Volunteers play an important role in helping communities prosper, thanks to their continued commitment and efforts. Through Canada’s Volunteer Awards, the Government of Canada recognizes those volunteers who go above and beyond to support their communities and their country.
Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, recently announced this year’s recipients of Canada’s Volunteer Awards. The Minister will honour the recipients of the awards at a hybrid ceremony in Ottawa on April 15, 2024. This will be the 10th anniversary of Canada’s Volunteers Awards.
Canada’s Volunteer Awards recognize community leaders, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises, and businesses that have made significant contributions to improving the lives of others.
Each year, Canada’s Volunteer Awards present twenty regional awards and one national award.
The national Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a dedication to volunteering for at least 20 years. The twenty regional awards are awarded to five regional recipients in each of the following four categories: Emerging Leader, Business Leader, Community Leader, and Social Innovator.
Award recipients are highly engaged in their communities and inspire Canadians to make a difference through volunteering. Their compassion and kindness exemplify the generosity and strength at the heart of Canada.
Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement—Rahul Singh (National)
Rahul Singh has been volunteering in Ontario for over 25 years. He founded the David McAntony Gibson Foundation, known as GlobalMedic, in 1999 to honour his late friend. Rahul combines his emergency frontline experience with humanitarian work, providing efficient disaster relief operations. Under his leadership, his charity has gained recognition for its cost-effective approach using skilled volunteers to maximize aid delivery.
Emerging Leader (Regional)
• Atlantic: Stacie Smith
• Quebec: Jason Rivest
• Ontario: Lucia Marchionda
• Prairies: Justin Langan
• British Columbia and the North: Robin Changizi
Business Leader
• Ontario: Humble Beginning Stories
• Prairies: Automated Aquatics Canada Ltd.
Community Leader
• Atlantic: Angela Woodford
• Quebec: Dr. Daphnée Veilleux-Lemieux
• Ontario: Jill Kearney
• Prairies: Marc Hazlewood
• British Columbia and the North: Norman D. Crerar
Social Innovator
• Atlantic: Survivors of Abuse Recovering Society
• Quebec: Bénévoles d’expertise
• Ontario: The Hub
• Prairies: Norfolk Housing Association
• British Columbia and the North: The Ashcroft HUB Society
For more information:
Canada’s Volunteer Awards program
Award recipients’ biographies
