, Charlotte is using this scholarship to take a new, big step toward a career dedicated to helping children and their families.
Scholarships
Deemh Abosaamrah
As Deemh heads into her last few months as a Grade 12 student, she is excited to begin a program in Psychology at Douglas College this September.
Deemh and her family immigrated to Canada from Gaza nine years ago. Her parents moved their family here in search of peace, safety and a future full of opportunity.
Her father, Wissam (Wee-sam), shared this with us recently…
“I’m so proud of her and that she’s my daughter. Deemh knows what she wants for her future and she is working so hard towards her goals. Her mind is so big – and her heart is even bigger. She wants to understand people, what’s happened in their life, what changed their mind, how she can help them.”
When Deemh finishes her two years at Douglas, her goal is to continue her studies at university to become a therapist or a clinical psychologist.
Tatiana Glass
A new and purposeful chapter begins for Tatiana. With a professional background in both cosmetology and mortgage services, she now turns her focus toward a long-held calling in healthcare. As a recipient of this scholarship, Tatiana will attend Langara College to complete the Health Sciences Certificate, encompassing all prerequisite coursework required for entry into the nursing program.
The pursuit of nursing has been a deeply rooted aspiration for Tatiana—one grounded in compassion, resilience, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. This opportunity represents not only academic advancement, but the realization of a vision she has carried with dedication and intention.
Kwang Woo Kim
Kwang Woo was inspired to pursue acupuncture after hearing about a church friend who traveled overseas to provide care through medical mission work. That moment sparked a desire to study acupuncture and serve others in a similar way.
Kwang Woo will be graduating at the end of December this year, spurred on by this scholarship.
Looking ahead, Kwang Woo hopes to take their skills beyond the classroom by participating in overseas volunteer work, continuing a journey rooted in compassion, service and healing.
Nisha Mariam Chacko
Nisha is a dedicated healthcare professional with a Master’s degree in Paediatric Nursing from India. She moved to Canada in 2021 to pursue further growth and opportunities in healthcare.
She is currently studying in the Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Clinical Education program at UBC, with a focus on advancing nursing education and leadership.
Balancing her roles as a nurse and a mother, Nisha aspires to improve nursing education by working with students and staff in clinical environments.
This bursary supports her as she continues her journey in healthcare leadership.
Savana Nickel
For Savana Nickel, this next season is all about deepening her calling to ministry. As she wraps up her second year of a four-year program in Church Ministry at Columbia Bible College, Savana is focusing on working with youth and helping them discover and grow in their faith.
Jenna, her former supervisor at Jericho Ridge Community Church, shares: “Savana has a knack for connecting with people who need connection and for noticing those who might otherwise be overlooked. As our youth director, no one went unnoticed. She truly cares for the people around her.”
This scholarship will help support Savana’s tuition at Columbia Bible College as she continues her work part-time with Young Life Canada.
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Cristina Obial
Cristina Obial is finishing up Grade 12 and has enrolled in the Foundations in Health Studies program at Langara College. In the fall, she will complete the prerequisites to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Cristina’s aunt, Susie, shared a bit with us about why Cristina is uniquely positioned to be a nurse. “Even as a child, she was nurturing, attentive, and proactive…qualities that naturally align with the values of nursing. I feel with her genuine empathy and instinct to care for others, her future in nursing is incredibly bright and clearly a perfect fit for who she is.”
After completing her studies Cristina plans to specialize in perioperative nursing. She is drawn to supporting patients before, during and after surgery, combining her resilience and dedication to ensure high-quality, empathetic care in the operating room.
Kokob Teklehaimanot Weldemichael
With this scholarship, Kokob will continue her studies at Langara College in Early Childhood Education, learning how to nurture, guide and support young children.
Her love of working with kids inspired her to continue her education after moving to Canada, all while balancing family life with her two children.
After graduation, Kokob hopes to work in a childcare center or preschool, creating a safe, joyful space where children can learn, explore and thrive.
Juan Arango Mercado
This is the second year that Juan is receiving a scholarship from More Than a Roof Foundation. His first scholarship helped fund his freshman year at the University of Lethbridge where he studies business and is a member of the swim team.
Juan cannot be here with us today but sent this short reflection for you:
“I’m truly grateful for this support. Financial assistance like this doesn’t just help me as a student athlete, it helps my entire family feel more stable and confident that all of our hard work is leading somewhere. My parents have made huge sacrifices to give my sister and I better opportunities — moving here from Colombia — and having support behind me allows me to keep pushing forward without added extra stress at school. I take a lot of pride in being able to compete at a high level while working toward my degree, and I want to keep proving that I’m making the most of every opportunity I’m given. Being supported now would mean a lot and it would be something I carry with me and pay forward in the future.”
