Parnell Walsh has become one of my idols. I look up to him in so many ways. He's a great friend, and an asset to the community. Parnell has helped form a group called Neighbours of Nob Hill, and has also been a very big asset to the John Watch group as well. He goes on nightly walks to help change the neighbourhood.
With his many yrs working with people he has become a person that we can all talk with if we have concerns or if we need guidance. He is a man of great wisdom who wants to share it with everyone. He has a smile that makes you all worm inside. Parnell has recently started to donate his time at a new animal shelter and trying to help with fundraising. He has also decided on donating some of his property to local people who don't have much property so we can grow a garden and he also wants to donate some of the food to "food share" to help those in need.
I believe that Parnell is a man that we can all learn from and look up to. After he and his wife moving here from U.S.A. to retire only 1 year ago, he's made so many changes. Still he continues to improve the neibourhood after losing his wife only months after moving into the area. Most people would fill up with anger, but not Parnell, he uses this time to honor her, to honor other woman and children, to try and make the streets safe and clean. As long as I know if Parnell is in my neighbourhood myself and my daughter will always feel safe, loved and at home. He is my idol. (Nominated by Roxanne Allen)

My mom (Linda Russell) is a Neighborhood Hero because she helps everyone who needs help especially kids. She is a foster mom and she adopts kids too. Right now there are 10 kids living with us. She isn't my real mom. My real mom is in jail. I have lived here for 3 and a 1/2 years with my little brother and sister. We are Navajo. All of the kids here are Indians. Most of us were abused or molested. Most of the kids on the Reservation are molested. It is just a part of our life there. We are safe here. Our mom Linda helps us. That’s why I think she is a hero and because she is trying to stop child abuse. (Nominated by Joey Bahe)

I met Val Rowell while gift-wrapping for the Dover Bay Band. When asked what the best gift she ever got was, she was quick to reply "Last Christmas my parents gave me the gift of starting the sponsorship of the two kids I feed through World Vision". Val glows when she talks about giving and helping others. She truly represents the Christmas spirit but continues to give all year long (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

Dale Dawes was my school bus driver while I attended Junior High in Cedar some years ago. He was a great bus driver who remembered everyone's name and always seemed to care about what was going on with our studies and families. Now that I have children of my own I often think how fortunate those parents are who have Dale as their children's bus driver (Nominated by Trina Wilcox)

There is probably no greater Neighbourhood Hero than Muriel Mackay-Ross. She has been a stalwart on the Nanaimo volunteer scene almost all her life. There are so many organizations and people she helps, and she always seems to be "on call" helping somewhere. It is a measure of her commitment that if Muriel asks you to do something you do not say "no" - she has that rare quality that makes you want to help and be involved. She brings sunshine, smiles and song wherever she goes.(Nominated by Pamela Mar)

Patti & Kelly Berry have both spent countless hours, energy and money looking after the stray cats of Nanaimo. This is a full time job in itself and is filled with wonderful happy endings and some really heart wrenching times. They deserve to be recognized for all there hard work ... It is a full 365 day year job... no time for breaks!!!! (Nominated by Yvonne Findlay)

Jeff Hunter moved into his new neighbourhood a little over a year ago and in that time, he has taught me and others so much about understanding people, looking past their faults and just being kind. He has also taught the children on our road how to have fun and get along with each other even when many of us adults don't always do that so well. If you were to look down on our street from an airplane, his house would be glowing with kindness, respect and love. (Nominated by Melody Lebrun)

If you need a hand, Tom and Joyce Tuck are always there to help. Whether it's growing dahlias for their grandchildren to sell and raise money for cystic fibrosis research - one of their grandchildren has CF - or donating homemade crafts for CF auctions, delivering part of their own Christmas dinner to elderly neighbours or gardening for their friend who had a stroke and can't do it for himself anymore, Whatever the need, Tom and Joyce are always there to help. (Nominated by their daughter-in-law, Debra Tuck)

At the age of 31 and pregnant with her fourth child, Cheryl Garrett became a single mother. Although she was soon forced to go on welfare, she was determined to eventually become self-sufficient and she did. She had a dream, rose above personal circumstances, set goals, achieved objectives, became an independent professional, an excellent parent and a consummate teacher. (Nominated by Art Tindill)

George Colussi, Executive Director of the Nanaimo Boys and Girls Club, has a habit of always trying to accept the blame for a problem to ensure others don't feel badly, and giving far too much credit to others when in fact it's usually his hard work, extra hours and keen attention to every single detail that has created a success. (Nominated by Teresa Pring)

