The Community Champion Achievement Award recognizes an individual or organization that has performed a noteworthy deed or one-time contribution that has benefited the City.
Nominations
Nominations for the Community Champion Achievement Award are accepted year-round.
Eligibility - Nominees may be:
- An individual, organization, or group connected to Abbotsford
- Recognized for a noteworthy deed or one-time contribution that has benefited the community
Ineligibility - The following are not eligible:
- Current City or Abbotsford Police Department employees
- Current members of Council
- Current elected federal, provincial, or municipal representatives
Individuals may become eligible four years after leaving these positions.
Process:
- Nominations may be submitted by any individual, group, or organization using the official nomination form
- The completed nomination package can be submitted to cityclerk@abbotsford.ca
- All nominations are reviewed by the City Clerk for eligibility
- Eligible nominations remain under consideration for up to two (2) years
- Council considers eligible nominations annually
Selection Process
Council reviews all eligible nominations and determines recipients of the Community Champion Achievement Award.
Awards Ceremony
Recipients of the Community Champion Achievement Award may be recognized during a Council Meeting and/or at a formal event.
2026 Recipients
Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society
In recognition of four decades of compassionate care and unwavering support for individuals and families facing grief, death and dying, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society is receiving the City of Abbotsford’s 2026 Community Champion Achievement Award.
Through its dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society exemplifies the very spirit of service, dignity and compassion that strengthens our community.
Founded in 1985 by healthcare professionals, community members and families who recognized the need for hospice and grief support services in our community, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society remains a cornerstone of care and support by helping people navigate some of life's most difficult moments with understanding, respect and compassion.
The vision remains simple but profound: to ensure that no one would have to face grief, loss or end-of-life challenges alone.
Originally known as Abbotsford Hospice Society, the organization’s name evolved in 2023 to more accurately reflect its work and services.
Guided by a culture of trust, fairness and service, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society’s dedicated staff, board members and volunteers work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and support. Through one-to-one support, grief support groups and events, educational initiatives, advocacy, youth scholarships and community outreach, they have become a trusted source of comfort and guidance for individuals and families during times of profound transition and loss.
A significant milestone in the organization's history came in 2016 with the opening of Holmberg House, a 10-bed hospice residence that provides specialized palliative care in a welcoming and dignified setting. In addition to serving hospice residents and their loved ones, Holmberg House created a dedicated space for children's and adult grief support programs, expanding the Society's ability to serve the community in meaningful ways.
In 2025, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking an incredible legacy of compassionate service and community impact. Throughout those years, tens of thousands of individuals and families have turned to the Society for support while navigating grief and loss, receiving care and services at no cost.
Through every conversation, program and act of kindness, the organization has helped community members find strength, connection and hope during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Today, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society continues to serve a diverse and growing community with compassion at the heart of everything it does. This past fiscal year, AHGSS impacted over 40,000 individuals through their programs and services in the community.
Guided by its commitment to "honouring life & sharing in grief," the Society remains a source of comfort, healing and support for families throughout Abbotsford and beyond.