Yuri Owaki
Yuri Owaki has grown up in a More Than a Roof community where he and his mom have lived his whole life.
This May, Yuri is embarking on a new adventure. Equipped with this scholarship, Yuri will attend BCIT, studying in the school’s Art and Animation Diploma Program. Yuri has a particular interest in 3D modelling and design. He is eager to pursue a career in game development or filmmaking.
Yevgenii Savchenko
Yevgenii Savchenko arrived in Canada three years ago with his family after being displaced by the war in Ukraine. Originally from the city of Berdyansk — now in the Russian occupied territory — the Savechenkos were forced to flee their homeland.
In Ukraine, Yevgenii had completed a university degree and worked as an energy specialist with a regional energy company. Today, he is committed to continuing his professional journey in Canada and will use this scholarship to learn English — an important step toward building confidence and opening up doors to new opportunities.
Yevgenii lives in a More Than a Roof community in Prince George so he couldn’t be here tonight but sent a short message for you: “Thank you very much for the scholarship. I am very happy to receive this support.”
Feba Prasad Varghese
Feba is currently studying Dental Hygiene at the Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene, driven by her passion for helping others improve their oral health.
She previously earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Kerala in India before moving to Canada to pursue further education and new opportunities.
Feba plans to work as a registered dental hygienist after graduation, with the long-term goal of becoming a licensed dentist.
This scholarship will support her as she continues her journey in the dental field.
Bursaries
Matias Escobedo
As Matias Escobedo’s star rises at the Kal Tire location he manages, he knows there’s a lot more he would like to learn.
With this Bursary, Matias will head to BCIT to study Automotive Shop Management to gain better insights and tools to support his team and the business.
His colleague, Brad Weiss, shares this about Matias: “Matias has an incredible ability to connect with his team members. He’s genuine in supporting their career growth and he expresses that connection and encouragement in a way I haven’t seen before. He is a man of courage and integrity.”
Osha Hagon
Osha Hagon is a counsellor based in North Vancouver, where she has been working in private practice for nearly five years. She focuses especially on neurodivergence and trauma, bringing compassion and insight to those navigating complex life experiences.
In addition to her clinical work, Osha leads a free, trauma-informed yoga group each month for individuals who may not otherwise have access to wellness support.
Osha’s passion for counseling began in childhood and was shaped by both personal experiences and witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones.
With this bursary, Osha will pursue further professional training in the areas of Somatic Experiencing therapy, ACT or Internal Family Systems.
Maya Melhus
Eleven-year-old Maya has been riding horses since she was two. She has a deep passion for horses and wants to spend as much time with them as she can.
The bursary Maya is receiving today will help send her to a five-day summer camp at Timberline Ranch — a faith-based equestrian and outdoor camp at the foot of the Golden Ears Mountains in the Fraser Valley.
Maya shares, “I’m excited to be around horses all day for five whole days. I’m very glad my mom lets me ride horses…even though when she watches me it makes her nervous!”
Alejandro Sanchez
Venus, More Than a Roof’s building manager at Dockside Village in Richmond knows when Alejandro Sanchez is home.
“If he’s home, he’s outside in the courtyard playing soccer,” she told us. “He tells everyone he’s going to be the next Messi.”
This bursary will help Alejandro get one step closer to his goal, helping him participate this spring on his local soccer team where he’s learning teamwork and responsibility.
His father, Luis, had a short message for you tonight: “We have no words to thank you for your support of Alejandro’s passion with futbol. Thank you!”
Regina Reyes-Siles
Seven-year-old Regina Reyes-Siles discovered her passion for gymnastics at just four and a half.
Since then, she has embraced the challenges of the sport and is now part of the interclub program at PacificShore in Richmond, where she competes across British Columbia. Her hard work and love of the sport earned her the award of “The Most Improved” for the 24/25 Interclub Season.
Regina is currently preparing for several exciting upcoming events which this bursary will help her attend — including a group performance at Gymnastrada this May at the Richmond Oval, and another in Whistler in June.
Through gymnastics, Regina has developed discipline, formed strong friendships and grown in confidence. And these days, she can often be found tumbling just about everywhere she goes.
Matias Reyes-Siles
Matias Siles has been keeping busy with sports — particularly soccer and baseball. Currently, Matias plays on the MSet team representing Richmond across BC and is in the advanced program with Richmond United Soccer Club where he is a goalie and a defender. Matias will use this bursary to continue pursuing the sports he loves.
Matias’s mom shared with us that he is especially excited about the upcoming baseball season with his favourite teams, the Bluejays and Dodgers, and he’s practicing his victory cheers as he prepares for the Soccer World Cup this summer!
Joel Varghese
Joel is a Grade 9 student with a growing passion for aviation and a goal of becoming a pilot. Through Air Cadets, he has had the opportunity to take part in activities like power flying, gliding, and marksmanship. This bursary will help Joel continue to attend Air Cadets.
