2025 Canada’s Volunteer Awards Recipient

Bharat also addressed identity gaps among first-generation Indo-Canadian youth through cultural initiatives like SURTAAL (Melody & Beat), Ottawa's first Punjabi radio show, and Nach Pae Yaar (Dance My Friend), the city's first Bhangra dance team fostering pride and belonging.

Philanthropically, he co-founded Dhadkan (Heartbeat), raising over $10 million for the Ottawa Heart Institute. In collaboration with the Ottawa Senators, Bharat organized the inaugural "India Day" as one of many initiatives to celebrate and integrate Indo-Canadian culture in the broader Ottawa community.

Bharat seeks to inspire collaboration and empower others. Every initiative he has pioneered has reflected his belief in collective action. Through Dhadkan, he mobilized volunteers, partnered with healthcare professionals, and engaged civic institutions-measuring success by the leaders he uplifted.

Today, as a Board Governor at Algonquin College, Bharat champions equity, student success, and community engagement. His influence extends through roles with Startup Canada, ISTP Canada, Invest Ottawa, and the city's Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards.

Across all efforts, Bharat promotes inclusion, supporting immigrants, racialized communities, and youth. His legacy is not only institutions built but confidence instilled, networks forged, and a vision of community rooted in belonging and possibility.

A champion of youth development, David's involvement with Scouts Canada began in 1978. He built structures fostering confidence, leadership, and civic responsibility among youth. In 1999, he founded the Scouts Canada Foundation, securing a financial base to sustain programs for generations and promote volunteerism nationwide.

David also addressed urgent social and health needs. He supported vulnerable families through leadership roles with the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre Foundation, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Foundation, and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, applying his financial expertise to strengthen these organizations. Tackling food insecurity and homelessness, he chaired the Barrhaven Food Cupboard and helped plan a new facility to meet rising demand. He co-founded the Christmas Cheer Foundation, which raised over $2 million to feed families during the holidays.

As Chair of the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame (2022-2024), David modernized operations, introduced digital upgrades, and expanded engagement. Beyond these roles, he contributed to non-profits such as Rotary Club of South Nepean, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation while participating on their boards.

Honored with the Order of Ottawa, Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, and King Charles III Coronation Medal, David's true legacy lies in the countless lives he uplifted and inspired.

In Moncton and surrounding area, Organigram Global employees contributed over 400 volunteer hours to the Early Childhood Family Resource Centre (FRC) Moncton and supported other non-profits including Youth Impact Jeunesse, animal shelters, the YWCA, food banks, and community shelters. Their work at the FRC has been especially impactful. They made contributions by revising educational materials, sanitizing toys, assisting with events, providing childcare, and offering manual labour, which allowed the FRC to redirect resources to frontline services for families.

Organigram staff also support special events, such as assisting with activities that address food insecurity by handling logistics such as setup, cleanup, and donation sorting. They have also organized diaper and paper product deliveries from local partners, helping the FRC maintain high-quality programming despite growing demand and budget constraints.

Organigram's commitment goes beyond volunteer hours. Their presence inspires other businesses and individuals to get involved. Led by Volunteer Ambassadors, they create opportunities aligned with causes that matter, including food security, environmental stewardship, shelters, animal welfare, youth programs, and family support. Their example shows the powerful impact businesses can have when they lead with compassion and purpose.

With a legal background and experience as an office administrator, Darlene volunteers her time to mentor adults and students, advocating for disadvantaged individuals, seniors, artisans, and musicians. She believes volunteerism thrives on teamwork and inspires others to challenge themselves as she does.

Her impact extends through hosting fraud prevention sessions, end-of-life planning workshops, and wellness activities like chair yoga and wreath making-providing valuable resources while fostering community connection. Her compassion is evident in everyday acts: preparing meals for the sick, assisting with applications, transporting individuals to appointments, and supporting families in crisis.

Darlene's contributions to numerous charitable organizations reflects her unwavering commitment to service. Her dedication has inspired people from all walks of life by creating opportunities and strengthening cultural identity to make a lasting difference. Her work exemplifies how one person's leadership and generosity can elevate an entire community.

