| Legacy Awards - 2015 Recipients |
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Announcing
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Khadija AzizKhadija is an 18-year old youth leader and arts advocate in her community of Thorncliffe Park as well as in other communities. Her belief that all youth should be encouraged to explore arts and take on leadership roles has resulted in several successful community events and the growth of youth leaders in her community. She co-founded, curated, and was the Art Director of her community's first youth-led art show called Thorncliffe Artscape. This event offered volunteer opportunities, leadership roles and a platform for students from neighbouring schools to exhibit their artwork for the first time in a public setting. When Khadija became the President of her school’s Art Council in Grade 11, she created new policies that opened the Council’s doors to students of all levels of artistic talents. Her passion and advocacy for the arts influenced an increase in student participation and engagement at her school. Recently, Khadija facilitated the creation of two live murals in downtown Toronto where twenty-four students put their artistic skills to use by painting two 5ft by 5ft canvasses that would be displayed at a youth shelter in Etobicoke. She is currently working on an independent project that will introduce Grade 10 students from her former high school to public art, offer them a first-hand experience painting a mural in the community’s local mall. Go to www.khadijaaziz.ca to view her work. Afsheen Aziz, who nominated Khadija says, Find out what Khadija has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Murray BenderShortly after arriving in Toronto nearly 30 years ago, Murray joined the Central YMCA and registered for the Volunteer Leadership Course. His primary goal was to meet people of diverse backgrounds and cultures, improve his wellness level and give back to his community. Murray’s longtime dream of helping others came to fruition as he was entrusted to lead not one but four classes per week as a volunteer. In spite of being new to the city, and having a full time job at RBC, he enthusiastically accepted the challenge. For the past 28 years, he has committed his time with discipline and perseverance. He has never missed a class in 25 years! He practices remarkable relationship building, has made very close friends with members in his class, including his partner whom he met in the early RunFit “hey days.” At the conclusion of his RunFit classes, Murray always stays behind and recommends ways to improve fitness, injuries to avoid and specialists to be consulted by those who need closer attention and help. He is one of a kind.
His nominator, Faiza Venzant says, Find out what Murray has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Kathy BodnarKathy has always encompassed a passion for volunteering, exemplified by her 12-year commitment to The Peer Project (TPP), which has provided peer mentoring services to over 30,000 at-risk children in Toronto. Kathy was drawn to TPP after growing up under the care of a single mother and experiencing first-hand the impact that one positive role model can create. At 16, she became a mentor and was matched with her mentee, Tara. Spending more than 3 hours per week together for 12 years, Kathy has been a constant, positive influence in Tara’s life. In 2011, she joined the Board of Directors as their youngest member. She was then nominated to Board Treasurer in 2014, devoting time and resources to improving TPP’s strategy, operations and fundraising. Kathy also plans one of TPP’s largest events, a 24-hour-Spinathon, where she devotes 26 straight hours to fundraising for the program. The Spinathon raised over $100,000, with Kathy raising $11,000 on her own. Through her work, Kathy also volunteered with Junior Achievement and in 2012, she joined Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Non-Profits, where she worked with a charity to create their strategic and sustainability plans over a 6-month period. Mona Dogen, who nominated Kathy, says Find out what Kathy has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Yves BoucherYves, with every fiber of his being is a shining example of someone who goes above and beyond in the best of times and also in the most difficult of times. A City of Toronto Fire Fighter, in 2008 he was diagnosed with a stage 3-4 brain tumor and was told he could expect to live at best another 5 years. Despite the side effects of the surgery and the radiation/chemotherapy, he was still driven to help others. Aided by his mentor, the late Dr. Robert Buckman, he embraced his new twist in life through great conversations about mortality. At Gilda's Club of Greater Toronto, Yves quickly went from being a member to volunteering his time to encourage others to heal. His positive attitude resulted in him being invited to join the 20/30’s group as a volunteer, as well as becoming a peer facilitator for the Men's Network Group. He is a constant fixture in the clubhouse helping build fences, shovel snow and doing anything else that is needed. In the summer, through his work with the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, Yves and his dog Betty volunteered weekly at Bridgepoint Hospital, visiting patients and providing inspiration for their rehabilitative therapy. When asked by patients and visitors to the hospital about the surgery scar on his head, he replies “Don’t worry it’s just cancer!” He has helped raise over $25,000 for the Pencer Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital where he continues to receive his treatment. Yves has also worked with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer serving as a patient representative at physician conferences to present his perspective, so physicians can understand what it must be like to be given the diagnosis of cancer. His nominator, Nicki Gallo says, Find out what Yves has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Crystal CastelinoIn 2012, a few years after leaving an abusive relationship, Crystal founded Abuse: Survival Stories, an event series that creates a platform for survivors and those going through abuse to experience the power of sharing their stories. For many survivors of abuse, it stands as a place of solace and understanding for anyone looking to take an important step in the healing process by speaking out. Funding it out of her own pocket, Crystal saw the event as her own gift to the world, a place for peace and healing for all. She continually educates herself on abuse and psychology, and attends leadership development workshops so that she can provide the type of space survivors are looking for. Those who attend the event do so regularly and often bring along family and friends to help in their healing process. The event is open to men, women, survivors and supporters alike with the purpose of restoring survivors' faith in the opposite sex, and in those who haven't experienced abuse by emphasizing the compassion that exists within us all.
