News
Who Will Be The Next Canadian Community Hero Under 30?
Nominations for Canada’s Walk of Fame’s 2023 Community Hero Program
are Now Open Until November 1
Details are available at communityhero.ca
(Toronto, ON) October 10, 2023 – A nationwide call for nominations begins today for the next inspiring Canadian under 30 to be named Canada’s Walk of Fame’s Community Hero. Now in its fifth installment, the Community Hero Program, presented by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), recognizes a young Canadian who is positively influencing the lives of others and making a profound impact in their communities and beyond. The Grand Prize Winner receives a $10,000 donation to a Canadian charity or cause, of their choice, a dedicated profile page on the Community Hero website, an invaluable mentorship opportunity with a fellow Canadian hero to be announced, recognition at Canada’s Walk of Fame’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and more. Nominate a deserving young Canadian at communityhero.ca. Submissions are open today until Thursday, November 1, at 10:00 p.m. EDT.
“Canada is home to countless young heroes who selflessly go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “With the generous support of our partner MLSE, Canada’s Walk of Fame can recognize the extraordinary work of passionate young Canadians and shine a national spotlight on their heartwarming stories. These Heroes share the stage with the greatest Canadian achievers and influential heroes, all of whom inspire others to make a difference in their hometowns and beyond.”
In 2021, Rabiah Dhaliwal, based in Surrey, B.C., received the Community Hero Grand Prize from Canada’s Walk of Fame. Overcoming personal struggles as a youth, including experiences with depression and surviving suicide, she’s become a passionate advocate for mental health equity, suicide prevention, and disability justice. As Founder and Director of the Voices for Home Foundation, she fights mental health stigma through education and empowers BIPOC communities with healing resources. As a mental health activist, she has spoken at the House of Commons to address Canada’s mental health crisis.
During the pandemic, Rabiah initiated a healing grant program for Indigenous communities, making therapy more accessible. She also partnered with the late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, for a COVID-19 relief effort, donating self-care items and meals to a local hospital. In addition to her many contributions, Rabiah helped establish the University of British Columbia’s first-ever “sensory room” program, offering safe spaces for students experiencing sensory overload. Currently, she is advancing art and accessibility through technology by curating a groundbreaking multi-sensory art exhibition featuring 3D printed artworks designed for individuals with visual impairments and other sensory processing needs-the first of its kind in British Columbia. Her awards include the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award and the 2021 Diana Award. Rabiah was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by RBC Future Launch Future Leaders and was Miss Canada 2021 1st Runner-Up. She recently received the 2023 B.C. Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation upon graduating. Learn more at communityhero.ca.
“Being named the 2021 Community Hero was a life-changing moment for me. As a youth mental health activist, Canada’s Walk of Fame gave me a powerful platform, offering mentorship and media recognition that elevated my voice. This honour wasn’t just a title but a testament that youth can inspire change and make a profound impact when given the support they need,” said Rabiah Dhaliwal, 2021 Canada’s Walk of Fame Community Hero.
“It is an honour for me to be a part of Canada’s Walk of Fame’s Community Hero program. It’s important to recognize the work of so many young Canadians who aspire to find their passion and voice and share their stories to help others. I have been so moved by the extraordinary Community Heroes of this program, and I know this is a powerful generation that is on a mission to change the world for the better. It’s inspiring to witness”, said Olympian and 2015 Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductee Silken Laumann
“Although the Community Hero Program can only name one winner, we have been extremely proud to see so many young Canadians making a difference in their communities and across the country through the nomination process,” said Shannon Hosford, Chief Marketing Officer, MLSE. “We are honoured to once again partner with Canada’s Walk of Fame to recognize and celebrate these great young Canadians, and know that their success will continue to inspire future generations of heroes in our community.”
PRIZING DETAILS
One Grand Prize winner will receive a $10,000 donation to the Canadian charity or cause of their choice and two tickets (including airfare and accommodations) to attend Canada’s Walk of Fame’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Saturday, December 2, 2023, where they will be recognized on the red carpet and during the celebration, with the potential to be included in a national broadcast airing at a later date on CTV. The winner will also receive a commemorative statuette, media opportunities to promote their cause, as available, recognition on CWOF and MLSE social media pages, a dedicated profile on the Community Hero website, and access to mentorship from either a past Inductee, CWOF board member or significant Canadian Hero who can help them with their cause.
Visit www.communityhero.ca for details on eligibility and submission requirements. Only one Grand Prize winner will be chosen by a selection committee and will be announced in late fall.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Canada’s Walk of Fame
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Hashtags: #CanadaThrives || #CWOF25th
About Canada’s Walk of Fame
Now celebrating its 25th year, Canada’s Walk of Fame is a national not-for-profit organization that inspires Canadians by proudly shining a light on extraordinary achievers and their journeys. Canada’s Walk of Fame recognizes the significant impact of Canadian accomplishments and provides the foremost national platform to celebrate achievement in the fields of Arts & Entertainment, Sports & Athletics, Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy, Humanitarianism, and Science, Technology & Innovation. Current programs include the RBC Emerging Musician Program, the Community Hero and National Hero Programs, the Future Storytellers Program, the Hometown Stars initiative, including charitable donations to our Inductees’ causes, and the nationally televised broadcast designated by the CRTC as a program of national interest. Canada’s Walk of Fame has over 200 inductions to date, with stars having a permanent place of tribute on the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District. For a complete list of Inductees along with more information on Canada’s Walk of Fame visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com
Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of its 2023 Partners: Bell Media, Cineplex Entertainment, The Slaight Family Foundation, RBC, MLSE, Scotiabank, FAX Capital, Sanofi Canada, NBCUniversal, The Toronto Star, Next Magazine, The Printing House, VIA Rail Canada, Wildeboer Dellelce LLP, Government of Ontario, and InterContinental Toronto Centre.
Canada’s Walk of Fame was established in 1998 by founders Bill Ballard, Dusty Cohl and Peter Soumalias, with Dianne Schwalm and in partnership with Gary Slaight.
Canada’s Walk of Fame is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number 889896924RR0001.
Media Contacts:
Adrienne Kakoullis, Rise PR
416-450-6637 / akakoullis@risepr.ca