She gives presentations in rehabilitation centres and trains tourism staff on welcoming people with disabilities. In 2024, Isabelle launched a pilot project for adapted‑taxis in Montréal. She also sits on several advisory committees, including those of Aéroports de Montréal, Air Canada, and VIA Rail. She contributes to the development of international accessibility standards.

Her commitment extends beyond borders through the organization and co‑chairing of international summits on accessible tourism, notably in Montréal (2014), Brussels (2018), and Turin (2025). These events promote the sharing of best practices and the implementation of concrete measures to improve accessibility worldwide. Isabelle frequently serves as a speaker and moderator at international conferences, helping to showcase initiatives from Québec and advance global standards in inclusive tourism.

The impact of her work is substantial: thousands of persons with disabilities and professionals in the tourism industry have benefited from her training, presentations, and projects. She has influenced accessibility policies, improved services, and inspired many through her exceptional journey. Her achievements have earned her several distinctions, including the title of Knight of the Ordre de Montréal (2025) and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers (2018), affirming her role as a leader and role model in promoting a more inclusive world.

In the area of public health, his peer-led model for STI/HIV prevention has reached over 2,000 individuals, fostering trust and accessibility between marginalized communities and health institutions. His approach centers on lived experience, ensuring that solutions are co-created with those most affected.

Adam also collaborated with formerly incarcerated mentors, social workers, and education advocates to create a literacy-building book club which is now operating in multiple correctional facilities across Ontario benefitting hundreds of incarcerated individuals and providing pathways to reintegration.

In education, Adam's anti-racism and inclusion training has impacted over 10,000 students and educators, contributing to safer, more inclusive learning environments. His efforts helped shape Toronto's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework, resulting in mandatory anti-bias training for municipal employees.

Jim has served as a Volunteer Advisor with Catalyste+ for more than 15 years, completing assignments that support diverse communities nationwide. Catalyste+ is an economic development organization that connects businesses, organizations, and communities in Canada and abroad. Jim's involvement spans technical assistance, capacity-building, and empowering local leadership through entrepreneurs and community associations.

Jim has overcome challenges such as cultural and social barriers in remote and Indigenous communities. Transitioning from a corporate mindset to a community-focused approach required adaptability, as did navigating language and education gaps by tailoring tools to local needs.

His impact is far-reaching. In Arviat, Nunavut for example, his workshops on financial management and cooperative development supported program managers and emerging business owners. Through Jim's facilitation of workshops and tool development, he helped local leaders develop confidence in their management abilities and provided the framework for better financial oversight and operational processes. He has also played a significant role in economic and social development through supporting businesses and entrepreneurs with Catalyste+.

Jim has demonstrated a strong dedication to collaboration and lifelong learning, reflecting his belief that volunteerism is a reciprocal investment-what you give returns in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Since 2010, Jim coordinated interagency meetings, leading health workers, teachers, and government reps to tackle housing shortages. His mediation started a home repair co-op, fixing 20 homes yearly.

Since 2013, Jim championed a community garden, turning rocky soil into a food lifeline. He secured seeds from southern donors. He rallied youth to double its size and sustain food security. His Tłı̨chǫ language classes, offered for free after his teaching job, revived the language for more than 50 learners. Jim led by studying with Elders, then passing on phrases like "łééchąąʼíí nààtsʼéłé" (we are strong together) to his students, sustaining cultural pride. He organized summer language camps, ensuring kids carry the words forward.

For 30 years, Jim led the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Volunteer Income Tax Program in his community. The program is a volunteer-driven initiative where community organizations host free tax clinics which helps people, such as seniors, students, and low-income individuals, access benefits, with clinics often operating from March to April. In this role, Jim trained a dozen volunteers to offer the clinics and also convinced software companies to donate tools to keep the program running.

Jim has united agencies, led evacuations, and preserved culture. His partnerships with Tłı̨chǫ Government, co-ops, and communities have created lasting solutions, turning the region into a united force.

Jim's volunteer efforts have brought financial relief, food sustainability, culture, and unity that reached thousands across Tłı̨chǫ lands. His models, shared at Tłı̨chǫ assemblies, continue to guide northern communities, amplifying his impact in communities

The initiative grew, and through his leadership, 10 clinics employing over 40 staff have become hubs of collective volunteerism. Since its inception, more than 10 dentists, along with hygienists, dental assistants, administrative staff, and local suppliers have donated their time or provided materials during free dental care days.

