Girl Guides of Canada

Emelia I.
Mount Stewart, PEI

I am a friend to everyone. I am aware of myself, and I try my best to always shut off lights. I never run the water – or let my mom run the water either. I like to donate clothes and toys that I don’t need anymore to people who can use them. I even cut off 13 inches of my hair to donate to kids who don’t have their hair anymore. I also raised money to help kids with their treatments and pay for their wigs. Every spring, I help clean up our yard and our road because some people litter. I do my best every day to make the world a better place and to help anyone who needs it.

Haven SF.
Guelph, ON

I am thrilled to nominate my little sister, Haven, for the Girl Guides Change Maker Award. At just five years old, Haven possesses a remarkable sense of empathy and compassion that belies her young age. Haven has an innate ability to perceive when someone is in need of comfort or joy, and she eagerly extends her warmth and kindness to them. Whether it’s a hug, a smile, or a simple act of generosity, Haven’s instinct to help others is truly extraordinary. What sets Haven apart is her unwavering commitment to spreading happiness and inclusivity wherever she goes. She doesn’t hesitate to reach out to strangers in stores, offering them hugs and smiles to brighten their day. Her genuine concern for the well-being of others is both heartwarming and inspiring. Despite her tender age, Haven demonstrates remarkable selflessness in her actions. She always ensures that her sister is included and cared for, even going so far as to share her treats to ensure both of them experience the same joy. Witnessing Haven’s acts of kindness and compassion fills me with hope for the future. In a world that often feels divided and indifferent, she stands out as a beacon of love and empathy. Her ability to make a positive impact on those around her is truly exceptional. In recognition of her remarkable kindness, empathy, and selflessness, I wholeheartedly believe that Haven is deserving of the Girl Guides Change Maker Award. She embodies the values of service, compassion, and inclusivity that the award seeks to honour, and her actions serve as an inspiration to us all.

Lilian V.
Toronto, ON

I am the initiator and key contributor of an anti-bullying program at the Toronto Cricket Club. I am also a member of a running group called Run Budz where I compete in running races and triathlons every spring/summer with other members of the running club. I ask my friends to join me in these races for physical health, mental health, and community-building. The running group has also initiated an anti-bulling initiative which I lead alongside the founder of the club. I am currently working with the founder to create dolls out of torn socks to sell in the community so we can donate the funds to charity.

I was the highest charity fundraiser in my year (raising more than double the expected amount) at Toronto Children’s Chorus’ Sing Loo fundraiser and was nominated for three prizes for my efforts. I enjoy supporting my choir through fundraising multiple times a year. I also sell many cookies for Girl Guides. I was one of my unit’s top sellers two years in a row! Every year, I support many children during Christmas by purchasing gifts for a few families. Last year, I supported nine children in different families.

I started competition level Brazilian jiu-jitsu this month and am working toward my first tournament. I train with boys and girls to empower myself and other girls. I also enjoy learning Krav Maga and hope my participation empowers other girls to learn Krav Maga as well. I go to Montessori school and am ahead of my grade level. I enjoy leading and teaching/helping my classmates daily. I am frequently asked to help with spelling, grammar, and math, as I am quite ahead in these areas. I am competing in my first Kangaroo Math competition this month and hope my participation and love for math empowers other girls!

Samara P.
Edmonton, AB

As a member of Girl Guides, my aim is to empower the girls and boys around me, especially those who have fewer resources. I love to support, care for, and empower others. At school, I support my friends by helping them understand new concepts. I care for the ones who struggle and help them in completing their tasks.

I also do my part in empowering children who are new to Canada. I donate my pre-loved clothes, bags, shoes, and toys to new immigrant families so they can have as much as I do. I also buy books and stationery for them with my pocket money. I am friends with some of these kids; I tell them about my experiences in Canada so they can adjust to their new home and make the most out of every opportunity. Hopefully, some of them will also join Girl Guides and do their part to empower more girls and boys.

I make my friends smile when they are low. I try to keep their spirits up so that they can succeed on every front. I am also a member of Ismaili Volunteers. I serve my community as a Girl Guide and as a volunteer. I help older adults, adults, and children through my service. My goal is to serve and empower others, and I fulfill that goal every day.

