Patrice Pratt receives Co-operative Momentum Award
June 30, 2014
Outgoing Vancity board member Patrice Pratt recently earned a Co-operative Momentum Award from the BC Co-operative Association for her outstanding contributions to the co-op community.
"I believe that co-operatives are critically important to Canada and I've worked hard to help the co-op movement evolve," says Patrice. "I like to think that I've left the co-op world a little better than I found it."
A lifelong community advocate and labour relations leader, Patrice was first elected to the Vancity board of directors in 2005. Patrice served three consecutive terms (nine years), including four years as chair during the challenging banking crisis and subsequent economic meltdown.
While serving as a Vancity director, Patrice worked diligently—from briefing new staff on the co-operative movement and mentoring new directors to focusing on member needs and deepening the community roots of the credit union.
A firm believer in co-operation among co-operatives, Patrice has devoted her energy and experience to credit unions and the broader co-operative sector at the provincial, national and international levels, including sitting on more than 12 co-operative boards and committees.
Patrice’s vision, compassion, drive and sense of humour inspire everyone around her, spurring them to make a similar contribution to their communities.
"Receiving this type of recognition is overwhelming and humbling," says Patrice. "I sincerely thank Co-operative and Mutuals Canada, Central 1 and Vancity for jointly nominating me."
Patrice retired from the Vancity board of directors in May, but will continue to be involved in the co-op sector, including sitting on the boards of the BC Co-operative Association and Canadian Co-operative Association International. She plans to use her newfound free time to pursue her passion for art and has already purchased seven new paint brushes.
About the award
Since 1996, the British Columbia Co-operative Association has recognized local co-operators and co-operative organizations for outstanding achievement and service to the co-operative/credit union movement. Previously known as the Distinguished Co-operator Award, the award was updated this year to be called the Co-operative Momentum Award.