In October 2025, Dr. Raj called on dental professionals nationwide to launch a National Dental Care Day, offering pro bono care annually. Leading by example, he scheduled 10 free dental care days across his clinics in 2025.

His role extends beyond clinical service-he is a national advocate for dignity-driven care and professional civic responsibility. His model has expanded to Brampton, Fergus, and Stoney Creek, proving scalable and sustainable. Patients include low-income seniors, newcomers, working families, and individuals with disabilities. He also partners with cultural and faith-based groups serving Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities ineligible for public coverage.

Dr. Raj has earned numerous honors, including the Canada 150 Medallion and RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award. His business has also received the Canadian Business Excellence Award eight times.

Mobilizing a team of 400 volunteers on an annual basis, Wake the Giant hosts a world-class music festival celebrating inclusivity and Indigenous culture, featuring live art, cultural experiences, local food, and an Indigenous Craft Market. In addition, through the creation of a student orientation program and the development of cultural awareness workshops and informational materials, Luka has built a movement of business owners, artists, athletes, and community members working together to make Thunder Bay more inclusive.

Volunteers often maintain relationships with students becoming allies, mentors, and friends. Many youth arrive uncertain about their place in the city but leave with a sense of belonging and connection.

Luka's work has had far-reaching effects-touching Indigenous youth, volunteers, local businesses, and the broader community. He is not just an organizer but a leader and mentor who inspires others to take action. His commitment to making Thunder Bay welcoming has encouraged many to step up and foster change.

Through a network linking local organizations, service providers, and grassroots initiatives. Amanda collaborates with job placement programs, mental health organizations, educational institutions, and mentorship groups to ensure accessible resources. The hub offers young people opportunities to develop skills, gain confidence, and find guidance.

As a single, unemployed mother, Amanda personally experienced the challenges of navigating support systems and securing opportunities. Many still face similar struggles in her community. She overcame these barriers, earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Counselling from York University and now provides mental health counseling to adults.

While Back 2 Basickz focuses on youth, it also connects adults, single parents, low-income families, and individuals facing systemic barriers to vital resources. Many youth Amanda has mentored have become leaders within the organization, breaking cycles of isolation and disadvantage and replacing them with hope and empowerment.

Amanda's vision goes beyond individual success-she strives to build collective strength. Her ability to foster mentorship and community support has had a profound impact, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and give back. Through Back 2 Basickz, Amanda has created a culture of resilience and opportunity that continues to transform lives.

The Senior population has benefited from Alison's work. She has volunteered at retirement homes, with the aging community through the Alzheimer's Society and as a shelter volunteer.

Alison also made contribution to the Indigenous community through her volunteer work in the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI, and her Memorial University Graduate Student Mentorship of Indigenous graduate students. She is committed to the pursuit of justice and reconciliation for the Indigenous community.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alison became a volunteer bilingual crisis responder for Kids Help Phone. Over the past five years, she has supported youth across the country through difficult, often life-saving conversations. She has inspired others to action through her creativity and hands-on approach, making her a catalyst for positive and lasting change.

Alison's influence also reaches into the community through her work with Easter Seals, and the Friendship Circle of Newfoundland, organizations that support children and youth living with disabilities, mental health challenges, and social barriers. She leads by example, supports others through challenges, and fosters community which makes her a true emerging leader in Atlantic Canada.

Over the years, Donia has successfully brought together partners, professionals, and institutions to create sustainable projects with a real impact in the community. She has collaborated with the Forum Jeunesse de Saint‑Michel, organized initiatives with the UNHCR, and served on prestigious youth councils, including the Desjardins and the Library and Archives Canada boards. Her leadership and her ability to inspire young people have led her to represent her community at conferences, public consultations, and national events.

Recognized as a model of commitment, Donia has received several distinctions, including the Québec Lieutenant Governor's Medal and the Exceptional Engagement Award from the Forum Jeunesse de Saint‑Michel. She also represented Canada at the One Young World 2024 Summit and continues to develop solutions to promote education and youth employability. Her journey reflects a profound dedication to building a better future for her community and for generations to come.

