A New Westminster man considered a “hero in the Korean Canadian community” is being recognized for his achievements.
Chin uook Kim is one of this year’s recipients of BC Achievement Foundation Community Awards, which recognize extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities.
“This year’s Community Award recipients have supported their communities during exceptionally difficult times and are an inspiration to us all – they are shining examples of dedication to better good for communities across B.C.,” said a press release from the BC Achievement Foundation.
This year’s 20 recipients will be recognized in a May 10 ceremony in Victoria, where they’ll receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson
“Chin uook Kim is a hero in the Korean Canadian community,” said a BC Achievement Foundation biography. “A true success story of immigrating to Canada (1969) and starting a business, Mr. Kim is a committed, strong advocate and role model in his community.”
According to the foundation, Kim received an award from the President of the Republic of Korea in 2014 for being one of the outstanding Korean leaders in the Greater Vancouver area.
The foundation states that Kim resurrected the Korean Society of BC for Fraternity and Culture (KSBC), a non-profit organization servicing over 80,000 Koreans living in Metro Vancouver. In 2018, he formed and chaired the emergency measure committee to maintain the Korean Society of BC for Fraternity and Culture when the organization’s leadership was in peril; his efforts had the KSBC functioning again by 2019.
“After successfully leading this role, Mr. Kim continued his service as vice-president of KSBC, further demonstrating his dedication. He also served as the Korean Senior Society chairman in 2014 and 2015, developing educational programs for Korean Canadian seniors,” said the biography. “Mr. Kim’s constancy and leadership has earned the respect and gratitude of community members and encouraged the next generation to step up and volunteer for the KSBC.”
Kim isn’t the first New Westminster resident to win the BC Achievement Community Award; Amber Anderson and Harbhajan Singh Athwal received the award in 2021.
