Champion Stories: Enter a world of Innovation, Dedication and Caring
Congratulations to our award winners, the social architects who help people make transformational changes to their lives and build thriving communities. Read more about them and be inspired!
Here are a few of our featured stories. All stories are taken from the nomination forms.
Corey Wright
Dedication Award
As a Transition Support Worker of the John Howard Society and a volunteer with 902ManUp, Corey has been involved intensively in his community since his release from incarceration. His participation in an improvised play was a key activity that created community support for 902ManUp, an organization of “real men giving real time making real change”. […]
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Dave Green
Dedication Award
Dave is a dedicated Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) who founded FUNSports to help kids from marginalized communities gain access to a wider range of sports. The inspiration came when he helped a long-term friend raise her two sons in Uniake Square. He quickly recognized that there was a lack of funding for underprivileged communities when […]
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COSTI Immigrant Services Team
Team Achievement Award
The goal of this team is to provide mobile, wrap-around, empowerment-based intensive case management and clinical mental health services to government-assisted refugees in the GTA. The team has always demonstrated consistent commitment to the refugees they serve. However, since 2015, the team has surpassed everyone’s expectations. Between November 2015 and March 2016, over 2,000 Syrian […]
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Diana Grimaldos
Leadership Award
In over a decade of service with Working Women Community Centre, Diana has taken on a variety of leadership roles. But it was her role managing Working Women Community Centre’s flagship multicultural community garden during a critical period of change that prompted her colleagues to nominate her. Diana’s challenge was to restructure the garden, located […]
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Simon Kalkstein
Dedication Award
Simon has been with Jewish Family and Child Services for 45 years, and provides financial assistance on behalf of the organization to clients. He is well-known for his ability to deal with the frequent crises in his clients’ lives with a calm, clear thinking and practical approach that focuses on solving problems. Simon is relentless […]
Read the full storyAll Award Winners – Stories that Spark a Smile
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A thank-you note from a grateful parent
May 19, 2016
“To whom it may concern:
I have had the pleasure of participating in some of the wonderful programs offered at the Caledon Parent-Child Centre. My son, who is now 4 years, is enrolled into the School Here I Come program at the Centre.
Words cannot express how much I appreciate the efforts of all the staff that work there but my special thanks goes to Carol Medhurst or “Mrs. Carol” as all the children call her.
Since my son has been in her care, he has blossomed. His social development is worlds from where we started and the shy boy who would hide under the desks, now dances in front of the crowds. All the positive reinforcement is thanks to Carol.
Carol is an amazing teacher and shows so much loving care to all the children. She makes going to “school” fun. Her patience and nurturing demeanor draw the children to her.
As parent, I am so grateful for the level of care and guidance Joseph is exposed too. He has learned so much out of the School Here I Come program and gets so excited at the mention of “Mrs. Carol’s” name.
It is very obvious that Carol’s position and job is not just another day at work. She puts her heart and soul into her programs and the outcome of her dedication is so rewarding.
Every child in her care excels, one way or another.”
– Testimonial from a grateful parent.
From the Heart: Words about and from our Award Winners
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"Those of us who are lucky enough to work with her know that she’s the definition of irreplaceable. She’s the epitome of dedication. She is the quintessential unsung hero. In nominating her for this award we hope that she finally gets her time in the spotlight."
"Before I entered Women Moving Forward, I was confused about how I was going to achieve goals in my life. While in the program, I realized that all the teachers never gave up on me. They always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They gave me a drive to keep moving forward and never look back."
"His compassionate heart is the pulse of the organization."
"The program challenges all the negative stereotypes and helps to generate an awareness of the positive roles Black men contribute to society. . . We have seen fathers go from not saying anything to getting the resources they need to help their children’s development. . . It’s important that programs such as More Than a Haircut be recognized for their great community partnership work."
"She is the glue that keeps our organization running smoothly. Her smile and positive attitude help keep team spirits up in the face of any challenge."
"When we think of dedication, we think immediately of the unsung heroes of the non-profit sector. The people who work outside of the spotlight, whose contributions to an organization’s success are significant, but often overlooked. These people provide the solid foundation that every organization needs to achieve a meaningful impact."