Rosana Kit-Shuen Auyang
North York, Ontario
For more than two decades, Rosana Auyang has been a leader with the 11th Toronto Group of Scouts Canada. The time and effort she has dedicated to all aspects of the group have provided scouters with guidance and experience to help them build their resilience and leadership skills.
Vickram Bachan
Toronto, Ontario
Vickram Bachan has been helping students with special needs and teachers at Carleton Village Junior and Senior Sports and Wellness Academy, his former elementary school, over the past 10 years. He was a member of the planning committee for the school’s 125th anniversary and volunteers as a sports coach.
Matthew Barrett
Toronto, Ontario
For more than a decade, Matthew Barrett has been a Scout leader to Toronto-area youth and has served on the board of directors of the Terry Tan Child Centre. Through his efforts, he continues to instil the values of volunteerism and community service in local youth.
Commander John Alexander Bell (Ret’d)
Ottawa, Ontario
For more than two decades, John Bell has been supporting youth education, naval personnel and fair trade. He has reviewed hundreds of bursaries for sea cadets as a volunteer with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Education Foundation and has maintained the national communications strategy for the Navy League of Canada.
Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Franck Bialachowski, C.D. (Ret’d)
Hamilton, Ontario
For more than a decade, Richard Bialachowski has been offering pro-bono legal services to City Kidz, which inspires youth in low-income communities to reach their full potential. Since 2008, his involvement with the board of directors for Friends of HMCS Haida has helped preserve this historic site.
Jean Bilodeau
Gatineau, Quebec
For more than a decade, Jean Bilodeau has provided valuable guidance to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute’s Patient Alumni Association. Through his leadership, many initiatives offering exemplary services and support to patients and their caregivers have been created and implemented.
Captain Ashley Ann Evelyn Bonnell, C.D.
Toronto, Ontario
Since 2009, Ashley Bonnell has been volunteering with the Royal Canadian Legion, IODE Ontario and the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Her technical skills ensured business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her organizational skills have contributed to successful outreach and promotional activities.
Amandeep K. Boparai
Surrey, British Columbia
Since 2015, Amandeep Boparai has spent more than 15 000 hours volunteering as the co-founder and CEO of SPARK Foundation, which empowers youth through transformative life education programs. She also co-founded the Surrey Youth Safety Council and supported the Surrey Leadership Youth Council.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Bruneau, O.M.M., C.D. (Ret’d)
Champlain, Quebec
For more than two decades, Pierre Bruneau has served in various positions in organizations including the Association of the 12th Régiment Blindé du Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion. His efforts have helped promote remembrance of Canadian Veterans in Canada and beyond.
Diane Maureen Anderson Campbell
Norwood, Ontario
Diane Anderson Campbell has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to helping those in need. Whether serving breakfast at local schools or reducing food insecurity in the broader community, she has made it her mission to ensure everyone has something to eat, while preserving the dignity of those receiving support.
John Donald Campbell
Norwood, Ontario
John Campbell has been giving back to the community for more than 25 years. He applies his carpentry skills to church and facility renovations, and organizes events like Sunday Suppers, which provide free meals and social connections to those in need. His dedication to social justice and equality is inspiring.
Mary Christie
Toronto, Ontario
Mary Christie helped launch the Neighbourhood Group Community Services, and has helped guide the organization for 36 years. Her strategic vision and commitment helped transform a humble seniors’ support service into an amalgamated service group. The organization now serves more than 60 000 vulnerable people in the Toronto area.
André Courchesne
Montréal, Quebec
André Courchesne has held leadership positions with the Camp de Vacances Lac Simon for more than four decades. His devotion to the camp’s continued operation and to the durability of its infrastructure has enabled underprivileged youth from the Montréal region to enjoy a summer camp experience.
Mary-Jo Dionne
North Vancouver, British Columbia
For 10 years, Mary-Jo Dionne has been helping Vancouver residents living in poverty or facing a critical illness. She has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars through the creation and organization of fundraising campaigns like the Downtown Eastside Bag Brigade, the Millipede Project, and children’s charity events.
Sean Michael Donohue
Kingston, Ontario
For more than two decades, Sean Donohue has been a member of the Kingston Police Community Volunteers. An active participant in the organization’s activities, he also held positions on the executive, served as the volunteer coordinator for 18 years, and helped implement crime prevention programs.
