News & Stories
On March 12, 2025, BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area (BGCBigs) hosted a celebration in honour of four outstanding individuals; Yaël Witvoet, Doug Ingersoll, Deborah Fisher and Liz O’Neill, who were each awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The King Charles III medal is awarded to those who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and to Canada, and BGCBigs had the utmost privilege of awarding four of our very own recipients who have dedicated themselves to service, advocacy and leadership—not just within our Agency, but out in our wider community.
Their efforts have shaped young lives, strengthened our communities and inspired many, many generations.
What is the King Charles III Coronation Medal?
In May 2024, to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s intention to award 30,000 Coronation medals to deserving citizens to recognize outstanding individuals of all ages and from all walks of life.
Our shared sense of purpose as Canadians is strengthened when we collectively honour those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, their generosity and their services to their community and to our country.
Our Esteemed Guest and Presenter
We were so pleased to have the Honourable A. Anne McLellan with us to present the award medals to our recipients.
Ms. McLellan has served four terms as the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre, during which she has held multiple Ministry positions. She is a legal scholar, a respected university professor and a tireless leader in a myriad of volunteer roles.
Our Incredible Recipients
Yaël Witvoet has been a part of BGC for more than 10 years, joining us as a youth at BGC Wolf Creek and now as a staff member at BGCBigs.
In 2024, Yaël was one of just six youth chosen from across Canada to be awarded BGC Canada’s Youth of the Year. This award recognizes the outstanding leadership, service and achievements that young people demonstrate within their communities, and we are overcome with pride that one of our very own young people has received this award.
Yaël is an active advocate for young people on both a local and national scale, using her voice and influence to help amplify those who might otherwise not be heard.
We are so proud of everything you’ve achieved so far, Yaël—and we know this is just the beginning for you!
Doug Ingersoll has been a champion of BGCBigs for more than 40 years. Doug sat on BGCBigs’ Board of Directors for decades before his recent retirement from the Board, helping to steward many important projects, including the 2011 amalgamation between Boys & Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton. He was also one of the founding members of the Lobster Lovers Fundraiser Event Committee, leading the committee for more than 15 years.
Doug’s positive impact on BGCBigs and our Edmonton community is undeniable.
Deborah Fisher began her BGCBigs journey as a volunteer mentor and went on to serve as a BGCBigs Board member for more than 20 years.
Beyond her work with BGCBigs, Deb also had an intensive professional role as a lawyer, and to this day she continues to volunteer her time, knowledge and skills quietly, yet effectively, to her community.
It’s Deb’s unique passion that makes others know that they are a part of a shared vision that strengthens communities.
Liz O’Neill recently retired after spending 45 years as the Executive Director of BGCBigs and throughout her time here, Liz guided the Agency through many significant milestones and successes.
In 1990, Liz oversaw the merger of Big Sisters Society of Edmonton with Big Brothers of Edmonton. And then, in 2011, Liz led yet another significant merger, this time with Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton. This merger succeeded in tripling the number of children served.
By the time Liz retired in August of 2024, she had helped grow BGCBigs to the Agency it is today. Liz’s passion for people and for doing good extends well beyond BGCBigs. She has been a steadfast mentor and guiding light to so many peers, colleagues and community partners, as well as our staff, volunteers and to countless young people.
To say Liz has left an extraordinary legacy is an understatement.
Real Impact, Real Change
To our recipients—Yaël, Doug, Deb and Liz—your efforts remind us all of the advice we like to tell all the volunteers who come through our Agency: you don’t have to change the future, just the moment.
Of course, the true magic in that statement is this: when you change a moment in the life of a young person it can have a ripple of positive effects well into the future.
It’s that easy to do something good and make real change.
Congratulations, again, to our King Charles III Coronation medal recipients, and thank you for your service, leadership and unwavering commitment to your communities.