Nanaimo volunteer recognized for decades of community service

It’s an honour he didn’t see coming.

“I can’t even imagine a city of over 100,000, and little me is recognized for something that I enjoy. It’s bizarre, but I love it and I would take it very thankfully, for sure.”

A former longtime real estate appraiser for the B.C. government, Cornborough created flexibility in his schedule through self-employment in the final 10 years of his career until his retirement in 2008.

His work with NMSA featured a significant accomplishment during the COVID-19 pandemic when sweeping public health restrictions halted most organized sports.

However, he and another advocate examined public health guidelines to ensure NMSA could continue.

“When that was done, we were tired, but kids needed something to do during COVID, so we allowed them to play ball still,” Cornborough reflected.

His resume of helping young athletes, the disadvantaged, healthcare initiatives, and public safety projects is extensive.

To this day, Cornborough remains president of Crime Stoppers Central Vancouver Island and the B.C. representative for Citizens on Patrol Canada.

The youthful-looking soon-to-be 78-year-old credits community service and working with many different selfless, like-minded people for enriching his life immeasurably.

Cornborough said his mental health has benefited, and that living a healthy lifestyle has also better positioned him to give back.

“I look around and I see people who look a lot older than me and they’re having a hard time, but I just need to keep going,” he said during a recent sit-down interview with NanaimoNewsNOW.

Cornborough believes his upbringing factored into his path of helping others, saying his father supported causes such as the Canadian Red Cross and Lions Clubs International.

“I always think of my dad with a cigar pipe reading, that’s not what I want to be? Sorry, I’m going to miss that step altogether. I’m going to go out and talk to people and try to get them involved.”

In Cornborough’s view, people are missing out by not taking an interest in what’s happening in their local community.

The energetic and social Cornborough expanded on his hope to see progress in addressing Nanaimo’s expanding homeless population by better supporting those with addiction and mental health ailments.

Volunteering with the Salvation Army’s annual winter-time kettle campaign is a constant reminder to Cornborough of the work required to help those in dire need.

“There’s people out there that might be able to use our love and care. I’m not sure we’re doing a good job with that.”

Cornborough is the tenth recipient of the Patron of the City award.

In a statement, Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said people like Cornborough represent the best of Nanaimo.

“Over the past 35 years, he has touched countless lives with his kindness and dedication. Brian, thank you for being such a bright light in our community, and for being a true patron of our city.”

The late Craig Evans was awarded the Patron of the City designation in 2023 for his work advocating for the environment and organic food sustainability.

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by Ian Holmes

Nanaimo volunteer recognized for decades of community service

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