Jean-Yves Doucet
Saint-Léonard-d’Aston, Quebec
For more than 25 years, Jean-Yves Doucet has volunteered with the Ligue de balle rapide mineure du Centre-du-Québec, planning activities and training camps for players, officials and coaches. He organizes competitions at both the elite level with the Men’s Softball Development Committee and at the junior level with the Express de Saint Léonard-d’Aston.
Barbara Mae DuMoulin
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Over the past 15 years, Barbara DuMoulin has shared her knowledge of the island’s history with visitors and residents through her involvement in the Salt Spring Island Historical Society. She also promotes the representation of women as a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women Salt Spring Island Club.
Brian Vincent Duncalfe
The Pas, Manitoba
Over the course of 25 years, Brian Duncalfe has delivered more than 20 000 meals to those in need through Meals on Wheels. He has bolstered the number of volunteers in the program by engaging service organizations like the Rotary Club and local churches.
Geoffrey Robert Ellis
Scarborough, Ontario
Since 2008, Geoffrey Ellis has been encouraging the development of youth leaders in the Greater Toronto Area through Scouts Canada. His dedicated service in a variety of positions has helped ensure the continuity of the movement and has made it more accessible to youth from all walks of life.
Lylia Essaddam
Kingston, Ontario
Lylia Essaddam and her handmade Gnome for a Home greeting cards are helping to curb homelessness in her community. Since 2018, she has sold more than 1 500 cards and raised over $29,000 in support of such non-profit organizations as Martha’s Table, Loving Hands Kingston and Habitat for Humanity.
John Estrella
Markham, Ontario
Over the past two decades, John Estrella has been dedicating thousands of hours to Scouts Canada, providing Canadian youth with the opportunity to learn and travel, both at home and abroad. He has helped with programming, finances and Jamboree planning, and has served as the organization’s international commissioner.
Monique Fournier
Québec, Quebec
Since 2015, Monique Fournier and her young philanthropist grandsons have been changing the lives of sick children, one apple at a time. This intergenerational team has raised thousands of dollars for the Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine by picking apples and preparing homemade pies through their Magasin Le Pommier initiative.
Carmen Gagnon
Montréal, Quebec
Carmen Gagnon has been volunteering with Catalyste+ since 2007, providing valuable advice on creating efficient business computer systems. In the Philippines, she provided financial systems training to municipal staff, which led to increased government revenue and greater transparency.
Michel Gagnon
Saint-Jérôme, Quebec
Scouter Michel Gagnon has been a mentor and leader with the 22e groupe scout Saint-Antoine for more than two decades. A volunteer with the annual Tour cycliste des policiers de Laval, he has overseen the event’s logistics, security and transportation requirements. He is also president of Operation Red Nose Saint-Jérôme.
John Glover
Toronto, Ontario
Since 1990, John Glover has held several key roles as an executive member of the East Toronto chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario. During this time, he was instrumental in planning and organizing numerous seminars, ceremonies and annual general meetings.
Peter Blyth Gower
Kingston, Ontario
Over the past two decades, Peter Gower has served as a judge of the Regional Heritage Fair, as co-chair of the Outreach St. George’s drop-in programs, and sat on the boards of the Municipal Heritage Committee and Historical Society. He was also a porter at the Providence Manor nursing home.
Robert Bruce Ellis Hallsor, K.C.
Victoria, British Columbia
Bruce Hallsor’s commitment to his community began with his volunteer work with Scouts Canada in 1985. Since then, he has been supporting youth by providing outdoor programs every summer, which has had a profound impact on young people’s lives.
Jacques Hamel
Windsor, Quebec
For more than 10 years, Jacques Hamel has been volunteering with seniors at the Centre d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée and at the Résidence le Château du Bel-Âge. From planning themed dinners, restaurant outings and friendly visits, he provides residents with the opportunity to socialize.
Sandra Gwen Hamm
Winnipeg, Manitoba
For more than a decade, Sandra Hamm has volunteered with World Vision Winnipeg as an event representative, attending public engagement and fundraising events, supporting employees and fellow volunteers, and providing information about the organization. She has hosted visiting representatives at her home and attends events across the province.
Robert J. Harper
Brockville, Ontario
After making a promise to his friend, John Ross Matheson, more than a decade ago, Robert Harper started sharing the history of the modern Canadian flag. He has educated students and government employees and has been instrumental in helping Canadians understand the intricate origins of their national symbol.
Frederick Hughes Hayward
Oakville, Ontario
For more than 20 years, Frederick H. Hayward has been serving at the local, regional and national levels of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC). As the dominion education chair for 18 years, he spearheaded book distribution and resource development projects to educate youth on Loyalist history.