Shiven became the public face of the CR Box through TV, radio, and Fortune magazine coverage. To expand access, he created multilingual guides downloaded over 40,000 times, co-authored academic work on air quality and partnered with his robotics team to distribute air cleaners to vulnerable farm workers via Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers. He also led a box-building session with Ontario School Safety at the University of Waterloo, taught 15,000 parents on Facebook Live, and secured a grant for air filtration workshops with Centennial Senior Public School.

Collaborating with scientists like Dr. Corsi and Dr. Kimberly Prather, Shiven ensured research-based messaging. His Toronto Star article educated the public on clean indoor air and virus transmission. He translated his illustrated guide into four languages, adapted it with UK and German engineers, and saw it shared by Let's Talk Science, the U.S. EPA, and Yale staff.

To overcome cost barriers, Shiven negotiated with a local filter manufacturer and developed mini boxes for cubicles and cars, reducing prices significantly. His efforts benefited seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and essential workers in crowded housing. Educators and students used his guide to build their own units, while engineers and public health professionals applied his designs globally.

Shiven raised awareness by engaging retailers and health organizations and earned recognition from government officials, media, and academia, as well as, receiving awards such as the Diana Award and King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Starting with her own funds, Sheliza grew CBM through media attention and partnerships with companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, L'Oréal, and Google. Over 12 years, CBM has celebrated birthdays for more than 3,500 children and expanded globally, opening a chapter in Africa and distributing essential items to orphanages. CBM is fully volunteer run with more than 200 skilled volunteers.

Sheliza leverages Pembina's PATH program for donation matching and leadership rewards, amplifying her impact. She also serves as a lead representative on Pembina's Sherwood Park Community Action Team, helping allocate $150,000 annually to projects like National Indigenous Peoples Day and an accessible playground. In 2024, she expanded CBM to Edmonton, created a Benevity volunteer opportunity (a platform that provides charitable donation-management, volunteer-management and grant-management) with Pembina Pipeline Corporation for their employees to gift wrap Christmas presents for the Stollery Children's Hospital during lunch hour.

Sheliza has inspired CBM chapters across Canada, Peru, and Africa, onboarding leaders and sharing resources. As a board member of Canadian Women in Energy -Edmonton chapter she recruited volunteers through the Calgary Chapter and planned site visits for women to provide them with firsthand exposure to operational roles and technical environments, empowering them to envision themselves in such careers.

At Pembina, she advocates for psychological safety through the Men's Inclusion Network, sharing resources, participating in panels, and fostering discussions at sites across North America. A motivational speaker, Sheliza has inspired thousands at events like We Day Alberta, TEDxYouth Calgary, and Junior Achievement's Business Hall of Fame.

Stephanie also founded CAN-ACCESS, a national network improving healthcare accessibility. In five months, she raised $100,000 to implement upgrades in hospitals and clinics, leading over 120 projects that include wheelchair ramps, Braille signage, sensory-friendly spaces, and automatic doors in long-term care facilities. CAN-ACCESS offers free accessibility consulting to over 300 organizations and has trained 7,500 healthcare professionals in disability-inclusive care, breaking barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Her impact also extends to STEM education and mental health advocacy. Stephanie launched engineering workshops for more than 1,000 underrepresented high school students, with 40% pursuing STEM degrees, and created viral STEM content reaching 150,000 viewers. She has dedicated over 2,000 volunteer hours to crisis intervention and suicide prevention, saving lives and supporting mental health.

Stephanie's leadership spans sustainability, healthcare, education, and equity, benefiting homeless individuals, people with disabilities, low-income families, seniors, and youth from marginalized backgrounds. Her work demonstrates how vision and determination can transform communities. By fostering accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment, Stephanie has redefined what is possible for youth-led change, creating lasting impact across Canada.

Amandeep has worn many hats, writing lesson plans, managing volunteers, and coordinating multi-city events. She co-founded the Surrey Youth Safety Council and served on the Surrey Leadership Youth Council, both dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for youth. Her advocacy has championed programs that reduce violence, improve mental health supports, and foster leadership skills, particularly for girls, immigrants, and first-generation youth.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amandeep led SPARK's digital pivot, ensuring programs continued. From virtual career panels to online wellness series, she endeavoured to keep youth engaged and hopeful during isolation. She also organized care packages and food deliveries to support vulnerable families.

