At our recent Town Hall, PHARA and the Pender Harbour Rotary Club were proud to honour Lyn Charlton as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year and Linda Curtiss with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Thanks to the Pender Harbour Rotary Club for their partnership in the awards.
2025 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
PHARA President Peter Robson and Rotary’s Past President Sarah Johnston presenting
the 2025 Volunteer of the Year to Lyn Charlton. Photo by Naomi Lazar
We are proud to honour Lyn Charlton as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year—an inspiring and selfless individual whose kindness, energy, and compassion have touched every corner of our community.
For the past eight years, Lyn has led the “Spreading Kindness” fundraiser, an initiative she created to support local families and youth in need. Through her efforts, thousands of dollars and countless toys and gifts have been collected and distributed through the PH Community School Society, where she also serves on the board.
As Youth Chair of the Rotary Club, Lyn champions projects that support and inspire young people. She helped create the Storybook Walk at Tyner Park, promotes the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and plays a key role in the Rotary Student Exchange Program—securing host families and mentoring both incoming and outgoing students.
Lyn is also dedicated to honouring veterans. She and her husband Bill have organized the annual Remembrance Day ceremony for over a decade, and she leads the Veterans Poppy Drive, raising bursary funds for PHSS graduates.
Her community contributions continue with May Day parade coordination and helping lead the April Tools Boat Building event. Even beyond Pender Harbour, Lyn and Bill spearheaded a Bicycles for Humanity project, sending 500 bicycles to Africa and bringing life-changing mobility to those in need.
Lyn gives generously of her time and heart, always putting others first. Her impact is lasting and immeasurable—and we are so grateful.
2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
PHARA President Peter Robson and Rotary’s Past President Sarah Johnston presenting
the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Linda Curtiss. Photo courtesy Brian Lee
We honoured Linda Curtiss—a lifelong caregiver, leader, and volunteer whose deep commitment has shaped Pender Harbour in lasting ways. After moving here with her husband Larry in 1971, Linda began nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sechelt and soon helped launch the region’s first ambulance service in 1976, serving as both a nurse and volunteer attendant for over 20 years.
Her leadership extended far beyond health care. As Nurse Administrator of the Pender Harbour Health Centre for 25 years, she helped the facility navigate chronic underfunding and staffing shortages with resilience and heart. Linda was also a founding member of the Pender Harbour Community Improvement Foundation and championed the Healthy Meals program—ensuring seniors and shut-ins could stay in their homes longer with nutritious support. That quiet work continues to make a difference today.
Linda also served on the board of the original Pender Harbour Credit Union, as secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and as a Trustee of the Fire Protection District. For over 35 years, she guided local youth as District Commissioner of the Girl Guides.
In 2008, Linda was nominated for the inaugural Awards of Excellence for Sunshine Coast Women in the “Health and Wellness” category—a recognition that only begins to reflect her impact. With grace, determination, and the steady support of her husband Larry, she has built a remarkable legacy of care, community, and compassion.