Darrell Helyar
Montréal, Quebec
As president of the Victor-Hugo/Lucien L’Allier Residents Association, Darrell Helyar has spent the past 10 years ensuring the safety and well-being of his community. He spearheaded the opening of a new dog park, increased police presence and organized community-wide events such as barbecues and garage sales.
Lavender Naomi Himech (K’Sim T’sm Laxha)
Houston, British Columbia
Naomi Himech has been volunteering with the Steelhead Multicultural Society and with seniors for the past decade. She has also served as a board member of several organizations, and assembles knitting boxes filled with donated blankets and winter accessories for the local Gitwangak, Gitsagukla and Gityanow communities.
Lilian Howick
Westmount, Quebec
For more than four decades, Lilian Howick has been dedicated to helping people live more active lives. As a volunteer instructor with the Westmount YMCA, she has taught thousands of fitness classes to many thousands of students and is renowned for her ability to ensure every participant has fun.
Maurice-Pierre André Joanis
Toronto, Ontario
Maurice-Pierre Joanis has been a volunteer with the Toronto International Film Festival since 2004, providing outstanding customer service while acting as a captain to his fellow volunteers. He also shares his skills as a gardener around Toronto, maintaining several community centre gardens and hosting workshops to engage seniors.
Brenda Lee Jones
Leamington, Ontario
Brenda Jones has been helping her fellow citizens prepare their income tax returns for almost three decades with the South Essex Community Council, where she often assists housebound clients as they complete their personal tax forms. She is also an active member of the Olinda-Ruthven United Church.
Ieuan Jones-Ashton
Scarborough, Ontario
Ieuan Jones-Ashton has been volunteering with Scouts Canada and the Army Cadet League for more than 20 years. He has empowered young leaders in the Scarborough area, helping countless young individuals cultivate the skills, confidence and sense of purpose necessary to excel in life.
Annick Kwetcheu Gamo
Québec, Quebec
Since arriving in Canada in 2010, Annick Kwetcheu Gamo has been actively involved in creating networking opportunities for Québec’s Black community. Through the Manyata Network, the Association des Camerounais de Québec, and the Conseil Panafricain de Québec, she has organized sporting events, forums and conferences, and co-founded the Forum jeunesse Afro-Québécois.
Odette M. Lacroix
Québec, Quebec
Since 2001, Odette Lacroix has been responsible for training volunteers and verifying their work for the local Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. She is also involved with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Québec and was part of a team that launched an ALS clinic at the Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus.
Norie Manansala Blohm
Brampton, Ontario
Since 2000, Norie Manansala Blohm has inspired the Filipino community of Brampton through her involvement in the annual Carabram multicultural festival, the Fiesta Filipina Dance Troupe, and the Federation of Filipino Canadians of Brampton, where she serves as treasurer and organizes fundraisers.
Jacques Frederick Marc
Victoria, British Columbia
Over the last 40 years, Jacques Marc has volunteered with the Underwater Archeology Society of British Columbia, which is dedicated to protecting the maritime heritage of the province. Through his leadership and determination, he has made the preservation and interpretation of shipwrecks possible, making maritime history available to Canadians.
William Jonathan James McArthur
Toronto, Ontario
William McArthur has volunteered with the Derry Flute Band for more than 40 years. His enthusiasm for teaching instruments to anyone willing to learn and his talent as an outstanding band leader have commanded great respect from many within his community.
Hélène Michaud
Terrebonne, Quebec
For 13 years, Hélène Michaud has contributed to the well-being of veterans in her community. She has participated in numerous campaigns to raise funds for support services, such as assistance dog training. She also takes part in charitable dinners aimed at breaking the isolation faced by older adults in care.
Warrant Officer Ryan Mitchell, C.D. (Ret'd)
Markham, Ontario
For more than a decade, Ryan Mitchell has helped improve the lives of veterans, first responders and their families. Through his involvement in various organizations, including the Royal Canadian Legion, he has highlighted the importance of mental health first aid for those affected by PTSD and operational stress injuries.
David M. Moore
Toronto, Ontario
David Moore has been volunteering at McMaster University for more than 30 years. He co-founded the Social Sciences Society and was the longest-serving board member of the Association of Part-Time Students, as well as a long-time contributor to various university publications. He also helped found and lead the Students Union Alumni Association.
Lieutenant Ryan Moore
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Over the last 14 years, Ryan Moore has provided valuable service to his community through his contributions to the Navy League of Canada and to the RCMP Spurs Cadets Corps. He instills responsibility, dedication and leadership in the young people he mentors.
