Peer Support Worker Nominated for Prestigious Victoria Leadership Award

BCSS Victoria Peer Support Worker Doreen Marion Gee has been nominated for the first United Way of Greater Victoria Award for Collaboration and Partnership.   The newest of the Victoria Leadership Awards, which have been honouring inspired leadership in the community since 2005, the award for which Doreen has been nominated recognizes a leader in a social profit organization who is building community capacity by creating partnerships and collaboration. Winners will be recognized at a gala ceremony on February 21st at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.  Says Doreen, “As someone with lived experience [of mental illness], I want my nomination to give hope to those who feel hopeless.  People can and do recover.”

A community leader and mentor, Doreen excels in her roles at BCSS Victoria.  In addition to being a peer support worker, she co-led Your Recovery Journey for youth in recovery and is a community speaker in the Partnership Program. As a journalist and award-winning writer, she gives a voice to people who have none.  Doreen enriches and improves the quality of life in our city.  She works hard to support the expansion of opportunities for people with mental illnesses and to promote tolerance and understanding towards them.  Doreen continues to inspire and motivate young people who are exploring leadership roles.  Her comapassionate work is deserving of recognition.