Mentoree |
Mentor |
|
Natalya Alonso
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Marlene Bertrand, C.M.
|
To battle issues concerning body image and social behaviour, Natalya developed the Big Buddies Program that connected local at-risk girls with mentors. It has helped girls with the difficult transition from middle school to high school. 
Director of Manitoba’s Family Violence Prevention Branch, Marlene Bertrand is the driving force behind one of Canada’s most advanced networks of community resource centres, and has helped shape public policy at the local, provincial and national levels. She has also helped develop programs used in shelters across the country and abroad. |
Prashanthi Baskaran
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Margaret-Ann Armour, C.M.
|
Prashanthi’s project, Concepts to Reality, sought to identify whether there was a link between atherosclerosis (a form of heart disease) and gingivitis. She now conducts her research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, offering potential for early-stage detection of atherosclerosis development in patients.
Margaret-Ann Armour is internationally recognized as an expert on bio-safety and the disposal of hazardous waste. A founding member of Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology (WISEST), she works to encourage young Canadian women to pursue careers in science and engineering. |
Mark Blackwell
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Ostap Hawaleshka, C.M.
|
Mark assembled a group of students to work together on a project to design, build and operate a 100% solar-powered house. He is currently organizing the first Students’ World Energy Congress in 2009. 
Professor Emeritus of Industrial Engineering at the University of Manitoba, Ostap Hawaleshka has contributed scientific, management and business expertise to many international projects. He was instrumental in founding the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine.|
Bobby-Jo Bodnar
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Arthur (Art) John Hanson, O.C.
|
Bobby-Jo was a member of the Provincial Youth Advisory Committee, serving as an advisor to the Saskatchewan provincial cabinet on environmental and agricultural issues. He has also made presentations to forums across the province.
A Distinguished Fellow at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Art Hanson is a thoughtful advocate for balancing economic needs with the preservation of our natural resources.|
Jerri Clout
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
David H. Hill, C.M.
|
Jerri was a youth ambassador for Patrick4Life, an HIV/AIDS awareness organization. She is also the founder of Youth4Youth.net, a youth-driven committee that engages other young people to learn about HIV/AIDS.
Notwithstanding the demands of a busy legal practice, David Hill has displayed an incredible level of dedication through his voluntary service. A former national vice-president of the Canadian Cancer Society and former president of the Council on Smoking and Health, he has also shown his commitment to the performing arts as vice-chair of the National Arts Centre’s Board of Trustees.|
Chrissy Crowley
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Roland Gauvin, C.M.
|
Chrissy’s passion for the Celtic culture of Cape Breton led Nova Scotia Tourism to choose her as an ambassador. She toured the world using her celebrity on the Celtic music scene as a way to attract visitors. 
Through his music, activist folk songs and service to the community, Roland Gauvin tirelessly promotes a proud and vibrant Acadia. He established the legendary band 1755, which created a new style that influenced generations of musicians.|
Cassandra Fong
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Jacques Duchesneau, C.M.
|
Cassandra discovered that a rare machine that records the stomach’s electrical activity is more accurate in detecting dishonesty than the common polygraph test. 
Jacques Duchesneau is a former president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), and is a former chief of the Montreal Urban Community Police Department. He has earned a reputation as a model citizen through the activities and responsibilities he has taken on.|
David Godri
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Barbara Ann Brink, C.M., O.B.C.
|
David started an initiative called SWITCH (Solar and Wind Initiatives Towards Change). It has become a movement of youth advocating for sustainable energy generation. 
A model of voluntarism, she has dedicated herself to a broad spectrum of public causes, notably to Science World in Vancouver; Junior League and the Capital Campaign for the B.C. Cancer Agency; and the United Way’s Volunteer Leadership Development Program. |
Benjamin Gulak
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
John C. Risley, O.C.
|
Benjamin’s idea for the Uno combines the intuitively reactive brain of a Segway-like vehicle, the compactness of a unicycle and the appeal of a street racing motorbike. It is powered by electric motors with rechargeable batteries. 
