He makes sure Cloverdale remains at the centre of the Surrey universe and she’s the “glue” binding together the Surrey RCMP’s Cloverdale Community Office.
And this month Bill Reid of the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and Shona Yuzwa of the Surrey RCMP’s District 4 office are receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
The medals, which commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th anniversary on the throne, are presented to Canadian citizens that have provided “significant contributions and achievements” to their communities.
Reid will be receiving his medal at a ceremony at Surrey City Hall on Monday night.
Deservedly well known for his impressive list of contacts (which is as long as it is wide), Reid is a tireless advocate on behalf of local businesses and the community itself.
Yuzwa, district office coordinator, has been an exemplary employee of the RCMP for 18 years, earning much praise for her dedication, achievement and service.
On Tuesday, Oct. 30 she received a jubilee medal at a ceremony at the RCMP’s E Division headquarters in Vancouver in recognition of her contributions to the RCMP and public.
“When I was there, she was just wonderful to work with,” said former district commander Staff Sgt. Major Dave Woods.
“She’s done a lot for the community.”
Woods called her the glue that keeps everything together at the District 4 office in Cloverdale, in part because of her expansive knowledge.
“She is a wonderful resource to the district commander. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to work with her.”
Yuzwa, pictured at left, was instrumental in setting up local crime prevention initiatives, including Citizens on Patrol, Speed Watch, and Lock Out Auto Crime, recruiting, hiring and coordinating RCMP volunteers, and partnering with a local university to mentor practicum student volunteers.
She understands the unique heritage and culture of the Cloverdale/Port Kells area, keeping up to date with a wide-cross section of the community, including business, residential and community groups, schools, faith groups, and more.
She also helped fundraise for local charities, from the food bank and Cloverdale Christmas Hamper program to the Surrey Children’s Health Centre.
Reid, a former B.C. Tourism and Transportation minister, MLA, and Corporation of Delta councillor, is a tireless promoter and community booster for Cloverdale.
He’s particularly fond of calling Cloverdale “The Centre of the Universe,” a habit that prompted Coun. Linda Hepner, speaking at a Rotary Club roast in his honour a few years ago, to quip,” Bill has so many personas, he could be his own political party. No doubt he would call it, ‘Cloverdale First’.”
He is also known as “Mr. Surrey” because he never stops promoting the city.
“I can’t think of a more deserving individual,” said Woods, who worked with Reid on a number of community initiatives during his time as district commander.
Reid’s colourful persona shouldn’t eclipse his many significant achievements and contributions to Cloverdale over the years.
“He most likely does even more,” said Woods, who again called him “Most deserving. If anybody in this community should get this award, it’s Bill.”