In a pleasant celebration of community service, Canada’s Volunteer Awards recognized outstanding volunteers and organizations during a hybrid ceremony held at the National Arts Centre. This year’s event, hosted by Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, also marked the 10th anniversary of the awards.

The ceremony, coinciding with National Volunteer Week, saw Minister Sudds honor this year’s award recipients and announce the opening of nominations for the next round of awards. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of volunteers and organizations, encouraging Canadians to submit nominations. Starting today, individuals, groups, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, and businesses can be nominated, with more details available at Canada.ca/volunteer-awards.

Highlighting the event was the announcement of not-for-profit organizations selected by award recipients to receive grants. Thérèse Casgrain was awarded the National Award for Lifelong Achievement, while Rahul Singh received the David McAntony Gibson Foundation (GlobalMedic) award, each accompanied by a $10,000 grant.

Other notable awardees included:

Loren Slye, London Heritage Farm Society;  Mary Walters, St. John Council for Saskatchewan; Stacie Smith, The Sandbox Project; Jason Rivest, Simulation du Parlement européen Canada-Québec-Europe;    Lucia Marchionda, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation; Justin Langan, O’KANATA; Robin Changizi, Colibri Learning Foundation African Canadian Association of Ottawa; Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area Society; and Angela Woodford, Chapel’s Cove & Lakeview Recreation Committee.

Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, extended a special invitation for nominations for the Emerging Leader Award, targeting compassionate young individuals aged 18 to 30 who exemplify leadership through volunteerism. “If you know a young person who enriches their community and inspires others, please nominate them,” she urged.

The announcements underscore Canada’s dedication to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By promoting volunteerism, the country aims to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions nationwide. Volunteers play a crucial role in extending social services, supporting education for marginalized groups, and enhancing food security in communities across Canada. For more information and to submit nominations, visit Canada.ca/volunteer-awards.