An entrepreneur, John Risley is at the helm of one of Canada’s most successful and diversified privately-owned companies in the seafood industry. His vision and drive have been the catalyst behind the business’ evolution, creating jobs and economic growth for his region in Atlantic Canada. |
Aaron Hakim
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Rémi Quirion, O.C., C.Q.
|
Aaron’s study into fruit flies that were genetically engineered to mimic people with Parkinson’s disease provided possible targets and timelines for drug intervention. He has received numerous top awards for his research. 
Rémi Quirion’s research on Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, pain and memory, has earned him worldwide recognition as a neuroscientist. He helped to create the Quebec mental health and neuroscience research network, and is the scientific director of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, and of the Douglas Hospital Research Centre.|
Sean Husband
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Linda Haynes, C.M.
|
Sean founded the Global Awareness Club, a program that seeks to increase student awareness and activism in international issues in the areas of poverty and human rights violations. 
Linda Haynes co-founded ACE Bakery Limited, known for donating a percentage of its food products and profits to charitable organizations, as well as for funding culinary scholarships and organic farming initiatives. She also sponsors national and international initiatives that champion freedom of speech, promote intercultural understanding, and provide financial services to low-income, self-employed people in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. |
Aleema Jamal
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Cynthia Baxter, C.M.
|
Aleema spearheaded the establishment of Kenya's first public school Computer Resource Centre. Her endeavour transcended geographic boundaries to overcome barriers in education. 
Cynthia Baxter is a committed volunteer with several organizations, notably the Community Foundation of Ottawa and the Forum for Young Canadians, which promotes cross-cultural exchanges. She was also the founding president of the CODE Foundation, which helps to promote literacy in Africa and South America. |
Taddes (Todd) Korris
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
George B. Zukerman, O.C., O.B.C.
|
One of Taddes’ projects is re-recording the works of a Lithuanian composer, most of which has disappeared. He had also organized a group of 66 young Albertans to record original orchestra scores. The CD was nominated for a 2008 Juno Award. 
This world-celebrated bassoonist founded Overture Concerts in the 1950s, to bring classical music to new audiences in Western Canada. Since that time, he has introduced Canadians in more remote regions to noted foreign performers, as well as to hundreds of our own gifted artists from across the nation. |
Jacqueline Ng
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Jack Chiang, C.M.
|
Jacqueline initiated and organized a fundraising gala event, “Shifting the Focus”, to raise awareness regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to engage attendees to sign up for World Vision’s Hope Children. 
A former columnist with the Kingston Whig-Standard, Jack Chiang is an invaluable volunteer and fundraiser who has helped raise millions of dollars for community causes. He is particularly dedicated to the Salvation Army, the United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston. |
Scott Oldford
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Fred Smithers, O.C.
|
Scott incorporated Essential Coding, which helps other companies establish a powerful presence on the Web. In 2007, he received the Venture of the Year and Excellence in Technology awards. 
This visionary businessman and entrepreneur is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Secunda Marine Services, an international leader in the marine transport industry. He champions the employment of Canadian crews on his ships, and played an instrumental role in developing Canada’s first offshore oil field. |
Laxmi Parthasarathy
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
John Honderich, C.M.
|
Laxmi started MY ROOTS, a not for profit newspaper. Created for and by the youth of Malvern, a community in Toronto, it highlights the positives of a neighbourhood often described as hopeless and plagued by crime. 
As publisher of the Toronto Star, John Honderich wrote articles and oversaw editorial content that drew attention to issues such as child and spousal abuse, youth unemployment, racism and health care. He has also been involved in many social causes, including the promotion of literacy. |
Bilaal Rajan
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Craig Kielburger, C.M.
|
Bilaal is a published author, as well as the founder of both a children’s school in Tanzania and Hands For Help. His vision is to instill in children worldwide the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. 
Co-founder of Free The Children, Craig Kielburger is a shining example of the power of youth. Since 1995, Free The Children has matured into an influential international organization that has built more than 500 schools and involves more than one million children in its projects. |
Sundeep Randhawa
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Harry Black, O.C.
|
At 14 years of age, Sundeep created the Dream for Darfur Society. With the help of over 132 schools, he has helped raise over $34 000 for the devastated region of Darfur, Sudan. 