Ainsley B.
Calgary, AB

I learned that one in four Calgary seniors lives alone. I wanted to help and found out that I could write cheers cards for our local senior society to deliver. I have done cards twice so far. In December I did 40, and this March I made another 48. I write happy notes and draw colourful pictures. It feels good to do something nice. I did a presentation to my Ember unit about the cards and that meeting we made about 50 cards for veterans! I liked teaching my friends about how easy it is to help make someone smile.

I have also helped my school by doing a spring cleanup of our playground with my friends. There was a lot of litter! It gets frozen in the snow and then it all shows up in the spring. I brought plastic gloves and garbage bags for everyone to use. I am going to organize another spring cleanup with my friends this year. It is fun to do something good for the environment and my school. I really care about the environment and animals and want to be a veterinarian when I grow up. I know lots of animals need homes, so when I wanted a cat, we went to a local shelter and adopted Laila. She was scared at first, but I slept on the floor with her so that she knew she was safe, and now we are best friends.

Every holiday season I donate to families. Last year, I adopted a family through the church and donated my allowance to go with the gift and card I made. This year, I matched my parents’ donation to the church to help buy gifts for other kids in the community. It feels really good to help!

Brinlyn S.
Spruce Grove, AB

I would like to nominate Brinlyn for the Change Maker Award. Brinlyn joined Girl Guides of Canada just this year and we were lucky to have her begin in our Ember unit. She came in ready to Lend a Hand like a true and seasoned Guiding member. Brinlyn always arrives with a smile on her face. She shows understanding and kindness in all her interactions, cares deeply for animals, and feels passionate about making the world and her community a better place.

Ever since her mom can remember, Brinlyn has been a compassionate change maker. She is a kind and positive role model for her sister Isla, takes time for others, and is always trying to find topics for discussion that she thinks the other person would be interested in. Every year, for every holiday, she makes gifts for her family and friends. This year, she hand-made a card and keepsake for every single one of her 50 classmates, specially tailored to their likes and interests.

Most recently, Brinlyn exemplified selflessness in a donation to the local animal rescue. Our unit had been brainstorming what service projects we would like to complete, and it was unanimous that the next one would be about helping animals. We were blown away when Brinlyn arrived the following meeting with every cent of her birthday money she had received that week to give to the shelter. She had the honour of presenting the donation to the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) herself while our unit toured the facility. Her optimism, empathy, and generosity made life better for the animals in the rescue, and those same qualities will certainly make for a better world. The Spruce Grove 8th Embers will continue to wholeheartedly cheer on Brinlyn as she continues to be a change maker.

Deeya S.
Brampton ON

In recent years, my journey as a dedicated community volunteer reached a significant turning point during my routine visits to the temple. In our community, it is customary to offer food and fruits during prayers. However, witnessing the surplus of untouched offerings sparked a realization within me: these donations could be repurposed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing hardships. With determination and initiative, my mom and I presented this idea to the temple authorities. Their enthusiastic acceptance marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

For more than a year now, I have diligently collected, sorted, and packaged these donations before distributing them to those in need and to food banks. The impact of these efforts is evident in the gratitude reflected on recipients’ faces, making a deeper commitment within me to effect positive change. Furthermore, I took the initiative to educate our community members on the importance of selecting appropriate food donations. By raising awareness about the perishability of certain items and advocating for more sustainable choices, my aim was to ensure that the donations remained fresh and usable for distribution. Through these educational efforts, I created a culture of mindful giving within our community. This initiative has not only made a difference but also had a ripple effect, as the community now contributes food specifically for this cause. This journey of service is a lifelong commitment for me to contribute to building a better tomorrow for all.

Elizabeth F.
Chilliwack, BC

I am autistic and I struggle with communicating with my peers. I am sometimes hard to understand unless you know me well. Elizabeth has taken the time to get to know and understand me. It feels like she truly gets me – we are friends, and I love her. Elizabeth has been super brave by sticking up for me with other Embers, who have made fun of me, when I can’t stick up for myself. She is a great role model for other Embers and shows us many ways to be a champion for others.

This is my third year in a unit with Elizabeth. This year, Elizabeth has been a great, brave friend of mine. She looks out for me and includes me in things she is doing at Embers. Elizabeth has a kind soul; even though she struggles with her own feelings and things at Embers, she has never let that get in the way of being a brave, kind leader or for sticking up for what she knows is right. Recently, when another Ember was telling me to stop talking/acting like a baby, Elizabeth stepped in before any Guider could step in. She told the other Ember that some people have a hard time communicating. It is not because they are babies or are trying to be different; it is that their brains work differently and that is just who they are. It is not their fault – it is just how they were born, and that is okay. But it is not okay to make fun of people for it. This is the most recent example of Elizabeth being brave at Embers. There have been many other little things I have noticed along the way that are hard to remember but have made my heart happy.

