CHF BC board member Sahara Shaik has received a prestigious Community Award from the BC Achievement Foundation.

About the Award

The Community Award program honours excellence and inspiring achievement in community service and leadership. It celebrates British Columbians who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others. The award recognizes individuals who devote their time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, resilient and inclusive.

“This year’s Community Award recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment to making their communities – and our province – healthier, happier and more hopeful. From ambitious students to established entrepreneurs, the honourees show us how everyone can have a hand in building a stronger BC. Their stories are sure to inspire British Columbians across the province.”

Premier David Eby

“We are privileged to showcase and celebrate the contributions of these outstanding recipients who shine as examples of leadership, dedication and selflessness, Communities are shaped and strengthened by people who willingly share their talents, passion and time in the service of others.”

Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation

You can learn more about the award on BC Achievement’s website.

About Sahara

Here is what the BC Achievement foundation says about Sahara’s contribution to her community:

Sahara Shaik has become a leader to her peers and made lasting impacts on the community. With over 20,000 volunteer hours logged, she has given her time in nursing homes, as a mentor and coach for children with special needs and supported people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side neighbourhood.

In 2017, Sahara became an advocate within the cooperative housing movement for lower-income Canadians, often newcomers to Canada. Through personal discovery, she identified the need for more co-operative housing models. Sahara sits on the Board of Directors for the Co-operative Housing Federation of British Columbia (CHF BC) and Canada (CHF Canada). In her work through the CHF, Sahara supports the accessibility of housing for people who are struggling to find affordable homes. Never afraid to roll up her sleeves and help out, Sahara continues to be hands on with all of her projects.

Recognition Ceremony

Sahara and the other award recipients will be recognized in a formal presentation ceremony on May 10. The ceremony will take place in the presence of the Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Tune in to watch the ceremony live beginning at 2:00 p.m. on May 10!

The ceremony will be live-streamed on BC Achievement’s website, through its Vidflex platform. It will also be aired on TELUS’ Optik TV Channel 126 – Indigenous Voices and Channel 345 – Community Connections after the event.