Tim Lounsbury, the manager of our Willoughby Community Branch, loves working for a company that cares for the communities it serves. What’s more, he loves being able to contribute to those communities himself. Every Thursday, for example, Tim takes time out of his schedule to be a Big Buddy at nearby Douglas Park Elementary School in Langley.

“Big Buddies is an in-school mentoring program facilitated by Big Brothers,” Tim explains. “You basically meet one-on-one with a student for an hour each week. You might play a game, read together or just sit and talk.”

Tim got involved with Big Brothers back in 1988 when he took part in its annual golf tournament. He joined the organization’s Board a year later and hasn’t looked back since. He even served three years as president.

“I’ve been a Big Buddy now for 8 years and was actually the very first in-school mentor,” says Tim. “The student I have now has been with me for 4 years, and it’s been amazing to see how much he’s grown and changed in that time.”

But Big Brothers isn’t the only way Tim gives back to the community. He’s also active with the Rotary Club of Langley Central and with the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce. In fact, this year Tim was honoured with the 2004 H.D. Stafford Good Citizen of the Year award at the chamber’s annual awards ceremony.

“We were really excited when Tim was nominated,” says Shirley Stewart, the chamber’s communications and events coordinator. “He quietly gives so much to the community—including to the chamber—so it’s nice to see him recognized.”

Over the last 20 years, Tim has been involved in all kinds of community projects—everything from Langley Night Citizens’ Patrol to coaching his daughter’s baseball team.

“If you live in the community, you have to be a part of it,” he says. “I’ve lived in Langley for 32 years. This is my home, and I want do to whatever I can to make it a great place to live.”