Ava P.
Windsor, ON

Ava is not only my best friend, my Girl Guide sidekick, and my partner in crime but also an 11-year-old superstar who was diagnosed with epilepsy at only two years old. Since her first seizure, she has not gone a single day without a seizure. In addition to her diagnosis, she is also labelled as drug resistant, which means that most medications do not work for her. She has been through countless hospital stays, appointments, and tests, but through all this, my best friend still shines.

Instead of letting this take her down, she uses it to build up herself and others affected by epilepsy through advocating, raising awareness, and raising money for epilepsy research. She was given an anti-suffocation pillow that helps her sleep safely, and since that day, she has made it her mission to provide others with the chance to sleep safely!

Ava hosts an annual benefit dinner where all proceeds go to local epilepsy warriors, and she sells awareness ribbons, lip balms, and more through the Ava’s Fight Against Epilepsy campaign. She also puts on a purple pumpkin awareness day in October where families come from all around to paint purple pumpkins, learn about epilepsy, and donate to Ava’s cause.

I consider myself blessed to have such an amazing role model as a best friend. Ava was put on earth for a very special reason, and that is why I am nominating Ava for the Change Maker Award. If one person can make this much change at only 11 years old, imagine what the world could do if we all worked together!

Evangeline J.
Winnipeg, MB

I am Métis, and the environment is very important to me and my culture. I love nature and want to help other kids learn about the environment and how they can help protect it.

For the last two years, I have participated in the environment club at my school. We have gone on nature walks, planted a butterfly garden, started composting in our school, and started a bike bus. Some of my friends and I made and presented a puppet show to Grade 1 and 2 students in our school to teach them about the ocean and how they can protect it. I am also writing a children’s book about the ocean and the animals that live there and how we can help protect and take care of them. I was one of five students from my school who got to go to the Winnipeg Climate Action Youth Forum.

My sister and I started and continue to run a science club for students in our school. We meet one recess every school cycle and work on a project together. My sister and I choose the project and then show the other students how to make it. We always try to use recycled materials.

With the Manitoba Métis Federation, I have learned about environmentally friendly farming, bird calls, and how to identify animal tracks. I am a citizen scientist with the Manitoba Métis Federation and have helped track birds for the winter and spring bird counts. I am also helping to track the water quality of a river close to my home. In April, I will be attending the Manitoba Métis Youth Climate Symposium. I want to keep learning about and protecting the environment.

Lindsay J.
Dutton, ON

During a visit to the Toronto Zoo with my Spark unit several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet gorilla keepers and representatives from Ape Action Africa, who shared with me the challenges gorillas face in the wild. Inspired by this encounter, on our journey back home, I expressed to my mom my desire to assist gorillas in their natural habitat. Subsequently, I initiated a collection drive for used phones and devices to contribute to the Phone Apes program at the zoo. To date, I have made two donations totaling just over 230 devices, and I am currently planning another donation before June.

Over the years, I have engaged numerous teachers and classrooms in this environmental program, encouraging them to participate in device collection efforts. Additionally, I have extended involvement to my town and church communities. My aim is to raise awareness about the significance of recycling electronics, thereby lessening the necessity to extract resources from the gorillas’ habitats in the Congo. I have given numerous presentations at my school, church, Guide unit, and other venues, focusing on the critical need to conserve gorilla habitats in the Congo. I strongly believe that these animals lack a voice of their own, which is why I have taken it upon myself to advocate for them and raise awareness about the significance of preserving their environments.

Mary S.
Kanata, ON

My name is Mary. I am 11 years old and in my second year of Guides. Since I was one year old, my family has been volunteers for a charity named ANCOP, or Answering the Cry of the Poor. When I was old enough, I started helping too. I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember, and it has been a part of my entire life. ANCOP has helped me make lifelong friends, create memories, and be part of a community that helps to make change.

Every year, we do an annual ANCOP walk to raise money for our projects, one of which is the Sponsor a Child program. This project raises funds to sponsor the education of children in countries where education isn’t free or cheap. We also do humanitarian work. With climate change comes more extreme weather. With more extreme weather comes natural disasters. Storms, floods, typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, and more are causing countries to lose millions of dollars in damages. People are losing their homes. People in poverty are the most affected. ANCOP has been working to support these people and their families to ensure that they are safe, have shelter, and are well cared for.