Earlier this year Preston Bruce was awarded with the 'Heart of Gold' award. This award is the highest form of recognition in the province for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He accepted graciously. Only two weeks later, on October 31st, 2002 Pres passed away peacefully in his sleep. Close to 1000 people gathered to celebrate this 'heart of gold man'. (Nominated by Donya Fiske)

Katerina and Andreas Andrinopoulos emigrated to Canada many years ago from Greece. They had 3 children, and although they both left large families behind, they built a wonderful family here in Canada. They overcame language barriers and menial jobs to build a restaurant together, a restaurant that has now been in business for over 25 years. They are the hardest-working, most wonderful people I have ever met, and I think the entire community is better because they're part of it. I know because I work for them. (Nominated by Charlene Gates)

I have a Leadership 11 Class working on incredible projects to improve situations in our school, local or global community. You may be interested in coming in to speak with some of them to see what they're up to. For example, Operation Christmas Child, Hoops for Heart, Youth Rotary Club, Fundraising for the Centis Family, Volunteering time around the school and community, etc. Please give me a call if you'd like to come in and see what these amazing student leaders are up. They inspire me each and every day!! (Nominated by Laura Harrison)

I was just reading your article in today's paper talking about smiles on customers faces and an event from 30 minutes prior came to mind. It was a very small event but then those are the ones that make life so perfect. I lost the backing to one of my earrings while on Commercial Street and thought I would just pop into Hoppers Jewelers and buy another before I lost the earring. Ron Hopper took every effort to find a proper fitting even to the point of explaining to me how to fit it better. It was sterling silver so had value but when I went to pay, he stated that it was an early Christmas gift. It did not matter to him whether I was spending thousands of dollars in his store or nothing, as was the case this time. I was treated with the true downtown Nanaimo spirit. Just one more small in a big world but when all those small things are added together, it makes a huge difference. (Nominated by Lorana LaPorte)

I am a student at Dover bay and my teacher is Ruth Harvey. I think she deserves a lot of recognition because she is a very hard worker who gives everything to her class and her students. The "cool your jets boys" are all grateful for all she has done to help us succeed. Thanks again Mrs. Harvey for all the hard work and all the help. You are an inspiration to us all. (Nominated by Colin Plecas)

While researching an article for Reader's Digest, I spoke to one of your other Neighbourhood Heroes, Ron Ewing. We were discussing how it was that he came to have his wonderful career. He gave all the credit to Stephanie Robinson. I also interviewed others who graduated from NDSS and they all said the same thing: Miss Robinson really cares about 'her' kids. She would walk up to someone in the hall and say: Hey, there is a seminar that I think you would enjoy attending. At one such seminar, the NDSS students were the only non-adults there but felt they learned so much and were really well received. Anyone who makes that kind of impact on her students deserves to be a Neighbourhood Hero!!!! (Nominated by Joanne Keating)

Nancy Erickson is person with a great large heart full of compassion for all. If you are a friend in need she is always there to hold your hand and console you. A recent example is of an old friend of hers whose husband had recently passed on and was not that well herself. Nancy,who has just turned 70 years old drove up to Campbell River every Sunday morning to see her. Just to let her know that someone cares. If a charity or benefit needs money her chequebook readily pops out to help. She still works full time at her own business and makes weekly rounds to see her favourite customers, wants to ride a motorcycle and learn to skydive. (Nominated by Dwayne Schulz)

When Bill Pineo nominated Jack Arrol as a Neighbourhood Hero, he included a list a page long of things Jack had done for him and his family. "I have to wonder if there would ever be enough time for his kids and others to list all the things he has unselfishly done for them over the years, and still does to this day?" Bill concluded.

Linda Smith, Habitat for Humanity's Executive Director, Linda is paid a part time salary but works full time plus. She encourages and enables those who volunteer their time to Habitat to jump in with both feet, and she makes certain that their efforts do not go unnoticed. (Nominated by Linda Brandmeier)

Gord Fawcett imports ATV's and other equipment from Asia for resale in Canada. Although he may not be well known, Brian Anderson says other small business people could learn much from him. He keeps his focus on his customers, his distributor network, and subcontracts everything else including materials handling, credit services and more. That's been the key to his success Anderson says.

