Skip to content

And the winners are...

Person of The Year: Keith Oberding Keith is the organizer of Rainbow Karaoke, an inclusive social group for the LGBTQ+ community and their friends in the suburbs. Keith builds community every day with his open, warm and enthusiastic personality.
Centruy House hoedown Pride
Century House is hosting a hoedown for Pride Week. All ages are welcome, and there will be square dancing, line dancing and two step.

Person of The Year: Keith Oberding

Keith is the organizer of Rainbow Karaoke, an inclusive social group for the LGBTQ+ community and their friends in the suburbs.

Keith builds community every day with his open, warm and enthusiastic personality.

He may have just moved to New Westminster but he is no stranger to supporting New West Pride events.

His leadership is easily recognisable and New West is lucky that he now calls our community home.

“Once I retired, I promised myself I would give back to the community. I began volunteering at A Loving Spoonful about 7 or 8 years ago. This was rewarding for me, personally, and at the same time giving support to those who need it so desperately,” he says of how he began to volunteer. “Five years go, a very close lesbian friend died of mesothelioma. She adored karaoke!  And, she thought it would be great to have LGBTQ+ “meet-ups” out in the suburbs like Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey. This gave rise to Rainbow Night Karaoke, which I initiated in her memory…some karaoke events may only have 3 or 4 attendees, others may have 2 dozen show up. People have met and made new friends, and a few relationships have sprung forth.”

Business of the Year: The Heritage Grill

New West Pride would like to recognize The Heritage Grill and their staff for their continued support of New West Pride, the LGBTQ+ community and the artistic community of New Westminster.

On any given week, you can find free, locally-led events (including the amazing Sunday Night Drag Show) happening at The Heritage Grill and they have truly gone above and beyond to make their space one of fun, acceptance and love.

President’s Award: Vance McFadyen

As a founder of Royal City Pride, (now known as New West Pride) Vance holds a close place in the heart of the Society. 

Vance and his partner Curt have been major supporters of the Society since it’s beginnings and they continue to promote acceptance and equality within our city.

A true trailblazer, Vance has become an important voice on the many boards and community groups he has belonged to including Seniors Services Society, Century House Association and a number of civic committees.

Working with the Seniors’ Gay Straight Alliance and Century House, Vance is organizing the second annual Seniors Hoedown as part of New West Pride Week.

“I am the founder of New West Pride and a proud supporter of New West Pride both in actions and financially. More importantly I am an active supporter of the New Westminster community in general,” he says of why he thinks he was chosen. “I do all these things for my love of New Westminster and not for the reward, but I must say I am very pleased and proud to be named for this year’s Pride President’s Award.”