Harry Black was executive director of UNICEF for 26 years. In collaboration with Elections Canada, he helped to launch the National Election for the Rights of Youth. Nearly 775 000 Canadian schoolchildren participated in the first national child elections held in an industrialized country. |
Nikhita Singh
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Mark Angelo, C.M., O.B.C.
|
Many pesticides contaminate soil and water supplies, which kill terrestrial and aquatic life. Through research, Nikhita has demonstrated that this wastage from pesticides can be reduced by up to 90% using simple scientific methods.
Mark Angelo is considered by many to be Canada’s pre-eminent river conservationist and is the founder of B.C. Rivers Day, a project attracting some 45 000 volunteers who clean up waterways throughout British Columbia. |
Adam Wheeler
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Recipient |
Brent Hawkes, C.M., D.Min.
|
Adam has coordinated local events encouraging young people to make informed political choices. He continues to demonstrate his commitment to social justice and youth engagement through volunteer work for a number of causes. 
Brent Hawkes has been a champion of human rights and social justice for decades. Through action, advocacy and education, he has helped to create a safe and inclusive community for gays and lesbians, to raise awareness by training police officers, and by establishing a program in Toronto high schools that supports gay youth. |
René Villemure
2008 Top 20 Under 20 Award Honorary Recipient |
Roger B. Mondor, C.M.
|
A wheelchair athlete and a committed volunteer, René has organized rallies for Opération Enfant Soleil and traveled 120 kilometres to raise funds on behalf of sick children. With Association Emmanuelle, he has counseled adoptive parents of children with physical or mental disabilities.
Roger Mondor is a pioneer in the field of sports for the disabled, a cause he has supported for over a quarter of a century. He has contributed to the growth of this sector, primarily through his work for the Federation for Recreation and Sports for the Handicapped of Quebec, and the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association. |
Josianne Gosselin-Dubois
|
André Jacques Galipeault, C.M.
|
Dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people in her community, Josianne helped create and now chairs a youth commission that consults with the municipal council on youth issues. She represented Canada at a Future World Leaders Summit and is an aspiring journalist.
This philanthropist and arts promoter has contributed to the vitality of Canadian culture. Whether as a chairman or an active member of the board of directors, he has distinguished himself, particularly in coordinating successful fundraising campaigns. In so doing, he has helped artistic organizations such as the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Stage Company continue to thrive.|
Marie-Hélène Dufour
|
Pierre Viens, O.C.
|
A medical student at Laval University, Marie-Hélène co-founded the Fonds étudiant de médecine pour la santé internationale, which helps fund medical student internships in developing countries. 
Pierre Viens is a professor and physician specializing in infectious and parasitic diseases. He led numerous special missions to Africa under the umbrella of international organizations and was a medical consultant to the Institut Cardinal Léger contre la lèpre, in Haiti. |
Brennan Manoakeesick
|
Tom Jackson, O.C.
|
Brennan volunteers with numerous First Nations organizations and promotes youth empowerment workshops to local Aboriginal communities across Manitoba, Ontario, Québec and the Northwest Territories. He has also worked with the Indigenous Environmental Network to develop strategies to empower youth by embracing the environmental justice movement.
A popular television, film and musical artist, Tom Jackson has used his talents to help many people in need across Canada. Through his annual Huron Carol Benefit Concert Series, he has raised funds for various food banks, soup kitchens and charities; through his Dreamcatcher tour, he educates people about the impact of suicide within a community. |
Gabriel Rodrigue
|
Lorne Trottier, C.M.
|
At the age of 12, Gabriel launched his own company, Voltige multimédia , specializing in Internet marketing solutions. Today, he offers comprehensive interactive communications services, including Web site creation and promotional and corporate CD/DVD production to local and international clients.
Engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Lorne Trottier has poured his passion for science into research, technological development and education in Quebec. He is the co-founder of Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd., which is recognized for its innovative computer graphics products.
The Paralympic Games
by Jennifer McCumber
March 10, 2010
Breaking Down Solitudes
by Shiré Brandi
February 22, 2010
Diversity and Unity at the Winter Olympics
by Zabrina Whitman
February 22, 2010