The bursary also supported Joel to attend church camp, which he says was very impactful for him. He grew in his relationship with Jesus through the messages, bible sessions, and playing piano with the worship team. One of his favourite memories from camp was the MacDonalds run at 3AM.
Shona Weerpass
Shortly after she graduated with her undergraduate degree in 2017, Shona Weerpass began working as a behaviour interventionist. She’s worked in homes, clinics, schools and preschools supporting individuals and helping families gain new skills and independence.
This bursary will support Shona to take another step forward in her career by completing the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board exam. To be eligible for this she’s completed a Master’s Degree and finished 2,000 hours of supervised field work. When she successfully completes the exam, Shona will be a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst.
Michelle Wright, Isaiah and Asana Harewood (Bursaries x 2)
Here at MTR we often talk about how we all dream of more.
For Michelle Wright, that “more” is training to be a nail technician — a stable career where she can express her creativity and have the flexibility to be available for her two young children.
This bursary will help Michelle attend Blanche Macdonald to complete the nail technician course. Michelle’s long-term goal is to open her own nail studio.
Michelle is also receiving a bursary to send her children, Isaiah and Asana, to Camp Artaban this summer. Located on Gambier Island in Howe Sound, the kids are looking forward to exploring the area by kayak and learning how to rock climb and do archery.
Gabriel Guerreiro
For 11 year old Gabriel, Mixed Martial Arts has been a hugely positive outlet.
“Gabriel is kind, energetic and curious — he enjoys staying active and learning new things,” his mother, Renata described.
Since starting Mixed Martial Arts, she’s noticed him become more confident, focused and resilient, developing a stronger sense of responsibility and perseverance.
The bursary Gabriel is receiving will cover part of his membership and training fees at TMD Martial Arts — his local Mixed Martial Arts gym in Richmond.
Agnese Reinika Zeimote (Pronunciation: Agnes-ay)
Fifteen years ago, Agnese arrived in Canada from Latvia determined to seek new opportunities for herself and her family.
It has been challenging, however Agnese has risen to the occasion and currently works as an Animal Control Officer with the BC SPCA.
Christine, her friend and the former Manger of Dockside Village where Agnese lives shared this with us: “She was struggling to manage work, school and being a mom. She’s really tried hard to keep motivated throughout all of these circumstances. She’s tried very hard to keep going. She inspires me because she is tenacious and determined. She’s very well deserving of this bursary.”
Agnese will use this Bursary to take two courses that will help her reach her goal of becoming a Bylaw Officer with the City of Richmond.
Yasmine Bahadsha
Outdoor summer camps are nine-year-old Yasmine’s favourite.
This bursary will help Yasmine attend a bike-riding camp where she hopes to gain more confidence and hopefully lose her training wheels!
While Yasmine and her mother, Loren cannot be here with us tonight, they send their gratitude for this support.
Liam Olson
Sun Hang Do is a martial art that was developed from ancient Korean traditions and it has been merged into the martial arts of today’s world. For seven-year-old Liam, it’s his favourite activity.
This bursary ensured Liam could attend a two-week-long Spring Break camp at his local Sun Hang Do gym. Today, he has achieved his Blue Belt.
His mom, Crystilina shares “It is a space where he feels seen, capable, and safe. He has shown discipline, pride, and ownership in what he’s doing.”
Joshua and Nadia Kumbalavelil
For Joshua and Nadia, summer is shaping up to be a whole lot of fun.
With this bursary from MTR, they will head to Daybreak Point Bible Camp. Located in the heart of Howe Sound, Daybreak Point has welcomed campers to the shore of Anvil Island since 1939. Every week is unforgettable — filled with adventure, friendship and deepening faith.
Joshua and Nadia, we hope you have the time of your lives this summer at camp. We can’t wait to hear about it!
Bursaries
Delphine Nishimirwe Duhirwe
Delphine is a passionate dancer and cultural storyteller who has been immersed in Rwandan traditional dance since the age of 10. Captivated early on by its graceful movements and intricate rhythms, she quickly discovered a lifelong love for an art form that blends strength, beauty and meaning.
In 2015, Delphine and her friends established the Indangamirwa Traditional Dance Group — an organization dedicated to the preservation, education and appreciation of culture, especially traditional Rwandan music, dance and story telling.
This grant will support Delphine and her group to mount their annual performance — inspiring and connecting with others through the powerful and beautiful movement of Rwandan dance.
Claudia Contreras Rodriguez
This year, we received a unique application for a community grant — from Claudia Rodriguez, for skipping ropes.
Claudia was once an unstoppable athlete. Then life happened. She got married and had kids. She got busy. “Everyone needed me,” Claudia shared with us. “My responsibilities grew. And somewhere along the way, I stopped showing up for myself.”
