TEDxSurrey Curator and Licensee, Alan Warburton, was recently recognized as a community leader who makes an impact in Surrey. On November 24, 2022, the Surrey Now-Leader announced that Mr. Warburton had won “Honourable Mention” in the category of ‘Community Builder’. The award is sponsored by Simon Fraser University.
A Community Builder is “someone who has taken the initiative to engage a variety of Surrey residents in an innovative or new community project or event. The initiative may assist different groups to work together, address a gap in community participation, or result in a more inclusive, engaged community.”
This award is in recognition of Mr. Warburton’s work in leading a team of volunteers to produce a series of TEDx events in Surrey. Retired school principal and 30-year Surrey resident, Mr. Warburton described a TEDxSurrey event as “an opportunity for people to come together, with an open mind and heart, and allow us to learn about important issues that could shift our thinking. In an age where there is a lot of toxic dialogue, this is an opportunity to do it constructively.”
“Honestly, I find what I gain as a volunteer with TEDx is priceless — finding people I would not have met and opening my mind in ways I never expected.”
Alan Warburton
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau endorsed the recognition given to Mr. Warburton and the other winners, “Today we honour some exceptional Canadians for their leadership, their service, their dedication, their hard work and their success.”
The Mayor of the event’s host city, Surrey, Brenda Locke, also sent her appreciation, “Congratulations to the nominees and winners in the 2022 Community Leader Awards. You are the unsung heroes who make Surrey great. Thank you for your tremendous contributions and for inspiring us all.”