Her nominator, Cheryl Fernandez says, Find out what Crystal has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Paul ChamberlainPaul has been involved with registered charities Amici Camping Charity and Camp Awakening since their founding, in 1966 and 1982 respectively. He has volunteered for almost every role at Amici from special events to programs to fundraising. During a difficult period at Camp Awakening, he stepped up and served as Interim Executive Director during an18 month period of transition and now volunteers on the Board of Directors where he helps with staff training, finance and fundraising. As a retired school teacher he has a sincere investment in youth development and is dedicated to providing safe, fun and active experiences for youth in Ontario, especially those facing barriers to participation such as kids from low income families and youth with physical disabilities. He also serves as registrar and house league co-ordinator for the North York Baseball Association; volunteer canoeing & water safety instructor at Kilcoo Camp in Minden as well as volunteer editor of the alumni newsletter; and he has served as president of the Board of his Concorde Park condo complex for the past 6 years. His nominator, Tracy Morley says, Find out what Paul has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Simon Chamberlain10 years ago, in an effort to resuscitate the Mount Dennis community association, Simon became a strong voice actively leading community clean-ups and projects to bring people together. Over the past three winters, Simon has been the driving force behind the creation, organization and supervision of one of the best resident driven projects in Mount Dennis - An Outdoor Community Skating rink in Pearen Park. Simon spends 30-50 hours a week volunteering at the outdoor rink organizing one of Toronto's few "Learn to Skate Programs." Having partnered with the city, he now voluntarily manages a small "Skate Hut" where he and other volunteers spend hours tying up the skates of hundreds of people each week, introducing them to the sport. He keeps meticulous care of the over 60 + pairs of donated skates as well as stores and records the names of hundreds of new skaters who started learning to skate on the rink - enjoying an outdoor sport they would not normally be exposed to.
His nominator, Jean-Marie Boutot says, Find out what Simon has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Edward ChinEdward has been an extraordinary “behind the scenes” force in his North York community by volunteering his time and services to many organizations and programs. He has fed the hungry through the Meals on Wheels program; walked tirelessly for campaigns such as Dad’s Walk, Walk for AIDS Cure, and most recently the Leukemia Walk For A Cure. As a single father, he knows the importance of a solid education and as a member of the Parent Counsel and the Program Advocacy Group of the CUPE 4400, has volunteered time to ensure African History programs remain in the Toronto school curriculum. He joined forces with a community church and put together a “Back to School Drive” to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary school supplies needed to do well in school. In 2013, Mr. Chin became a Reverend and founded "Gloves 4 Guns," a non-profit organization that gives young people a ray of hope by using sports and mentoring as a community support system. The project operates in both Canada and Jamaica and aims to give a brighter future to youth who feel that a life of violence, crime and despair are their only options. Before Edward was introduced to softball, he was headed down a vicious path living his life in Jamaica. Many of his friends were on Jamaica's top 10 most wanted list and his lifestyle was full of violence, devastation and uncertainty. Guns were a routine part of his life; he was in and out of jail and had the horrific experience of being shot in the shoulder. One day he was invited by a friend to play in a softball game happening that afternoon. That was the day he replaced his life of guns with a softball glove by joining the Invaders Softball Club. This experience inspired him to give back to young people who are at risk of falling into a life of hopelessness through the same game that changed his life. His nominator, Hope Reader says, Find out what Edward has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Deborah CraneDeborah Crane is an active community organizer. She saw a need to connect the youth in her St. Lawrence community with programs and services to help better their lives and improve their chances at staying out of trouble, finishing high school and finding employment. She volunteers on the Community Police Liaison Committee, a group that has partnered with the Toronto Police Service – 51 Division, to organize an annual basketball tournament, which is now going into its 6th year. She also organizes “Know Your Rights” and “Know Your Police” workshops to educate the community on their rights and connect youth to local police in a safe and non-threatening space. She spends countless hours organizing food and clothing drives as well toy drives during the Christmas season. She also spends time helping youth with their resumes and interview skills to prepare them for school or employment. She has significantly impacted the lives of seven youth from her community who, 3 years ago, were involved in illegal activities that could have resulted in jail time. Now, these youth are enrolled at George Brown College and working part-time. Five of them volunteer to coach basketball in the community. Her nominator and son, Kurtis Crane says, Find out what Deborah has to say about her volunteering experience! |
