In Atlantic Canada, we're hosting our biggest event of the year in each of the provinces this month: the Humanitarian Awards. These presentations are more than just another fancy dinner. Through our Humanitarian Awards, we recognize volunteers, philanthropists and community leaders who make the world a better place. What could be more inspiring than that!
This year, the Humanitarian Awards will be presented to Frank McKenna (NB), Rose Wilson and David K. Wilson (NS), Lorie Kane (PE) and Elinor Gill Ratcliffe (NL). This diverse group of individuals have contributed to nearly every imaginable cause, from international aid to youth, sports and the arts.
They’ll be sharing the spotlight with inspiring young people who will receive the Young Humanitarian Awards. Their accomplishments are all the more impressive since they are all still in university. Here’s a snapshot of what they’ve done so far.
Paige Black receives her Young Humanitarian award at a gala dinner on November 10 in Halifax, NS.
Paige Black organized fundraisers for Haiti while still in high school in Nova Scotia, spent part of her summer in Kenya volunteering with the KULE Foundation, coached sports teams, excelled in school and hopes to one day become a teacher so she can inspire other youth to become global citizens.
Janelle MacMillan volunteered at an orphanage in South Africa in 2010. That experience prompted the Islander to build and equip a school for a group of 20 orphans.
Ryan Batten from Newfoundland and Labrador has been volunteering in the Scouting movement and in his community for several years but a family holiday tradition inspired him to start a unique campaign. Through his pyjama drive, he’s collected hundreds of pairs of new sleepwear that he donated to local shelters.
Meghan MacDonald will receive the Young Humanitarian award for NB on November 23.
New Brunswick native Meghan MacDonald’s volunteer activities range from encouraging youth to become more globally aware using technology, organizing Art for Autism, supporting fellow students with disabilities, and travelling to Jamaica to volunteer at an orphanage.