Gordon Neighbourhood House Volunteer Recognized by Lieutenant Governor as one of 36 Outstanding BC Citizens

On April 24^th, 2015, Tanya Fabrichnikova was awarded the British Columbia Achievement Award in a Ceremony at Government House in Victoria. The annual event recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who positively impact individuals, groups, and communities.

For nearly 20 years Tanya has volunteered at The Attic thrift store located on the second floor of Gordon Neighbourhood House t supports Gordon Neighbourhood House.

Any regular thrifter will tell you that The Attic is unlike most chain thrift stores. The small, two-storey space is packed with the hundreds of donations that arrive daily. The store operates more like a community space than a store, and most volunteers (many who have volunteered here for more than a decade) know regular customers on a first-name basis.

“I love being a volunteer at Gordon Neighbourhood House,” said Tanya, “it is a pleasure and I am happy to do it.” While Tanya is well deserving of the praise, she is quick to thank the others who volunteer at the store, “Valya, Kathy, Zoya, Alina, Raya, Larisa, Fran…,” along with other new volunteers who have just started.

On the day that Tanya received her award, she and her son Igor, along with friends Natasha Tukaeva, and Ellen Ignateva and two others had to wake up at 5:00am to catch the first ferry to Victoria. Prior to arriving at Government House, Tanya had no idea how prestigious the honour was. “Government House is very historical and regal, there were portraits all over the walls”, recalled Fabrichnikova.

Tanya and her entourage were “shocked and amazed” at the two and a half hour long ceremony and reception afterwards. Tanya noted, “The ceremony was gorgeous and very special, I was so happy I felt like a movie star.”

“I am honored to receive such an award.  It was an unforgettable experience in my life.  When I was receiving the award I was on the stage with 35 other great people from all over British Columbia. It was very exciting and I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life”, reminisced Tanya.

In a letter addressed to Tanya, MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert noted “I am pleased that your passion and hard work have been recognized. I would like to commend you for your dedication to the West End and Gordon Neighbourhood House.”

Congratulations Tanya on you well deserved honour! Volunteerism is at the heart of Gordon Neighbourhood House, and we couldn’t accomplish the things we do without the help of many volunteers like Tanya. Thanks for all you do to positively impact our neighbourhood and community.

By Jim Balakshin