Gregory Allan Nix
Pugwash, Nova Scotia
For the past 25 years, Gregory Nix has been dedicated to volunteering and to sharing his knowledge of and passion for sports. His outstanding leadership and strong sense of community have driven his participation in a range of organizations focused on trail development, orienteering, snowmobiling, boating, and search and rescue.
Hélène Pagé-Riddell
Lachute, Quebec
For more than two decades, Hélène Pagé Riddell has played an important role in providing palliative care to patients at the Hawkesbury General Hospital and the Centre multiservices de santé et de services sociaux d’Argenteuil. Thanks to her efforts, members of her community have received improved care and compassionate support.
Gilles Paquet
Lévis, Quebec
For nearly 20 years, Gilles Paquet has been a significant help to his community through his participation in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at the Patro de Lévis. He has helped extensively with the guidance and training of the organization’s new volunteers, and helped provide budgetary assistance.
Janet Elaine Paquet
Hamilton, Ontario
For more than two decades, Janet Paquet has been advancing the needs of those living with ostomies in Canada and abroad. Through the Ostomy Canada Society, and the Hamilton and District Ostomy Association, she has mentored youth, contributed to Ostomy Canada magazine, and held a wide range of leadership positions.
Wendy Quinn
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Over the past 15 years, Wendy Quinn has consistently demonstrated genuine dedication to her community through her diverse engagements with Hemophilia Saskatchewan. Her extensive involvement in various committees and boards within the organization has contributed to expanding provincial medical assistance coverage for individuals affected by bleeding disorders in her community.
Lorna Eileen Scheschuk
The Pas, Manitoba
Since 1966, Lorna Scheschuk has demonstrated unwavering dedication as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 and its associated auxiliary. Throughout her tenure, she has served in leadership roles, including president and membership chair, and has been instrumental in coordinating events and fundraisers.
Chantal Simard
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
Over the past 25 years, Chantal Simard has invested her time and energy into raising awareness of and funds for the Association de la Fibrose kystique de Charlevoix Ouest. She offers a scientific perspective as a member of its board of directors and organizes fundraising events in the community.
Katharine Smyth
Tilbury, Ontario
For more than two decades, Katharine Smyth helped showcase the beauty of her community, serving in leadership positions with the Tilbury Horticultural Society and the Ontario Horticultural Society. Her dedication has ensured the town is always seasonally decorated and welcoming to visitors and locals alike.
Rocco Speranza
Montréal, Quebec
Rocco Speranza has been a mentor to youth for several decades, notably as a Scout leader. From raising money for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to raising awareness of the sacrifices of Second World War veterans, he has always aimed to lend a helping hand.
Monika Spolia
Laval, Quebec
Monika Spolia is an active volunteer in Montréal’s Indian community, notably the India Canada Organization, Indian Canada Association of Montréal, and the Quebec India Business Council. She organizes multicultural events and welcomes newcomers to Canada, teaches traditional dances at Hindu temples, and offers her services as a translator and interpreter.
Jenniefer Victoria Stronge
Kitchener, Ontario
For the last 10 years, Jenniefer Stronge has devoted herself to improving the lives of injured veterans, first responders and their families in her local community. She also advocates for Can Praxis, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving services for veterans and first responders coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Lisette Tremblay
Trois-Rivières, Quebec
For more than three decades, Lisette Tremblay has been volunteering with youth, health, financial and social organizations. She was also president of the boards of directors of the Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the Fondation régionale pour la santé de Trois-Rivières, and the Canadian Red Cross.
Honorary Colonel Luc Vandal
Chicoutimi, Quebec
For 15 years, Luc Vandal dedicated himself to the Festival International des Rythmes du monde de Saguenay, serving as president of its board of directors and helping the festival become recognized worldwide. He is currently an ambassador of the Maison des soins palliatifs du Saguenay.
Myles Vanni
Sarnia, Ontario
For more than a decade, Myles Vanni has been helping people through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and Scouts Canada. Thanks to his efforts, thousands of individuals have improved access to financial support services, and local youth have benefited from unique, skill-building experiences.
Danilo Antonio Velasquez
Ottawa, Ontario
Since founding the social media platform Quienes Somos? two decades ago, Danilo Velasquez has been serving as its content producer and editor, covering local events for his many followers. His efforts have showcased the vivacity of the Latin Canadian community in the National Capital Region and highlighted their contributions to Canada.