Jim Milina and Paul Helpard are two outstanding British Columbians, and now the title is official for the duo from the Comox Valley.

Milina and Helpard are two of 36 recipients named for the eighth annual B.C. Community Achievement Awards, by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

"Each of these people has a remarkable record of enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout the province," said Clark in a press release. "And each truly deserves to be singled out and recognized by all British Columbians for their contributions."

"These individuals work diligently all year round and their contributions yield concrete and lasting benefits for all of us," added Mitchell. "Their work stands as a beacon to selfless community service, and our lives are richer for it."

Milina, a national ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Wheels in Motion event leader in the Comox Valley, said his nomination was put forth by the foundation, and he received a call from the achievement committee.

"It's a real honour (to be a recipient). If you read some of the stories of the other recipients, it's pretty amazing ... it's a little daunting to be honest," he noted.

"You don't do the things you do for awards, but it's an honour to be recognized."

Milina is the first quadriplegic to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, where he set a world altitude record, and inspires others through motivational speeches and presentations to schools with his courage to move on after a life-changing injury.

He is working on the 25th anniversary of the Rick Hansen Man in Motion World Tour.

Helpard is being recognized for his impact in the community by championing programs for developmentally disabled children. He has sponsored an annual golf tournament raising more than $200,000 for the Comox Valley Child Development Association.

Along with his wife Christine, the pair introduced 'Lose the Training Wheel' program to the Comox Valley which teaches children with special needs to ride a bicycle.

John deCourcey Evans of Vancouver is also on the list. He's president of Trilogy Properties, which is building a major development in Cumberland.

The recipients of the awards will be recognized at a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria April 20. Each will receive a certificate and medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

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