Leslie Abramson
Meet Leslie Abramson, a woman of incredible achievements in the business world and a force of positivity in her community. As the owner of Country Florist and 12th Avenue Party Rentals in Delta, Leslie's name has become synonymous with success and creativity.
But her impact goes beyond business. Leslie has been an extraordinary fundraiser and volunteer, continuously giving back to her community and raising millions of dollars for various causes. Her passion for helping others is contagious, and she has recruited hundreds of volunteers who share her belief in the joy of making a difference.
With a "roll up your sleeves and GET THE JOB DONE" approach, Leslie tackles challenges with enthusiasm and dedication. She believes that volunteering should be fun while still being effective. This attitude has contributed to her success in numerous initiatives and projects. Leslie's accomplishments in her volunteer career are truly impressive. Among her many firsts, she became the First Female President of both the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and the Delta Chamber of Commerce. She has also served as a Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was the First Female appointed to the Federal Fraser River Harbor Commission.
Her contributions extend to various community organizations, including the Delta Police Foundation, the Delta Leadership Prayer Breakfast, and the Tsawwassen Rotary Club, where she was a founding member.
Leslie's leadership has been instrumental in driving forward important initiatives, including chairing or co-chairing four successful capital campaigns in Delta. These campaigns resulted in the establishment of essential facilities, such as The Delta Chamber of Commerce Building, The Ladner Boys & Girls Club Facility, The Delta Sports Development Centre, and the Little House For Drug & Alcohol Abuse & Education.
Throughout her journey, Leslie has received numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding service and commitment, including the Delta Citizen of the Year, the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for Volunteer Service.
In addition to her extensive list of accomplishments, Leslie Abramson's passion for creating positive change in her community shines through her dedication to making a difference, even in the smallest details.
One such example of her commitment to inclusivity and community needs was when she noticed that there was only a Boys Club on 84th in North Delta. When asked to be on the board, she eagerly accepted the role with one condition - that they consider transforming it into a Boys & Girls Club. She believed that all areas of Delta should have access to such facilities and services. This forward-thinking approach led to the establishment of Boys & Girls Clubs in multiple areas of Delta, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for the youth.
Notably, Leslie is also the driving force behind the Delta Rotary Youth Awards, which she initiated 15 years ago and still chairs. This program, involving the three Rotary Clubs in Delta, celebrates remarkable young individuals—around 40 to 70 kids annually—who have made outstanding contributions to both the local Delta community and the international community. Unlike traditional award ceremonies that focus solely on academic achievements or athletic prowess, these awards shine a spotlight on young people who have made a significant difference in the world, demonstrating kindness, compassion, and dedication to making it a better place.
The impact of the Delta Rotary Youth Awards has been so profound that even Richmond Rotary Clubs have been inspired to follow suit, recognizing and honoring their exceptional young citizens. Leslie's dedication and passion have not only influenced Delta but have sparked a movement to celebrate and support youth making positive changes worldwide.
Moreover, Leslie's drive for positive change extended to the establishment of the Police Foundation. Recognizing the importance of supporting the police community and their initiatives, she took on the challenge of raising funds for the police commission and unit. The journey was not easy, but Leslie's determination and perseverance prevailed. The police chief suggested the formation of a society or foundation to issue tax receipts, and Leslie took the initiative to contact 6-8 businesspeople of Delta to make it happen. Today, more than 20 years later, the Delta Police Foundation continues to support various initiatives of the DPD, leaving a lasting impact on the community's safety and well-being.
In addition to her significant achievements, it is these little things that truly define Leslie Abramson as a compassionate and visionary leader. Her willingness to address community needs, advocate for inclusivity, and face challenges head-on has made a lasting and positive impact on Delta and its residents. Through her efforts, Leslie continues to inspire others to be proactive change-makers and make their communities better places for all.
When she's not actively making a difference in her community, Leslie finds joy in being a devoted wife to Don, a loving mother to three sons, and a doting grandmother to five grandchildren. Her home is nestled in the heart of Ladner, where she continues to inspire and uplift those around her.