Every vibrant community has them…people who go out of their way to offer encouragement, help others, and make lives better. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax is seeking nominations to recognize those special individuals with a 2010 Community Mentoring Award. Nominations are being accepted until September 17th, so if you have someone in mind, complete an application here. And mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 20, for the Community Mentoring Awards Gala. It’s a great event!
Royal Bank of Canada earned the 2010 Catalyst Award for advancing women and other diverse groups. RBC has been recognized for adapting women’s programs to engage Visible Minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual and Transgenders (LGBT), New Canadians, and Persons with Disabilities. More here.
Janet Yale, Executive Vice-President and National Chair of TELUS Community Boards
“When you institutionalize in your culture an attitude of giving time and giving money, that’s when it becomes real.”
TELUS Executive Vice President Janet Yale is clearly proud. Never mind that AFP International just announced that TELUS will receive its top (global) philanthropic corporate award for 2010 in Baltimore this April (the first Canadian company to receive the honour). As the head of TELUS’ community investment portfolio in Canada, Janet seems most proud of the fact that TELUS has managed to ingrain a culture of philanthropy throughout the company.
I interviewed Janet earlier this week and found her remarkably forthcoming about how TELUS has implemented a democratic and decentralized approach to corporate philanthropy. She also opened the kimono about what charities need to know to be successful in requesting support from TELUS, and how they should go about applying. More….
Running a charity to help homeless kids from her family living room has landed 17-year old Sophia Gran-Ruaz the honour of being named Mackenzie Investment’s Top Teen Philanthropist. Since the age of 11, Sophia has demonstrated persistence and a personal commitment to the mission of her charity (Snug as a Bug, Kids Helping Kids), refusing to “take no for an answer.” Young people in Canada lead all other age groups in their desire to help the less fortunate. Encouraging? You bet. Click here.
For his ongoing leadership in strengthening community life and in providing support and services to children and youth, Alex Munter, Executive Director, Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, is being honoured with a 2009 Crayons & Cravats Award. |More|
Social Architect, Community Leader and Visionary
Visionary CEO, “social architect” and community leader Dr. Bill Strickland is making a public presentation Friday, September 18th at 2PM at Saint Mary’s University’s Sobey School of Business. Its the talk of the town.
Why should you attend?
Well, Bill’s story is a remarkable one. He has demonstrated how one man can truly make a difference in the lives of others, and he’s used some pretty unothodox ways of achieving that goal. The website TED does a better job than I can, of summarizing why you should listen to what he has to say.
Bill’s vision and the Manchester Bidwell initiative hold great promise for at-risk youth and disadvanted adults in Halifax. Get a preview glimpse with this quick video. If you are interested in attending his presentation, click here for information from the Sobey School of Business.
