Do you know someone that goes above and beyond in their community to make B.C. an even better place to live? BCLC wants to hear about them! If selected, BCLC will celebrate your nominee with the chance to pump up the BC Lions at their next home game!
As a social-purpose company, BCLC is working to generate win-wins for the greater good and serve in the best interests of players, the province and society. This includes celebrating the passion, dedication, and support of everyday heroes and the personal contributions they have made in communities throughout BC.
KELSEY FURLONG
Kelsey has always had a passion for helping others and providing support to those that need it. After completing the Mental Health and Addictions program at Camosun College he started his first job in the field at The Umbrella Society. He strongly believes in the power of psychosocial rehabilitation with its focus on improving multiple aspects of a persons life in order to promote recovery. Kelsey looks forward to improving lives and connecting with others as he progresses in his career. In his free time he enjoys walking his dog, going to the gym, long boarding, and spending time with loved ones.
KEVIN PARKS
Kevin is a lifelong football fan who has contributed countless volunteer hours to the development of football in British Columbia. His contribution to the sport started in the early 2000s when he took on a head coach role with the Coquitlam Minor Football Association. Kevin went on to coach at all levels of minor football in both flag and tackle.
After coaching in minor football, Kevin took on a leadership role in different football associations. He served as President of the VMFL for 7 years and played critical role in the growth of flag football in Greater Vancouver. Kevin also served as a lead volunteer for tackle and flag Provincial Championships
More recently, Kevin was elected President of the British Columbia Provincial Football Association in 2021. His leadership at the provincial level has been transformative and played a critical role as the sport of football emerged from the COVID19 era. Kevin’s dedication to football and his experience at all levels of the sport continue to help shape a positive future for football in British Columbia.
T.J. LEE
Throughout T.J.’s 10 years with the BC Lions, he has been an important part of our off-season school programs including Energy Champions, Team Up To End Racism, and Be More Than A Bystander. In addition, T.J. continues to support the Punt Pass & Kick program that runs throughout the amateur football season between B.C. Community football and the B.C. Lions. Despite living in Washington, T.J. has not only become a mentor to many youth football players growing up in Blaine, but also in the South Surrey/White Rock region, spending his offseason helping players prepare for their upcoming seasons.
KAILA WONG
Kaila is a prominent community supporter, championing indigenous rights, entrepreneurship and housing solutions that address homelessness and mental health issues amongst indigenous communities. Her tireless efforts focus on sustaining housing options and empowering individuals to maintain stable, safe and culturally diverse living conditions. As a mentor, kaila dedicates her time guiding indigenous & Metis youth, inspiring them to pursue their goals. Her efforts in entrepreneurship empower young people to create and sustain their own ventures, fostering economic independence and resilience. Kaila’s professional involvement working in the housing and development sector continue to improve policies in BC, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to secure and retain housing. Kaila’s holistic approach integrates cultural sensitivity and community engagement, making her a vital figure within her own indigenous community but also broader communities to maintain ally-ship.
FARHAN LALJI
A fixture at The Sports Network since 1997, Lalji’s passion and contribution to the game of football at the grassroots level in his home province have resulted in over 100 players moving up to the collegiate ranks. The award-winning sports reporter and proud Simon Fraser University alumnus was instrumental in re-launching the New Westminster Hyacks program whom he coached to the BC High School Provincial Championship in 2017.
In addition to serving as the Vancouver Bureau Reporter for TSN, Lalji has worked on the BC Lions’ radio broadcasts as pre- and post-game host during the time TSN 1040 held the rights. If it’s a big game, he is the man on the scene. Lalji has covered 21 Grey Cups, 15 Super Bowls and 11 College Football championships over his distinguished career.
CANDACE KNOLL
Candace is the founder and president of the JR. Black Achievement Awards Society. This organization is dedicated to offering educational programs, recognition, awards, and provides financial assistance for post-secondary education for the black community in BC. Congratulations Candace and thank you for all your hard work!
CHRISTINE ROY
Christine Roy is a Clinical Nurse at St.Paul’s Hospital. Christine represents all the amazing nurses and front-line health-care workers who dedicate themselves daily to the well-being of British Columbians every day. Thank you for your service, Christine!
SARAH ROBINSON
In May of 2021, Sarah lost her battle with cancer, but not before enacting significant change politically and socially for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Sarah was a prominent leader in advocating for Indigenous women and people’s rights and was the Director of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, the Banff Forum, and the Central Westcoast Forest Society. Sarah was also the founder of Rainwatch Advising, which advised individuals, businesses, schools and government officials on various topics such as understanding Indigenous experiences and histories in Canada, governance and policy development, and cultural awareness workshops, webinars, and online sessions. Sarah has been a prominent and eloquent speaker in many political arenas. Upon learning of Sarah’s passing, Premier John Horgan, CBC, Ravi Kahlon and others expressed their deep appreciation for what Sarah has done for Indigenous and human rights in BC and Canada at large. In order to carry on Sarah’s incredible legacy, a foundation will be started in her name.
Nominated by: Rosanna Roop
JESSICA TENGCO
Jessica is a Masters Level Social Worker and Clinical Counsellor. She is also the Coordinator for Fraser Health’s Intensive Case Management Team in Surrey BC. She has devoted her life to helping those in need. She is a strong advocate for those less fortunate and is an advocate for mental health and Substance Use in B.C. Her dedication to serving others I think should be recognized as she is on the front lines every day making sure that others have a better quality of life. She is a true hero.
Nominated by: Nicole Watson
JESSICA REGAN
Jessica started a company called FoodMesh about five years ago. She initially approached Save On Foods to ask them to help divert their unsellable food over to charities who can in turn pass it over to people in need. Today, FoodMesh has a network of over 200 stores and works with various retailers throughout western Canada (Save On Foods, Bilo foods, Quality foods, Choices, IGA, Fresh Street Market and Urban Fare) helping divert approximately 35,000 meals per day from landfills, to charities. She’s an amazing person and a great boss and she seeks absolutely zero recognition. I think she is definitely a hero.
Nominated by: Sid Brar
WILL LOFTUS
Will is a football guy through & through. He’s a retired CFL Safety who played 11 seasons in the league with Edmonton and Montreal, winning two Grey Cup championships! Since his retirement, Will believes it is important to give back to the community. He works with the Washington Kids Foundation, Game Ready, Life Ready and the Be More Than A Bystander Programs. Will runs football camps and just had 2 months of Family Days, where kids were given the opportunity to participate in sports activities for free! Having an amazing family, coaches, and mentors who believed in his goals was the fuel behind working with kids in football. Will’s goal is to inspire the next generation to live their lives to the fullest by creating mentorship opportunities and alleviating barriers that youth in our communities may face.
Nominated by: Donna Paterson
