2011 AWARD FOR CIVIC LEADERSHIP

Police Services Board Chairman Danny Wheeler and Chief Eric Jolliffe presented Mrs. Daisy Wai with the 2011 Award for Civic Leadership in recognition for her contributions, perseverance and commitment towards the enhancement of the quality of life for residents of our Region. The Board created its Award for Civic Leadership in 2006 to recognize the highest level of excellence in civic leadership. Recipients of the Award for Civic Leadership are stellar leaders in their fields who enhance community safety and promote positive relations between the citizens and York Regional Police. Previous recipients of the Board’s highest honour include Mr. Gary Thompson, Mrs. Barbara L. McDonald, Ms. Illeen Pat Howell, Ms. Margaret Williams, Mr. Leo McArthur, and the late Mr. Kamil Sadiq.

AWARD FOR CIVIC LEADERSHIP

The Award for Civic Leadership was created in 2006 by The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board (‘the Board’) to recognize the highest level of excellence in Civic Leadership. Recipients of the Award for Civic Leadership are stellar leaders in their fields. They have distinguished themselves by enhancing community safety; increasing understanding and tolerance in the community; and/or through extraordinary community outreach. Their efforts have enriched the quality of life enjoyed by citizens in York Region.

Daisy Wai

Daisy Wai is the founder and President of a full service marketing and advertising agency Ad2000 and Beyond Advertising Inc. and has been in the advertising, public relations and publishing business for the past 39 years. Within our culturally rich and diverse community, Daisy Wai has played an integral part in assisting York Regional Police in outreach to increase tolerance and understanding in our community. As a resident of the Town of Richmond Hill, Daisy’s community liaison work with York Regional Police, as well as her long and distinguished service to the community has earned her the trust and respect of countless citizens in York Region and as well as Ontarians and Canadians alike.

As a member of the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board between 2006 and 2008, Daisy has consistently contributed to the building of our community through her participation over the years at numerous York Regional Police community events and initiatives. Through her attendance and support of these special events such as, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Black History Month celebrations, Asian Heritage Month celebrations, Multiculturalism day, Citizenship ceremonies, and Menorah Lighting ceremonies, to name but a few, Daisy demonstrates her commitment in support of inter-cultural dialogue and understanding through positive community building.

In recognition of her extensive community involvement and outreach, Daisy has been recognized with numerous community awards including: the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Award of Merit, the York Region in Celebration for Women Marketing Award, the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs Best Community Services Award and the Town of Richmond Hill's Volunteer Achievement Award. Daisy is also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. Daisy's board experience includes Deacon of the Richmond Hill Christian Community Church, Chair of the Board of Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and member of the Board of Directors of the Markham Board of Trade. Daisy was appointed to the York Central Hospital Board in 2008 and has been a member of the Strategic Directions and Nomination Committees. She is also currently a member of the Resources and Audit Committee.

As a Past President of the Richmond Hill and Markham Chinese Business Association, Daisy led an initiative for the donation of a Dodge Ram 15 passenger van to York Regional Police. The vehicle, which was recently retired, has been a valuable asset to York Regional Police and was used to assist with many police related functions and community events in the Region. The vehicle, with markings in both English and Chinese, provided an enhanced profile within our community.

As a prominent member of the Richmond Hill and Markham Chinese Business Association, Daisy Wai plays a vital role in the nurturing of strong relationships between our Chinese community in York Region and York Regional Police. Her energy and passion for getting things done has allowed York Regional Police to further enhance vital links within our Chinese community thereby planting the seeds for the growth of strong and productive community partnerships. She continues to work towards the promotion of an environment of peace and harmony encouraging positive cultural interaction and cooperation through awareness, education and the building of strong community partnerships.

As an immigrant from Hong Kong 30 years ago, Daisy is very appreciative of the support she gets from the Canadian Government. She started her business, Ad2000 And Beyond Advertising Inc., through the encouragement and support of the Federal Government “Self Employment Assistance” Program. Daisy is committed to contribute back to the community in the same way that she has been supported over the years by our community. Daisy also assists and supports in the integration of members of the Chinese community into Canadian society, so that both can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Daisy is married to Albert Wai with 4 children, Ada, Beatrice, Cedric and Dudon, who have given her much joy, encouragement and support. Daisy enjoys serving the community and church along with her husband. She continues to be an agent of positive social change in our community and serves as a role model for all. Thus, in recognition of the countless hours that she has volunteered towards the development of peace, harmony and cultural awareness in our community, and for her contributions, perseverance, and commitment towards the enhancement of the quality of life for residents of our Region she is the recipient of the 2011 Civic Leadership award.

Back to list