April 10, 2025
Our Team
Westcoast Family Centre’s Aaron Rivard was recognized for his contributions to the community last year when he received BC Community Social Services Awards of Excellence’s Hero Award. Aaron was recognized among three other outstanding Social Services champions across the province.
Photographed are Aaron Rivard (Westcoast Family Centres), Vicki Kipps (Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services), Maureen Hunter (Rivercity Inclusion Society Community Living Services), and Darshan Nickolchuk (Nelson Community Services Society).
Aaron is Westcoast’s Indigenous Education Consultant, and he has previously held the role of Indigenous Family Counsellor for our family preservation program. With over three decades of dedicated service in the Community and Social Services Sector, Aaron stands as a beacon of inspiration.
Rooted in his Metis heritage and influenced by the experiences of his family who survived Residential Schools, he embodies resilience and compassion in his approach.
Through his heartfelt storytelling and genuine vulnerability, Aaron fosters deep connections and imparts invaluable wisdom to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.
At the award ceremony last year, Aaron spoke about how his career was inspired when he was just a child.
“A hero I am not,” Aaron shared in his thank-you speech. “I am just a person who, exactly fifty years ago, was a six-year-old boy who came home from school one day and told his mom that he wanted to grow up and help children just like him.”
Aaron’s colleagues, peers, and clients have all been impacted by his tenacious spirit and unwavering compassion. His impact on people’s lives has been profound, and on behalf of everyone at Westcoast Family Centres, we say Ay Hay – thank you – to Aaron for his continued dedication.
Westcoast Family Centre is always looking for passionate people to join our team. View current job opportunities and learn how you can make a difference in your community.
