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JIBC Foundation Gala recognizes awards honourees and celebrates 40 years

Presented by Rocky Mountaineer, the event celebrated JIBC’s 40th anniversary and raised more than $115,000 to support student awards and learning.

The Justice & Public Safety Awards recognized individuals and groups that have shown tremendous commitment to impacting lives in justice, public safety and community leadership. Dr. Michel Tarko, JIBC president and CEO, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the honourees for choosing to “Be the One” whose significant contributions have been life-changing.

Tarko described the honourees as “people who can see what needs to be done and are undaunted by the challenge that lies ahead. Through their work and volunteer roles, they have impacted the lives of many, and each shares a connection with JIBC.”

Following an earthquake simulation using JIBC’s award-winning Praxis computer simulation technology, Tarko spoke of the institute being established to create a more collaborative model for educating and training justice and public safety professionals. “It was an innovative concept, bringing together training for several justice and public safety fields in one institution with a common objective to contribute to safer communities and a more just society.”

Since its inception, JIBC has grown to become recognized provincially, nationally and internationally for its public safety applied education, training, and research. Tarko reflected on how over 295,000 students have enrolled in JIBC. “While our students come from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, education, and work experiences – they all share a commitment to helping others and a desire to contribute towards a stronger community,” he added.

Bernie Magnan, chair of The JIBC Foundation, said, “JIBC plays a critical role in educating and training volunteers and professionals who work throughout British Columbia in the justice and public safety fields. These are the people who keep our communities safe – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The JIBC Foundation has been assisting JIBC students over the course of almost 25 years, and to date, “more than $13 million has been contributed towards funding equipment, innovative programs, research, and over 2,000 awards, bursaries and scholarships,” Magnan noted.

Guests were encouraged to “Be the One” giving to student success during the “Fund A Need” portion of the evening, aimed at increasing financial support to JIBC students. To kick it off, Const. Shauntelle Nichols of the Saanich Police Department, a JIBC graduate, shared how important JIBC student awards were for her education and career. The student bursaries and scholarships, made possible by donors, helped her graduate as the top academic student in her cohort and “shine above, to become the one that helps those in need.” “Every time I get ready for duty, I stand tall and proud in my uniform, the donors are with me,” reflected Const. Nichols. “Every time I go to a call, no matter how big or small, the donors are by my side.”

A live auction allowed attendees to bid on exclusive JIBC experiences. The item with the highest bid was the “Ultimate Driving Experience,” which includes defensive driving lessons from JIBC instructors, the chance to drive laps in luxury vehicles from North Shore Exotics at the JIBC Driver Education Centre campus in Pitt Meadows, a ride in a police vehicle, and a drive in a luxury vehicle provided by Scenic Rush on the Sea-To-Sky highway. Other contributors to the live auction included: C|Prime, Dana Hospitality, JIBC Centre for Leadership, JIBC Fire & Safety Division, JIBC Paramedic Academy, JIBC Police Academy, and Township of Langley Fire Department.