Her collaborative approach extended beyond SPARK. Amandeep worked with city officials, community organizers, and frontline workers to develop responsive youth strategies. She facilitated roundtables bridging cultural, generational, and professional divides, strengthening connections between young residents and institutions.

Women and girls, especially from the South Asian community, have found inspiration in Amandeep's leadership. In a field where racialized women are underrepresented, she is viewed as a role model.

Her impact reflects a commitment to empowering youth and fostering inclusive growth.

In 2024, Amandeep received the Governor General's Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, a national honour recognizing her lifelong dedication to strengthening Canada's social fabric.

By providing an alternative to expensive hotels, RMHC Maritimes helps ease the financial burden on families. The facility's programs offer a calm and quiet environment to help families cope with the stress of their child's illness and a place to connect with other families in similar situations. It allows family members to stay together and remain close to their child during a critical time, rather than having to stay at home or being constantly at the hospital.

As the world's first net-zero carbon RMHC facility, it is Gold Certified for accessibility, ensuring sustainability and inclusivity while setting a global precedent in healthcare and design excellence.

The creation of the RMHC Maritimes was a community effort. It was built on years of collaboration, expertise, and shared purpose. The state-of-the-art facility was designed with intention and compassion, incorporating environmental innovations and accessibility standards that will create lasting, meaningful impacts on the families it serves in Halifax and the broader community. The leadership team behind the new facility brought not only drive and dedication to the project, but an unwavering desire to create something transformational for the families they serve.

RMHC Maritimes has set a new standard for community care and have proven that with vision and heart, it's possible to build something that not only serves, but inspires.

Over the years, the organization has developed several major initiatives reaching thousands of people across Canada. Among its major projects are Making Your Way Up, a Canada‑wide mentorship and professional development program, Sayasafe, focused on digital and urban safety, and Dialogues de la Diaspora, which raises broad awareness about issues of intersectionality and discrimination. In 2024, the organization reached nearly 700,000 people online and brought together hundreds of participants at in‑person events, confirming its role as a platform for social transformation.

The organization also stands out for its feminist and participatory governance model, made up of 33 active members, as well as its strong community mobilization. It collaborates with institutional and community partners while developing new projects such as the École Sayaspora, aimed at training the next generation of Afro‑descendant creators. Through its ongoing work in representation, training, and solidarity, Sayaspora is helping to build an inclusive and resilient ecosystem. The organization has become an essential force for young women of the African diaspora in Québec and across Canada.

StepStones engages individuals, groups, and sectors to improve outcomes for youth in child welfare. Nearly 2,500 volunteers contribute time and skills, often committing to long-term mentorship. Mentors receive trauma-informed training to support youth with histories of abuse and neglect. Circles of support include teachers, coaches, and community allies. Volunteers assist with tutoring, post-secondary research, career networking, and small business development. Workshop instructors teach photography, art, cooking, yoga, and mindfulness. Events such as weekly dinners, recreational outings, and cultural celebrations foster belonging. Their programs address homelessness prevention by securing safe, long-term housing and providing emergency subsidies. Education and employment initiatives remove barriers to learning and workforce participation, while mental health programming connects youth to culturally appropriate therapists and trauma-informed care. Connection Coordinators and mentors help youth set goals, attend appointments, and access supports.

StepStones partners with more than 50 inclusive organizations to serve Black, Indigenous, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth, who are overrepresented in child welfare. Partners include Caribbean and African Canadian Social Services, Friends of Ruby, and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. In 2024, StepStones received the Toronto Community Champion Award for outstanding collaboration.

StepStones' impact ensured 89% of youth are stably housed after six months, 88% access mental health supports after 12 months, and 83% attend or graduate high school within a year. These outcomes have attracted government, foundation, and corporate support for scaling the model across Ontario and nationally. Recognized as a Top 100 Charity and Top 10 Youth Charity in Canada, StepStones earned A+ and 5-Star ratings from Charity Intelligence for the second consecutive year.