Then one day, she chose to make a change. She got moving and she took her neighbours along for the ride. Through good times and grief, challenges and celebrations, Claudia led her neighbours through exercise classes.
Today, we are thrilled to provide Claudia with a community grant to purchase skipping ropes, free weights and yoga mats to continue the movement she’s started. Claudia shares…”This is bigger than fitness — it’s about reclaiming our lives. It’s about showing our families what strength looks like and proving that it is never too late to rise. Today, I stand here as a mother, wife and woman who refused to give up on herself. Thank you for believing in me.”
Aurelia Siles
Last year, Aurelia Siles joined us on stage to receive a bursary to help her complete the Micro-Certificate in Environmental Metrics for Sustainability Reporting at UBC. Completing this training has helped her to advance her career in sustainability while also balancing her responsibilities to her family.
This year, we’re thrilled to award Aurelia a community grant, which she is using to bring Dockside families together. She will organize a picnic at a local waterpark and this fall she is planning a community visit to a pumpkin patch along with a fun pumpkin-carving activity for the kids.
Kali Taylor (Community Grant)
Kali is also receiving a community grant to upgrade the gym that serves Karis Place and Kindred Place residents.
Kali’s inspiration comes from wanting to help build a community around active rehabilitation. She believes that physical and mental health are deeply connected and that through movement and strength-building, people can find not just physical relief, but also better ways to manage stress and improve their mental health.
Michelle Wright (Community Grant)
Michelle is passionate about creating spaces for healing, connection and rest through music. With a love for singing and helping others, she is launching community sound baths, offering a calming experience of immersive, ethereal sound designed to promote relaxation and well-being.
Her vision is to serve both families and seniors in the community, providing a peaceful space where people can pause, recharge and connect with one another.
This community grant will support Michelle purchase equipment and event supplies as she brings these meaningful and restorative experiences to those around her.
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Distinguished Alumni Award
These awards recognize former MTR residents making a positive contribution at their place of employment, in their families or in the communities in which they choose to live.
Darren Ng
Darren Ng is a British Columbia–based science educator with a sustained record of teaching excellence and contribution to STEM education. He is recognized for his work in developing engaging, inquiry-based learning environments that support student achievement and participation in science.
Over the course of his career, Darren has incorporated hands-on and experiential approaches into his teaching, emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, and real-world application. His practice reflects a commitment to supporting a wide range of learners and fostering inclusive classroom environments.
Darren’s work has been recognized through a number of professional awards and honours. He has received recognition at the school and district levels for excellence in teaching and student engagement, and has been acknowledged provincially through nominations for awards such as the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and recognition from the BC Association of Physics Teachers. He has also been commended for his contributions to student success in regional and provincial science fairs, where his students have received awards for research and innovation.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Darren has contributed to the broader education community through mentorship of colleagues, participation in curriculum development initiatives, and support of extracurricular STEM programming. He has served as a sponsor for science clubs and fairs, and has supported students in pursuing post-secondary pathways in science and related fields.
Darren Ng continues to contribute to science education in British Columbia through his teaching, professional engagement, and ongoing support of student learning.
Key Holder Award
These awards recognize residents demonstrating attributes MTR recognizes are key to building a hopeful future including leadership, resilience, and compassion.
Sally Vanin
When Sally joined the Lakepark community, the community garden was in very poor condition. On her own initiative, Sally took responsibility for bringing it back to life—replacing garden beds, organizing seed applications through West Coast Seeds, and tending the garden daily to ensure it was well maintained. When the crops are ready, she harvests them, brings them to the common room, and makes sure all residents are invited to share.
Alongside this, Sally stepped forward to take on coordination of the monthly Food Night program, managing food pickup and distribution in partnership with a local church and helping create a welcoming space where tenants can gather and connect. She does this voluntarily, alongside her regular work and family responsibilities.
Sally’s approach is inclusive and community‑focused; she actively involves others, including organizing gardening activities with children in the complex and taking the time to teach and answer questions.
Despite navigating personal challenges as a single parent, she continues to show up consistently and positively for others. Her reliability, initiative, and ability to bring people together have earned her deep respect across the community, and there is strong consensus among tenants that her contributions make a meaningful difference.
Heart for Home Award
These awards recognize British Columbian business leaders working in the real estate development and home building industries who are doing more to break cycles of poverty and homelessness.
John Tilstra
John was the founder of Centra, an employee owned window company, and successfully transitioned it to 250+ owners in his 40 years of service. John also has deep experience in land development and building with over 40 years experience.
John’s focus is commercial and residential land development, property management and future project opportunities. He is also on several board of directors such as Morteq Lending, Night Shift, Trinity Western University Advisory Building Committee, and Wesmont Foundation.