Shirley Bond is this year's recipient of the Bob Scott Award. The former Prince George-Valemount MLA was honoured Thursday, Nov. 24 following a dinner at the Coast Prince George Hotel.
Presented by Scott’s children Sara Lindsay and Joel Scott, the annual award recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who show outstanding leadership, integrity and dedication to improving the Prince George community.
The award was established in 2022 by the Drug Awareness Recovery Team (DART) to honour the legacy of its namesake and founder, who created the organization to support individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Past recipients include Dr. Theresa Healy of UNBC and Active Support Against Poverty (ASAP).
Bond, who decided against running again earlier this fall when BC United folded its campaign, was recognized for her advocacy work and leadership, particularly in the areas of mental health, addiction recovery and community health services.
DART noted that Bond has made a significant impact in the north, having championed the establishment of the Cancer Centre for the North in Prince George, the opening of the Northern Medical Program at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the creation of the Chun T’oh Whudujut provincial park.
Additionally, she has been an advocate for local organizations, helping secure financial support for programs benefiting residents across the region.
In her acceptance speech, Bond reflected on her years of service in both provincial and local government, noting that her work has always been driven by a passion to improve the lives of those in her community. She also expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continued advocacy for mental health and addiction recovery services.
Since DART's incorporation in 2000, the organization has worked to create a sense of community for those in recovery, offering resources, personal connections, and opportunities for reintegration into society. Scott’s contributions were recognized with a British Columbia Community Achievement Award in 2004 for his dedication to helping others.
The Bob Scott Award itself is a glass artwork symbolizing the flame of change and hope. The award represents the transformative power of recovery, as well as the rebirth that occurs when individuals break free from the cycle of addiction.
For more information about DART and the Bob Scott Award, visit www.dartpg.org.