Over the years, I have done my fair share to help. I have sold beaded jewellery and my old clothes to raise money for ANCOP. I have collected donations to sponsor the education of kids older than me. I have spread awareness about ANCOP to other kids in my school and community. Currently, I am designing posters and tickets for our upcoming Spring Dance Fundraiser. Right now, I am helping to take care of and babysit the younger kids while the adults have their meetings. Being a part of ANCOP makes me proud that I am able to help my community and make change.

Evony R.
Whitby, ON

My friend Evony, who I have known for five years, is one of the kindest people I have ever known. She is always there to help when she is needed: as a friend, as a junior leader, and as a Girl Guide. Evony is quiet and shy but uses her voice when it is needed, especially when she is standing up for her friends, her family, and the environment. She cares a lot about animals and the environment. She won a school award a year ago for collecting the most e-waste in all of Ontario. She is also passionate about Indigenous rights and social injustice. I think she will be a great activist one day and speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. She is also an artist and shares her talents with everyone around her. Overall, I think Evony can and will make a great change in our world!

Kura C.
Estevan, SK

I volunteer with my parents rescuing sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife for the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan (WRSOS). I have rescued and released birds of prey, the endangered western painted turtle, and even a moose calf we named Chocolate. I love to get my friends excited about wildlife every chance I get, and I always correct them when they say incorrect things about different species of wildlife. I also helped host a booth by showcasing wildlife and talking about what I do at WRSOS at an event at my school.

Laura M.
Collingwood, ON

Laura is in her second year of Pathfinders and has been involved in Guiding for seven years. She has volunteered for many positions in that time, from being a Junior Leader with Sparks for two years to taking on leadership roles such as Patrol Leader in Guides and Treasurer for her Pathfinder unit. She has also been involved in many volunteer projects for our community, such as organizing shoreline cleanups, visiting, singing, and playing games with seniors, running drives for the local women’s shelter, supporting those experiencing homelessness, and even putting together care kits to send to Inuit children in Nunavut.

Laura also goes above and beyond outside of Guiding. In her free time, she helps out the local humane society by caring for foster animals and has donated her own money to Sick Kids Hospital. At school, she loves being a reading buddy for younger students, helping in the office, practising her leadership as a member of student council, and MCing for school assemblies.

Laura has received multiple Character Education Awards for responsibility and inclusivity, particularly for befriending and including peers who have moved here as refugees. One girl who joined her class last year spoke very little English, so Laura made an effort to welcome her by writing her a card using Google Translate. She subsequently took a genuine interest in learning words and letters in Ukrainian so that she would be able to communicate with her new friend, and she patiently spoke with her exclusively via text translator for the first several months. Laura has played an important role in this student’s adjustment to life in Canada and in her ability to now communicate in English. Laura takes great pride in being a force for good and is a positive role model for children and adults alike!

Paige T.
Oshawa, ON

I have known Paige for five years. I met her in Sparks when I first moved to Whitby. She is now in Pathfinders. Since I have known Paige, she has always had a smile on her face and has made everyone around her happy. She has participated in many community service projects and even led her own community garbage cleanup in Oshawa. She has been a Junior Leader for my younger sister for the past two years with the 12th Whitby Embers. 

Although we are not in the same unit this year, we are both Junior Leaders together this year. Every week, I see that she is always willing to lend a hand and help out in any way she can with the Embers. I am a little shyer than Paige, so I can always count on her to help lead the opening circle and games with the Embers. She will use her voice to get the Embers together. She is also good at calming them down when they get too rambunctious. She is super helpful at camp and when my Guider mom is getting ready for weekly meetings. And I don’t think she’s ever said no to a challenge. She creates a better world simply by being in it!

Catarina F.
Garibaldi Highlands, BC

In my 11 years of Guiding, I have taken the opportunity to consistently take action and positively impact the world we live in. I collect cans and bottles for recycling throughout the year to donate to various non-profit organizations. Over the years, I have donated more than $2,600 to several organizations, including Community Christmas Care, Girl in the Wild, and BC Children’s Hospital. This allows me to give back to organizations that have positively impacted my life.

