The awards were presented by B.C. Representative for Children and Youth Jennifer Charlesworth and Korczak Association President Jerry Nussbaum during the ceremony hosted by Her Honour Janet Austin Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Helen Hughes was an elected councilor on city councils in both Saskatoon and Victoria. She spent decades supporting community and philanthropic organizations that benefit children, youth, families and Indigenous people. After moving with Ted to Victoria in 1980, she worked with both the Ombudsman’s Office and then the B.C. Council of Human Rights.

Helen was elected to Victoria’s city council in 1990, serving for 18 years. She also immersed herself in projects that benefited children and youth, helping to organize the Capital Region Action Team on Sexually Exploited Youth, helping to create the “Souper Bowls of Hope” fundraiser for the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society and, as a member of the Victoria Public Library Board, helping found the Lifelong Learning Festival held on International Literacy Day.

Ted Hughes, like Helen, has devoted himself to public service and has contributed both as a volunteer and in a professional capacity as a lawyer, a judge and an adjudicator. He is a former judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Saskatchewan, a former Deputy Attorney-General of B.C. and the former Conflict of Interest Commissioner for the province.

Among his many notable achievements, Ted served as federal chief adjudicator regarding harms and abuse arising out of Indian Residential Schools. He also conducted an independent review of B.C.’s child protection system in 2006 – a review that resulted in the creation of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth. In 2012-13, he presided over a public inquiry in Manitoba also addressing child protection issues relevant to that province.

“Helen and Ted are outstanding people – two kind and attentive individuals committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children and youth,” Charlesworth said. “We thank them for the inspiration they provide as tremendous role models and for putting their energies into action time and again to transform our communities.”

The Award ceremony was hosted by Her Honour Janet Austin Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at the Government House in Victoria.

Click here to read about the Ceremony.