J. Francis CookeFrancis has been volunteering for the Parkwoods Minor Hockey League for six years. Married with 4 young children, Francis still finds time to devote countless hours as a coach and league President. He tirelessly promotes the league and maintains Parkwoods’ philosophy as a true “community” hockey league. Under Francis’ leadership, Parkwoods has had enviable success with consistently full-capacity enrollment, tremendous community support, balanced finances, and an exceptional participation rate (40-45%) in Select hockey. In addition to his leadership role at the league, Francis is a committed volunteer coach who has inspired and motivated both players and parents as well as encouraging girls and children from immigrant families to participate in the sport. Over the past five years, Francis has often coached not just one team, but multiple teams at the same time. Kids love to play hockey at Parkwoods because it is fun regardless of gender, skill and financial capacity. Francis’ philosophy on sportsmanship, character and friendship building will have a lasting impact on the lives of boys and girls in the league making their Parkwoods days some of their fondest memories.
His nominator, Jennifer Zhang says, Find out what J. Francis has to say about his volunteering experience!
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Sheilah CurrieIn 2005, in response to a need identified by newcomer clients at Eastview Community Centre, Sheilah Currie started a free, weekly reading club for children. Using her experience as a children’s book author and former Reading Recovery teacher in Toronto schools, she developed a program where the reading skills of each child attending a reading club were carefully assessed, then matched each week with a “book bag” of materials which the child reads with a volunteer, and takes home to practice. Aptly named “ReadUP,” the program now provides free reading support for 286 children at six (6) Toronto locations including: Eastview, Parent Resources Drop-In Centre, two Red Door Family Shelters, Duke of Connaught Public School, and a club serving both the Roden Junior Public School and Equinox Holistic Alternative School. With the support of 65 active volunteers, ReadUP has helped hundreds of children, many of whom are from newcomer families, as they acquire the skills they need to become confident readers who will enjoy reading and the academic success good reading skills can bring.
Find out what Sheilah has to say about her volunteering experience! |
John DavisFor over 15 years, John Davis has held a senior position at Ronald McDonald House Toronto moving from President of the Board (2003-2011) to serving on the Board as the Chairman of the Family Room Committee (2011-Present). He has played a key role in the expansion of the organization by leading the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto. The new house can now support 780 families, roughly 580 more families than the previous house. He developed the transition plan, helped in the recruitment of senior staff for the organization and brought financial stability through the recruitment of expert, active and experienced Board members. He also played a major role in the expansion of the House’s Family Rooms by helping in the development of the strategic plan by plotting the growth of the new spaces within hospital walls. He is now a member of their Mission Committee and continues to support through active input into the management and support of their rapidly expanding organization.
His nominator, Deborah Holmes says, Find out what John has to say about his volunteer experience! |
Carol DeightonCarol has been a champion volunteer at the Adoption Council of Ontario (ACO) for more than 10 years. After adopting two boys from foster care, she immediately got involved with ACO in a number of ways. She became a Parent Educator at their monthly “How to Adopt Sessions,” became the Education Committee Coordinator involved in planning education days for parents and professionals, has been the FunWalk Games Coordinator for 6 years and is also part of the Youth Network Parent support group. Quite simply, Carol is willing to help in any way she can at any time. Her house and garage are filled to the rafters with supplies and prizes. She gathers her friends together regularly to get things done and donates her time and money to cover the cost of the items she purchases. As an event, FunWalk raises $30,000 for ACO and is enjoyed by 250-300 people each year. Carol works about 1,000 hours on each event, including the time she brings friends and colleagues together for 'work” parties.
