Langley Volunteer Honoured with Sovereign’s Medal for Service

A volunteer from Langley City has been awarded the prestigious Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, recognizing his long-standing commitment to community service. This honour, which is Canada’s highest award for volunteer contributions, celebrates individuals who have made substantial, unpaid efforts to enhance their communities, both locally and internationally.

During a ceremony attended by family and friends, Cheung expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the medal. “I was really quite surprised, honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” he stated. “I have worked alongside many dedicated people in each organization, who have done tremendous amounts of work for many years. I immediately thought about all of these people who also deserve this medal.”

The medal was presented by Nathan Pachal, the Mayor of Langley City, on behalf of the Governor General of Canada. Cheung has a rich history of volunteering, having dedicated over two decades to various local and regional organizations, including S.U.C.C.E.S.S., the BC Games Society, and the BC Summer Swimming Association.

Dedication to Community and Youth

Cheung’s volunteer journey began with personal connections. His family benefitted from ESL classes provided by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. upon their immigration to Canada. Additionally, his children participated in competitive sports and the BC Summer Games. “In seeing the positive impacts of these organizations, where everyone is working together to create good for people in the community, it naturally makes me want to contribute,” he explained.

The impact of his volunteer work is significant. Cheung has played a vital role in supporting initiatives for newcomer settlement, affordable housing, seniors’ care, and youth sports. From 2012 to 2018, he served as a director with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., helping to advance programs in British Columbia and international offices in Asia. Since 2022, he has been the finance chair for the BC Games Society, overseeing strategic and financial planning for both the BC Winter and Summer Games.

His influence extends beyond administration; Cheung is actively involved in officiating provincial and national swimming events, as well as volunteering at various athletic competitions including gymnastics, canoeing, and volleyball.

Vision for Future Generations

Cheung’s extensive experience has inspired him to pursue a vision aimed at improving access to organized sports for children in need. “The benefits of sport for young people can be tremendous,” he stated. He recognizes that participation often comes with high costs, making it difficult for many children to engage.

In the future, Cheung hopes to collaborate with various public and private organizations to establish a support network that addresses the financial barriers to youth sports. His strategy involves securing necessary funding for sports clubs and matching volunteers with children to facilitate their transportation to practices and competitions. “These positive experiences will encourage them to make good decisions for their futures,” he said, emphasizing the multi-generational impact of such initiatives.

Earlier this year, Cheung also received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his community service, further solidifying his commitment to volunteerism. He encourages others to become involved, noting that while time constraints can make volunteering challenging, it is essential for fostering a compassionate community. “So just jump in and volunteer as much as you can, and it will be extremely rewarding,” he advised.

Cheung’s story exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated volunteers can have on their communities, inspiring others to contribute and engage in meaningful ways.