Semifinalists


Arts & Culture | Community | Education | Environment | Health & Science | Sports

Arts & Culture

Humber River Shakespeare Company

Humber River Shakespeare Company

A community-based professional theatre company, the Humber River Shakespeare Company brings high quality original works to Montgomery's Inn and outdoor performances of the Bard's classics during the summer in parks along the river, inc
Lakeshore Arts

Lakeshore Arts

A non-profit charitable organization, Lakeshore Arts provides arts programming to the community at nominal charges, or sometimes free of charge.
Theatre of Change

Theatre of Change

Known for their events produced in Mimico and Humber Bay Park East, Theatre of change aims to reduce barriers to the arts for those who may not otherwise be able to access theatre productions.
Elisabeth Gibson

Elisabeth Gibson

For the last 12 years, Elisabeth has been hosting an after-dinner art program for participants in the Out of the Cold Program at All Saints Kingsway Anglican Church.
Nazreth Mebrahtu

Nazreth Mebrahtu

A visual artist specializing in textile, printmaking and mixed media, Nazreth has taught many art classes and workshops and organized many special events in the lakeshore area, ranging from in-school art projects to seniors’ workshops.

Community

ESS Volunteer Drivers

ESS Volunteer Drivers

Etobicoke Services for Seniors' Volunteer Drivers help people remain in their own homes after they can no longer drive themselves to medical appointments, grocery shopping or to attend social activities.
Goodwill Etobicoke Store

Goodwill Etobicoke Store

The Goodwill store gives job opportunities to those facing barriers to employment, while providing affordable used goods to families who need them.
Sandy Badov

Sandy Badov

A scout leader for the last 25 years, Sandy is a driving force behind the Beaver and Cub programs at Humber Valley United Church.
Justin Di Ciano

Justin Di Ciano

Justin was nominated for the work he does with the PACT Urban Peace Program. Through the program, he assists youth in conflict with the law or at risk of becoming in conflict with the law.
Kyriakos (Dominic) Platsis

Kyriakos (Dominic) Platsis

A volunteer on the board of directors for Storefront Humber, Kyriakos has contributed to the agency for the last 22 years. His professional guidance at Storefront Humber has allowed the charity to move its work forward and reach out to more seniors in

Education

 Adair Bernys

Adair Bernys

Adair is a retired teacher who volunteers her time at the Etobicoke Children's Centre, helping children with mental health issues develop their reading skills.
Kevin Devotta

Kevin Devotta

Youth enrolled in the Pathways to Education program in Rexdale benefit from Kevin's contributions through both the tutoring and mentoring programs.
Yolanda Guitar

Yolanda Guitar

It was the tragedy of losing her son John Dylan that drove Yolanda to educate people about the dangers of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Environment

Ecovert

Ecovert

Ecovert principals Jim Lord and Adolfo Silva have volunteered for many community projects, including the Mimico 20/20 planning week, the LAMP greening committee, an environmental awareness event for the Humber Bay Shores Condominium Associatio
Birds and Beans Cafe

Birds and Beans Cafe

A coffee shop with a heart, Birds and Beans roasts and serves bird-friendly coffees in Mimico. Their coffee is served in compostable cups along with organic milk and cruelty-free lunches using free-range meats and organic eggs.
Christina Sharma

Christina Sharma

A certified habitat steward for the Canadian Wildlife Federation and founder of Project CHIRP, Christina has created a wildlife habitat for songbirds in her central Etobicoke backyard.
Michael Bielecki

Michael Bielecki

When Heathercrest Park was threatened with sale in 2009, Michael took action, rallying neighbours to protest the action being suggested by the Toronto District School Board, which owns the land.

Health & Science

Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere

Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere

FAME's goal is to empower and support families of individuals with mental health issues, and give them the tools they need to navigate the health care system.
William Osler Health System Volunteers

William Osler Health System Volunteers

The volunteer group at the William Osler Health System has raised millions of dollars through gift shop, lottery sales, baby car seat rentals and craft and bake sales. They also help promote the hospital and its good works within the community.
Denise Bebenek

Denise Bebenek

Through annual Meagan's Walks, which take place on Mother's Day, Denise has shined the spotlight on the issue of brain tumors in children and raised nearly $2 million to date to further research and treatment.
Jerry Higgins

Jerry Higgins

On call seven days a week, Jerry not only saves animals from abuse and neglect but also acts as an ambassador for the rights of animals through various speaking engagements in the community.
Pia Lauretti

Pia Lauretti

A volunteer, who also works a full-time job and has children at home, Pia has dedicated most of her free time over the last six years to the Etobicoke Humane Society and its shelter.

Sports

Anne Colhoun

Anne Colhoun

A senior with spunk, Anne is dedicated to keeping her peers active, whether it’s through volleyball, slow pitch or badminton.
Tony DiRollo

Tony DiRollo

President of the Etobicoke Baseball Association and former league member of Martingrove Baseball, Tony devotes more than 400 hours each year to baseball in Etobicoke.
Ray Pulfer

Ray Pulfer

With a firmly entrenched love of the game, Ray went on to volunteer at the CNE Baseball tournaments for the last 25 years. He organizes the annual tournament, makes sure the baseball diamonds are in top shape and hires local youth to help out with