Have you ever had anyone believe in you, make you feel good, build your confidence and really care?

That was the question Val Neaves asked on the first line of her nomination form when she nominated Rachel Smith as her Neighbourhood Hero.

Neaves continued: "Let me introduce Rachel Smith. Rachel is a young woman, 22, and a delight to be around. She is kind, compassionate and warm. From Chemainus First Nation, Rachel is the kind of person who will call you on the phone just to see how you are and cheer you up on those blue days. One day when I was wandering out of a meeting, after a long day, Rachel walked down the hall with a little stuffed bear and a flower - "Here you are, Val," she said as a grin spread across her face.

"What is this for?" I asked.

"Just because," she said.

"Rachel loves angels and I believe that's because she has angel type qualities herself," Neaves went on. "She wraps her wings around those she loves and she creates warmth and joy for her little nieces and nephews, family and friends.

"Recently Rachel went on Katimavik, a youth exchange program and represented Coast Salish people. She was the participant from the West Coast. I feel that her community was well represented by her and I am very pleased to nominate this young woman as my Neighbourhood Hero, a woman who takes time out for people, a woman who listens, a woman who cares."

That's how the nomination form ended.

When I called Neaves to find out more about her nominee, she told me she met Rachel three years ago while working with the Chemainus Band.

"She had the kind of positive energy around her that was infectious. "When there was an event to be planned or organized, she was there full on and very excited about it. And, she would always take the lead if others were hesitant to do so. She's a risk taker, a truly wonderful person."

Neaves went on to say that Smith has a special sparkle about her that affects others.

"Her energy and enthusiasm creates a ripple effect that impacts everyone around her and it probably goes even further than we might imagine."

Smith is currently taking an upgrading program and Neaves feels that given her persistence, motivation and drive, she will eventually become the female leader she is destined to be.