(RICHMOND) August 20, 2024 — Coquitlam's Reihaneh Mirjani has been awarded the 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship, honoring exceptional citizens, from the Government of British Columbia. Mirjani, who serves on the Tri-Cities Chamber Board of Directors, was celebrated for her work to reduce food waste and food insecurity.
L to R: MLA Selina Robinson, medal recipient Reihaneh Mirjani, and Tri-Cities Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne at BC Medal of Good Citizenship ceremony, August 20, 2024, Richmond.
Mirjani is vice president of the Immigrant Link Centre Society, the largest food recovery charity in the province. Leading 370 volunteers, Mirjani oversees the collection and distribution of unsold but perfectly usable food from grocery stores to help low-income families, immigrants and refugees across the Lower Mainland. The organization helps 4,500 people bi-weekly, and saves more than a million kilograms of perishable food each year from ending up in a landfill. The food saved is valued at more than $7 million per year.
Mirjani is also CEO and co-founder of award-winning Soul Bite Food Inc., a social enterprise that produces vegan dishes created with traditional recipes from Eastern Europe and Middle East. Fifty per cent of the company's profits are donated to fighting hunger and combatting food waste.
The 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship ceremony took place at the Richmond Oval, honoring a group of the 18 recipients across the province this year. On behalf of the Premier, Mirjani received her medal from BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Lana Popham, and Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selena Robinson. Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart, Tri-Cities Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne, and Mirjani's family and friends attended the event.
The Medal of Good Citizenship celebrates individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward. It was established by the Government of BC in 2015.
Immigrant Link Centre Society and Soul Bite Food Inc. are members of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Tri-Cities Chamber Board Director Reihaneh Mirjani receives the 2024 Medal of Good Citizenship from the Government of British Columbia.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870