Unison hosts free food markets, partnering with the food bank, and securing donations from COBS Bread to ensure those using their services have access to nutritious food. In 2024, 76 volunteers contributed 7,470 hours, delivering 818 grocery orders, hosting 60 food markets serving 2,238 clients, and providing 84 emergency baskets. At Kerby Café, volunteers prepared and served over 500 meals monthly, ensuring nutritious, affordable food and a sense of community

In the area of personal financial management, Unison collaborates with ASPIRE to provide support for tax filing and benefit navigation, partners with Dalhousie Community Association for free tax clinics and works with Silvera to provide tax services at five locations. Unison also partnered with Pro Bono Canada to offer free wills, power of attorney, and personal directive services for low-income seniors.

Active Aging initiatives include horticulture workshops and digital skills training with the University of Calgary, plus wellness programs with Caregivers Alberta and Alzheimer's Society of Calgary. These programs received 13,016 volunteer hours, promoting seniors' physical and mental well-being.

Volunteers also offered companionship to home care clients, supported shelter residents facing elder abuse, and organized special events.

YMCA BC partners with municipalities, school districts, health authorities, Indigenous communities, newcomer-serving organizations, and other non-profits to design and deliver programs that address community priorities such as youth employment readiness, mental wellness, newcomer settlement, and equitable access to recreation and childcare. Private-sector partners amplify impact by contributing funding, expertise, and volunteer time, sponsoring youth programs, and supporting community events.

Volunteer-led programs create lasting change by addressing health equity, child development, social inclusion, and mental wellness. Volunteers make a visible difference: children thrive in safe environments supported by mentors in childcare programs; newcomers gain confidence through English conversation circles and settlement support; individuals facing health challenges find resilience through volunteer-led fitness programs; and youth build leadership skills through sports leagues and summer camps.

Each year, YMCA BC serves over 120,000 individuals across British Columbia, with thousands directly benefiting from volunteer-driven activities.

Volunteers contribute not only time but compassion, creating spaces where individuals feel included and supported. Their efforts strengthen families and communities, reduce isolation, and promote physical and mental well-being. YMCA BC's inclusive programs ensure equitable access to opportunities for personal growth and community belonging.

Recognized as a leader in the non-profit sector, YMCA BC inspires individuals, groups, and organizations to take action for healthier, more inclusive communities. At every level, it empowers others to lead, serve, and give back in order to build a province where everyone can thrive.

The Board actively engaged stakeholders, collaborating with local and territorial governments, elected representatives, non-profits, and community groups to implement effective solutions. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations created a strong support network for AVENS residents, leading to social programs, recreational activities, and health services that make the Pavilion a hub of inclusiveness and engagement.

The Pavilion's impact has been profound. By providing affordable housing, the Board has improved quality of life for seniors, reduced isolation, and fostered social connections. Residents benefit from ageing-in-place options, wellness programs, and social activities. Sustainability is reinforced through ongoing partnerships with health services, community organizations, and government bodies.

The Board's commitment to inclusivity and participatory governance-through workshops and town halls-fosters trust and transparency, setting a precedent for others. Their leadership has raised awareness of seniors' challenges and inspired social change.

BPD affects about 5% of the population and involves severe emotional dysregulation and impulse control difficulties. Families supporting loved ones with BPD often face isolation, stigma, and mental health struggles themselves. Sashbear addresses these challenges by offering free education, skills training, and support through a network of 200 trained volunteers. In 2024, volunteers contributed 28,000 hours, helping improve lives and reduce stigma.

The Foundation collaborates with major agencies such as Sick Kids Centre for Community Health, The Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH), Ontario Shores, and Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, as well as health authorities in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Since its inception, Sashbear has supported over 13,000 family members. In 2024 alone, more than 1,000 families completed the Family Connections program, with 100% recommending it. Virtual programming introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to remove geographic barriers, enabling participation from remote communities.

Sashbear delivers mental health presentations to students from kindergarten through post-secondary, reaching over 8,500 learners. New programs for families affected by trauma, survivors of suicidal loss, and Indigenous communities are in development. Guided by its three "A"s-Awareness, Acceptance, and Access-Sashbear builds hope, community, and resilience for families navigating mental health challenges.