Within Guiding, I am a Junior Leader for a Spark and Ember unit. I am committed to positively shaping their Guiding experience and being a role model for the next generation of Girl Guides. For many years, I have worked alongside local homeless shelters to bake for their programs and to provide baked goods to local elementary school lunch programs. I am taking the lead on a current service project that will significantly benefit the most vulnerable populations within my community. Working with a few other girls in my Ranger unit, I will host a clothing drive and request gently used clothing items to donate to various non-profit organizations that provide warmth to individuals during the cold winters.

I have also been part of various forums and committees and am currently serving my third term on Girl Guides of Canada’s National Youth Council. This opportunity has allowed me to work with other girls from across Canada on meaningful initiatives involving diversity, equity, and inclusion on a national level. My Guiding journey has empowered me to take on leadership roles for important change and to foster a spirit of service and leadership. I consistently leave a positive impact wherever I go and inspire others to do the same!

Katie Y.
Iqaluit, NV

I am the squadron commander of the Iqaluit Air Cadet Squadron and have been involved with cadets for six years. In this role, I teach classes and lead activities in areas such as drill, teamwork, and leadership. In my community, I also volunteer at the Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline, which offers mental health support to Nunavummiut, and I serve as a member of the Nunavut Climate Change Youth Advisory Committee.

In 2021, I worked as a summer intern at World Wildlife Fund Canada’s Iqaluit office. During my internship, I helped to lead water testing activities, set up community cleanup stations, and write two articles for the website – one of which focused on youth climate advocacy. Later that year, I became a litigant in the court case to lower the federal voting age and spoke to the media about the importance of the case.

In 10th grade, I restarted my school’s environmental club to promote youth involvement in environmental stewardship. Last year, we organized an assembly on energy conservation and set up a table where students could donate and pick up used clothing items. We recently organized an assembly on water equity.

Lastly, I was a member of the Girl Guides Ontario/Nunavut Youth Forum for two years and am currently in my second year on the National Youth Council. While on the Youth Forum, I was on the provincial Nominating and Search Committee and contributed to both a World Thinking Day challenge and an advocacy-focused challenge. During my first year on the National Youth Council, I contributed to a board report that addresses issues faced by members in remote communities and issues faced by low-income members. Both positions have allowed me to give back to Guiding as a member who is currently only able to continue with the organization through Lones.

Mia G.
Grande Prairie, AB

I am nominating myself, as I have persevered to be the change I wish to see in the world. Through Girl Guides and extracurriculars, I have dedicated myself to my local community.

My school has a student-led social justice club that I have devoted my high school career to. In Grade 9, I helped run a food drive to grow our school’s pantry program. In Grade 10, through countless months of research and hard work, I was able to provide free period products to our school. Then, in Grade 11, I worked alongside my school’s administration to begin a plan to improve and restructure our pantry program to make it more accessible for our students in need. Lastly, the project I am most proud of – this year, in Grade 12, I was able to help start a program that provides free snacks to all students within our school with no restriction or judgment.

Through Girl Guides of Canada and with the help of my incredibly supportive leaders, I have been able to aid in bettering our local community. I have done countless neighbourhood garbage pickups, promoted women’s empowerment to girls my age and younger, and volunteered to help with food drives for our local Salvation Army. My goal is to join the creative industry and push for stories promoting women’s voices and the voices of other minorities in our world.

Natalie M.
Edmonton, AB

Natalie demonstrates exceptional commitment and passion as well as leadership by providing a better environment and community for those around her. She is constantly raising money for those in need and completing service projects of her own accord to better the community she is in.

Within Guiding, Natalie has gone above and beyond by fundraising for the Hike for Plenty and Addy’s Helping Hands, planting trees, cleaning up garbage, and more. Outside of Guiding, she has raised more than $1,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation, completed a battery drive that saved 1,000 batteries from the garbage, and acted as team captain for the YESS Foundation while raising $3,000. She is currently a team captain for a small group that is fundraising for the Zebra Centre and has currently raised $5,324 of its $6,000 goal. She has also helped found a group that spends time and plays game with seniors who don’t have any visitors.

Natalie has exhibited unwavering dedication to the principles and values of Girl Guides of Canada, embodying the spirit of leadership, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her tieless efforts have significantly contributed to the growth, development, and success of her own personal morals and values, making her an exemplary candidate for this award. Her skills, knowledge, and personality continue to grow, as does her love for her community. Natalie is destined for great things, but one this is for sure – she will make her mark on the world and leave it a better place than she found it.