Several years ago Jane Woods survived a near fatal double round of the 'flesh-eating' disease and yet returned to work as a legal secretary before moving on to work with her husband. Jane never felt sorry for herself and has carried on doing the good work she always did. She is my inspiration and a hero to me (Nominated by TerryLynn Saunders)

Both Ruth Tickle and Barbara Cowling passed their 90th birthdays at full speed ahead. They have been longtime Nanaimo District Museum, Nanaimo Community Archives and Nanaimo Historical Society volunteers as well as being involved in many other community activities. I can't wait to find out just where they get all that energy! (Nominated by Debbie Trueman)

Jacque and Pamela Mar have been a long time members of the Nanaimo District Museum and always great supporters of our events and projects. We recently helped Jacque celebrate his 90th birthday. Pamela has played an import role developing our textile collection. (Nominated by Debbie Trueman)

Steve Beerman is a true role model for other parents whose children are interested in swimming. In his spare time, when he is not running his medical practice and spending time with his family, Steve spends at least 8 hours during every swim meet working as a starter or stroke and turn judge, plays a leadership role with the senior swimmers, guards, and junior coaches, works at the international level with the Royal Lifesaving Society and is the president of the White Rapids Swim Club. He also played an instrumental role in assuring that the Kin Outdoor Pool at Bowen Park remained open last summer. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

As the coach of the Pee Wee Girls Clippers hockey team, it's the stuff that Darren Hauca does off the ice that takes the game to a new level. At the beginning and end of each season, he has the girls stand up in front of their peers and parents to speak about their goals, reasons they are in the sport and what they like best about it. This is so empowering to the girls and will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives. His gentle kind manner, great coaching skills and belief in the girls results in a winning team. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

Gary Gribbling retired after 35 years of teaching and coaching volleyball, basketball, football, cross country, track, and more. Retired? Gary is back at Rutherford school coaching the football team. He is a true Neighbourhood Heroes - youth and sports have been more than his job - they are part of who he is. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

I'd like to nominate Sue Benoit for all the things she has done so quietly on the job over the years, things that have changed the lives of students. Here's just one example. There was one student who couldn't afford to buy Christmas gifts for his family. So Sue went out and bought gifts for all the children because she believes that young children should have their dreams come true … and that's just one of dozens of similar stories I could tell about Sue Benoit. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

Lynne Fraser has been instrumental in working with theatre programs in Nanaimo - helping with promotion, fund raising, and so on. She is an incredible asset to every committee she sits on whether it is Cadets or helping with Career Fairs in the school district. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

Carla Henderson has been coaching the Special Olympics Swim club since she was 14. The youngest sanctioned coach ever, Carla is a master of breaking down the swim strokes and being able to teach them. She has seen her Special O swimmers bring home gold, silver and bronze medals from provincial, national and summer games. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

The Sandbenders are a group of students at NDSS who work under the direction of Jim Macgregor, the Community School Worker. These students refurbish old computers, give them to poor families in Nanaimo and then offer free lessons on how to use them. There's no doubt, Jim and his students are Neighbourhood Heroes. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

Steve Littley is a high school drop out. After working years as a janitor, he decided to go back to school, took the Adult Basic Education program, then completed a double major Bachelor of Arts degree and last year completed his 1st year of Law at UBC while concurrently completing his Masters degree at SFU. All of this while finding time for his family and business. He also continues to return to Malaspina to help promote the school to potential students. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)

Our family thought that surely Frank & Joan Lord moved to the Island about 10 years's ago from Southern Ontario and since that time their calendar and home has been filled with visitors from the East. Joan and Frank are great tour guides showing their company the best that Nanaimo and the Island has to offer and telling all how great it is to live here. They've done such a good job that many of their friends have returned home only to pack and arrange to move here. (In our case they even helped us shop for a home.) Newcomers are welcomed into their kind and supportive circle of friends, and the cycle continues. Joan and Frank Lord are the very best of neighbours that anyone could have. (Nominated by Joyce Hedges)

In my eyes Roxanne Allen is a hero because of her contagious enthusiasm. When I started knocking on doors to elicit support for a local Neighbourhood Watch Program Roxanne rapidly rose to the surface of a pile of interested people. A single mom of modest income, Roxanne has been instrumental in getting her neighbours interacting and getting to know each other. Despite a multitude of responsibilities in her own household Roxanne eagerly volunteered to take on organizing the games for our first ever neighbourhood picnic. I was amazed at her creativity, attention to detail and initiative. She used her well-developed skills as a mother and daycare provider to design, organize and publicize events for people of all ages. I can only wish that every neighbourhood had some one so eager, devoted and optimistic as Roxanne. (Nominated by Barbara Henoch)

As the Secretary Treasurer of the Nanaimo Schools Awards Society, Erin van Steen takes her job above and beyond the call of duty. She is the critical link between the donors and the Society and it is her humor and caring personality that makes a huge difference to the donors. Erin has been know to visit them at their seniors home, sit and have a cup of tea with a donor at their home while listening to stories and looking at family pictures, and visiting donors in the hospital. Erin keeps this Society running, allowing the students who attend schools in Nanaimo to benefit from over $200,000.00 worth of bursaries, awards and scholarships each year. She is a gem - an employee that does the extra all the time in order to better the lives of the donors and the students. (Nominated by Kathy Reynes)