Her nominator, Pat Convery says Find out what Carol has to say about her volunteer experience! |
Susan DentelbeckSusan joined Volunteer Toronto as a volunteer Interviewer 11 years ago and has given over 1000 hours of her time each year until the fall of 2014. In her role, Susan was responsible for conducting interviews with a variety of individuals and attempting to secure suitable volunteer positions for them. During her time at Volunteer Toronto, Susan helped at least 7,000 people find volunteer opportunities. Whether it was a young person trying volunteering for the first time, a newcomer who had just arrived in the country, a person ordered by the court to volunteer or an elderly person looking for something gratifying to do in their retirement, she was a fountain of knowledge and was an instrumental part of their volunteer journey. Susan is a pleasant and humorous person who brought liveliness to the organization. Her feedback and suggestions were helpful in revamping our website and making it more user-friendly. She improved internal procedures for interviewing potential volunteers. and teamed up with staff members to brainstorm ideas to help them overcome various obstacles regarding the interview process. Ultimately, her understanding of the public helped the organization become more accessible to the community. Her nominator, Niranjala Mariathas says, Find out what Susan has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Tamara DoerksenTamara is the Founder and CEO of Lonny’s Smile Foundation, a children's initiative launched in 2010 to honour the memory of Tamara’s brother, Lonny Brent Doerksen. Lonny passed away in 1971 at the age of five after surgery to correct a congenital heart defect. Lonny’s Smile Foundation helps children with medical challenges to experience the typical elements of childhood such as play, friendship, laughter and adventure. Under Tamara’s leadership, Lonny’s Smile has raised over $100,000 to send more than 100 kids to Camp Oki, Canada’s first Summer Camp for children with congenital heart disease. At Camp Oki, campers realize that they are not alone and meet other kids their age who have gone through similar experiences. Tamara is a powerful and passionate advocate for Lonny and kids like him. She shares Lonny’s story and the vision of the organization whenever she can and inspires others to join the cause and advance the Lonny’s Smile mandate. She works continuously to build and sustain strong relationships with like-minded organizations and individuals and to fill gaps through unique ventures and partnerships. Her nominator, Robin McLaughlin says, Find out what Tamara has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Leslie FergusonLeslie Ferguson is passionate about healthy eating, especially as it relates to teens. This passion began with her own kids and has expanded to include all students at Martingrove Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke. She knows that it is impossible to learn while you are hungry and has established a program that ensures all students have equal opportunity to learn. In 2013, Leslie spearheaded a Nutrition Program at Martingrove C.I. that runs Monday to Friday for much of the day, Saturdays for the weekly tutorial, and serves upward of 800 students each day. The program involves coordinating parents, students, community donations, grants and staff. More than 60 students, 8 staff and 15 parents contribute to the program: families collect and bag the Friday night donation and students, parents and staff begin food preparation and distribution well before and after the school day. Leslie coordinates all of these efforts with a positive and friendly attitude. The program is now fully entrenched in the school culture and has created a common cause bringing students, teachers and parents together to make the program successful. It has also created excellent volunteer opportunities for students giving them a meaningful way to take on leadership roles and to give back to their community. Most importantly, the program has contributed to increased attendance, better academic performance and enhanced positive social interaction Her nominator, Carolyn Vranesic says, Find out what Leslie has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Audrey GuthAfter being diagnosed with breast cancer and having to spend many hours at the cancer treatment centre, Audrey noticed many young mothers who did not have access to childcare and were struggling while they went to treatment sessions, doctors’ appointments and tried to get the rest they needed. She quickly realized that there was a significant gap between health care and social services that simply wasn’t being met. So, in 2008, around the kitchen table with her daughter and a few close friends, she created the Nanny Angel Network with the goal of providing FREE, in-home, carefully educated and screened childcare professionals for moms on their cancer journey. Since its inception, the Nanny Angel Network has helped over 1,000 families from across the GTA, and is poised to do much, much more. The requests for this incredible free service are now coming in from across Canada and internationally as well. NAN helps mothers feel assured that their children are in safe, caring hands. That confidence gives them the chance to focus on their medical treatments, doctors’ visit, and taking the time they need to rest and recover. For a minimum of five hours per week, Nanny Angels