Celebrating Community: Andrea Castro + Family Attends BC Achievement Foundation Awards in Victoria

Andrea Castro and her family recently attended the inspiring 2026 Community Award Presentation Ceremony at Government House — an evening dedicated to celebrating the people who quietly and consistently make British Columbia stronger through service, compassion, and leadership.

Hosted by the BC Achievement Foundation, the ceremony honoured outstanding British Columbians whose volunteerism and commitment to community continue to create lasting impact across the province. Held in the presence of Sergio Cocchia and Vice-Regal Consort Tami Cocchia, the evening carried both a sense of celebration and deep gratitude.

For Andrea and her family, attending the ceremony was more than simply witnessing an awards presentation — it was a reminder of the power of community, kindness, and collective care. Surrounded by leaders, changemakers, volunteers, and families from across BC, the atmosphere felt hopeful and deeply human. Every recipient represented a story of dedication often built quietly behind the scenes: neighbours helping neighbours, advocates creating safe spaces, and individuals choosing service even when no spotlight was guaranteed.

One of the most moving aspects of the ceremony was hearing the stories behind the honourees. Their work spanned countless sectors and causes — from youth mentorship and cultural advocacy to accessibility, healthcare support, environmental stewardship, and grassroots organizing. Together, they painted a portrait of British Columbia at its best: resilient, compassionate, and deeply interconnected.

Andrea shared how meaningful it was to experience the event alongside family, especially during a time when celebrating community feels more important than ever. In a world often dominated by noise and division, evenings like this serve as a quiet but powerful reminder that real change frequently begins with ordinary people choosing to care deeply and act consistently.

The 2026 Community Award Ceremony was not simply about recognition — it was about honouring the spirit of service that continues to strengthen communities across the province. For everyone in attendance, including Andrea Castro and her family, it was an evening filled with inspiration, reflection, and pride in the people helping shape a better British Columbia.

You can find letters of recognition here:

• The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, C.M., O.B.C., LL.D (Hon) , Lieutenant Governor, BC

• Ian Patton, MLA, Delta South

Those who missed the live ceremony can still watch the official broadcast from Government House here:

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Founded by Andrea Castro and inspired by her daughter Ariyana, Forever Kind develops communication boards, accessible learning resources, and inclusive tools that support individuals across schools, playgrounds, parks, and community spaces.

Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, ForeverKind helps promote communication accessibility, inclusive playgrounds, and community inclusion. Their mission is to create safer, more connected environments where every child has the opportunity to communicate, participate, and belong.