Latest News

Longtime resident, Loren Slye, was awarded The Diamond Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II for volunteerism.

Photo courtesy Janie Slye

Loren Slye.

Photo via Facebook Loren Slye

Longtime Steveston resident received a national award

By Florence Gordon

Published 2:14 PDT, Thu April 25, 2024

—

It’s with great respect for a long-time resident that we publish this story. He was recognized on April 15, in Ottawa with the 2023 National Award for Volunteerism. It carries with it an award of $5,000 to a non-profit group of his choice. The citizen is Loren Slye.

“I’m very grateful for this award,” said Slye. “I’ve asked for the $5,000 to be given to the local London Farm Society. They’ve done a marvellous job with updating the London Farm, improving the community farm plots, and making the London Farm House a Garden and significant community attraction.”

The award is being given to Slye by Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) for his dedication of over 50 years of volunteering in community services. According to CVA, Slye’s efforts changed various sectors, including:

• Youth anti-drug initiatives

• Boating safety

• Fire and life safety education

• Transformed fire training for rural Indigenous communities, mentoring youth and leaders alike.

The award also recognized Slye’s volunteer efforts for:

• Developing and distributing a comprehensive training Fire and Life Safety program across provinces to help and engage youth.

• The Risk Watch program that Slye helped develop was integrated into:

o Ontario’s and Quebec’s education system and

o Many states in the USA.

o It decreased risky behaviours and improved academic performance among high school students.

CVA noted that Captain Slye also works with groups like:

• The National Fire Prevention Association and

• Local fire departments.

Through this effort, Slye's promotion of McDonald’s "Plan to Get Out Alive" program reached millions of people in Canada and the USA. His efforts in training across Canada advanced public safety and inspired communities to take part in their safety education.

The CVA states that Slye’s vision and dedication have made him a respected mentor in life safety and injury prevention.

Slye has also been recognized for his long record of voluntary activities in Steveston, including:

• The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

• The Steveston Historical Society

• Steveston RMC Search and Rescue Society and

• The Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site Society

Loren Slye was awarded The Diamond Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II for that work.

I first met Loren Slye 24 years ago he was working tirelessly for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and for Richmond Tourism. At that time, Loren shared with me his passion for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). As an ex-marine diver he was able to secure the CCG dive team when the federal government were prepared to dismantle the team. Loren served on the Lower Mainland Marine Council representing 25 organization to do with marine safety and operations. Today, through Loren’s determination BC has a fully-funded, first-class dive team at the Sea Island Base.

When you listen to his stories one can’t help but feel the desire to learn more about the history of the CCG. Their work goes well beyond rescuing boaters along the coast and so often their successes remain under the radar.

When CCG celebrated their 60th Anniversary the Richmond Sentinel jumped at the chance to film an interview with them as well as publishing a story in print. Throughout the entire CCG experience I thought of Loren Slye and I’m forever grateful for him sharing his knowledge.

I knew Loren was involved in a lot of community work as we run into each other from time to time at events, but I like many had no idea of his extensive safety and training achievements and it never ends.

On his return flight from Ottawa this week, an announcement came over the PA system requesting if anyone had medical training. Loren jumped into action and along with a passenger (nurse) saved a passenger’s life who was unconscious, working on him for two hours of this five hour flight to Vancouver. When Loren shared this story, I thought what an ending to his weekend of being honoured.

Congratulations Loren Slye for the recognition of the 2023 National Award for Volunteerism and thank you for your 50 years of service.