volunteer their time so mothers can get much needed rest, go to appointments or run errands or simply have time for themselves. Delivering these services in the family’s own home reduces stress and allows women to focus on their own well-being. NAN has expanded it’s scope to provide childcare during the bereavement period, a most difficult time for families adjusting to the loss of their mother. Her nominator, Heidi Floyd says, Find out what Audrey has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Colleen KennyFor over 35 years, Colleen has given back to her community both socially and financially through her various volunteer roles at over 20 nonprofit organizations across Toronto. Colleen volunteers with organizations that have a personal impact for her, where she knows she can make a difference and can share her skills and talents. Colleen’s interests of motor biking, blues music and tai chi have also led her to many volunteer roles where she contributes as a teacher, helps raise money, or provides outreach for the organization. After Colleen’s young nephew battled cancer from 1995 until his passing in 2002, she raised awareness of issues faced by children with cancer and volunteered helping at camps, fundraising and working with children during hospitalization. As she cares for her mother now, Alzheimer’s is a cause where she wants to help make a difference. For the last 10 years, she has been a volunteer at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Colleen can been seen in multiple roles and has directly impacted the lives of three children she has mentored into young adulthood as a “Special Friend.” She has also indirectly affected many more youth through her trips as a chaperone on the Society’s Soul Journey trips out of town, attending special event outings, and observing youth in visits with their parents when they were in care. She currently co-facilitates volunteer orientation night where she shares her passion of volunteering. Her nominator, Lori Gibbard says, Find out what Colleen has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Alan MillerHaving volunteered since 1977, Alan is the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archive’s longest running volunteer. In that time he has been involved in many projects, but in particular he has supported the Operations Committee as the Chair helping with the cataloguing, arranging and archiving of materials. He also takes a role in mentoring new volunteers at the CLGA in training and working with the materials. One of his other major roles has been doing public service for community researchers. Whether they are academics, community organizers, librarians or curators from other institutions he is always there to help with a friendly face and a wealth of knowledgeable to provide. Last year, Alan volunteered with Rhubarb Festival helping on both days of performances at the CLGA as well as spent countless hours in supporting the performers in their research. He was the main point of contact for the Archives partnership with the Canadian Museum of History to help bring LGBTQ+ histories in their new Canadian History Hall and he also helped with the Textile Museum’s Pride Exhibit in 2014. His nominator, Jade Pichette says, Find out what Alan has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Randy PhippsDespite a jam packed schedule, Randy Phipps still manages to volunteer his time consistently to support the fight against human trafficking and help at risk youth learn valuable life skills through fitness programming. He goes above and beyond helping [free-them], a group of individuals who have come together to work collectively with government, law enforcement and victim service partners to help combat human trafficking. He helps educate students, organizations, faith communities’ business professionals and corporate groups that slavery still exists today in our country. When he’s not raising awareness about human trafficking he is advocating for free, high quality sports and recreation programs for Toronto's youth as a board member of Mentoring Juniors Kids Organization. MJKO is a not-profit charity with the goal of creating Community Champions. For the past 5 years, he has helped MJKO deal with kids being deported, families struggling with illness or kids just trying to navigate being a teen. In this time, his work has helped serve over 5000 youth. His nominator, Miranda Kamal says, Find out what Randy has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Lauren RudolphLauren began volunteering with Reena, a non-profit social service agency committed to bringing people with a developmental disability into the community, in January of 2010 when she was 14 years old. She first started working with children in the “Bowling Buddies” program, and now works with adults in the “Special Olympics Bowling” program. Her primary role is to be a friend – to socialize with the athletes, encourage and help them to participate and cheer them on. In 2011, 16 year-old Lauren then took on the additional role of head volunteer which she quickly embraced and came to excel in. As such, she supports other volunteers and helps staff to keep the program organized and running smoothly, always making sure that everyone has the information they need, is comfortable and enjoying themselves. While Lauren’s contribution has, in itself, been extraordinary, what makes it even more unique is that 3 years ago, she got very sick with Lyme disease, ending up home-bound. Despite these major challenges, Lauren was determined to continue volunteering every single week. Lauren is a warm and caring person with a wonderful attitude. Her passion for helping people with special needs is evident. Her patience has helped the individuals she supports to achieve goals that were previously thought impossible, like tying their own shoes! Lauren’s contribution not only reflects Reena’s goals and objectives, but her dedication to inclusion for people with disabilities reflects positively on the community as a whole. Her nominator, Mille Chadwick says, Find out what Lauren has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Cleo SimmondsCleo has been volunteering in the Rexdale area for over 20 years. Having lived and raised her family in the community, she understands and sympathizes with the difficulties many women and children face when fleeing violence. Eight year’s ago, Cleo started to volunteer with Ernestine's Women's Shelter where she helped in the donation area as well as the food and clothing bank. At any given time, there are on average 14 women and 18 children that reside at Ernestine's while they are fleeing from violence and abusive situations. Ernestine's supports these families and over 100 families across the GTA, Orillia as well as the Aboriginal women on Georgina Island with programs and supports like Cleo’s emergency food and clothing bank. She is a strong support for the families moving out of the shelter, working hand in hand with the outreach staff to continue their important work. She also contributes her time and energy to prepare for events such as the Back to School backpack event and the shelter’s annual Winterfest.
Her nominator, Khadija Kathy says, Find out what Cleo has to say about her volunteer experience! |
Margaret SmukMargaret Smuk is a long standing volunteer at Kipling Acres, she began volunteering there in 1978 and has been actively involved as the President of Volunteers and as a member of the Advisory Committee on Long-Term Care Homes and Services. She has actively advocated for and worked towards positive changes in long-term care over the years. This interaction promotes many opportunities to enrich the lives and strengthen the connection between residents and their community at large. Margaret assists at many events at the home - Just Desserts, Ice Cream Socials, Mother's day, Father's day, birthday parties, craft group, Bazaars, distribution of seasonal cards, Christmas visits and Celebration of Life. Margaret has also volunteered in the past as a Canvasser for Heart and Stroke, Canadian Cancer Society, Salvation Army and the United Way. Margaret currently sits on the board for Etobicoke Services for Seniors. She has been volunteering for over 60 years.
Her nominator, Moshsha Charles says, Find out what Margaret has to say about her volunteering experience! |
Evan TapperHaving joined the volunteer program back in 2005, Evan Tapper is one of The Redwood’s longest serving male volunteers. The Redwood is a safe haven in Toronto for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. It provides the emotional, practical and social support that families need to get their lives back on track. Evan is an award-winning visual artist and art educator. He is the Director of Continuing Studies at OCAD University and a Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Evan facilitates the art program, using art to heal lives of children and youth between 8-17 years. Despite his busy schedule, Evan always creates time to volunteer at The Redwood and at community events organized by The Redwood helping women and children to explore and express their experiences using art. During the December holidays, Evan volunteers to draw caricatures of mothers and their children, giving them something to remind them of the key milestones in their journey of life free from abuse.
His nominator, Evelynn Ogwang says, Find out what Evan has to say about his volunteering experience! |
Kevin VuongAs a youth champion and advocate, Kevin has worked hard to advance youth issues to ensure all young people have a seat at the table when it comes to municipal politics. A Council Engagement Lead, with the Toronto Youth Cabinet, he brings the voice of youth to our city’s decision-makers and political leaders At the systemic level, as a member of the expert panel for the Toronto Youth Equity Strategy, he is working to build resiliency and supportive systems for youth most vulnerable to serious crime and violence. He also serves on the Ports Toronto’s (formerly the Toronto Port Authority) on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport expansion as the sole youth representative. Most recently, he took the community message of the need for greater youth representation to the Toronto Police Services Board. Kevin is also active at the community-level, serving on the advisory board for Success Beyond Limits, an agency working with at-risk youth in the Toronto Jane-Finch community. He is impacting the lives of youth by building innovative cross-sectorial partnerships between the private, public, and non-profit sectors and is at the forefront of reversing the negative stereotype of youth – that youth are immature, naïve, and inexperienced.
His nominator, Paul Martin says, Find out what Kevin has to say about his volunteer experience! |
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Winner photos taken by Jeff Kirk Photography
