Girl Guides of Canada

Charlotte C.
Toronto, ON

I may be small in size, but I have a big heart when it comes to helping and caring for those around me. At school, I volunteer to assist my teacher by taking attendance, lining my classmates up for recess, and tidying the classroom. I strive to be a good friend, uplifting those who are sad or upset by telling a joke to bring back their smile. I proudly contribute to my school community by volunteering with my dad at the yearly fun fair, distributing food and drinks, and participating in events like movie night to help raise funds for our school.

Every weekend, I cherish the time spent at my grandma’s house, where I help her cook and engage in art activities like drawing and painting to keep her company. I also assist my mom and dad with post-dinner cleanup, sorting garbage from recycling, and taking out the recycling each night. Additionally, I find joy in helping my elderly neighbor with yard work, shovelling snow from her walkway to ensure her safety, and pulling weeds in spring and summer to keep her garden beautiful.

My parents taught me a valuable lesson: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” This saying inspires me to embrace kindness in my daily life, whether it’s by helping a neighbour or by sharing a smile with a stranger. I believe that even the simplest gestures can create a positive ripple effect. By actively spreading compassion and encouraging others to do the same, I hope to make a meaningful difference in my community and foster a culture of empathy.

Ivy T.
Kelowna, BC

I am seven years old, and I volunteer at my mom’s work. It is a charity called Mamas for Mamas that aims to help families in need. I help in their Karma Market by putting away the clothes and food items they give to families. I also helped put together the Christmas hampers to give to families who don’t have money for Christmas stuff.

During the summer of 2023, my town had a horrible wildfire. I spent half my summer helping my mom support and get items to families who lost their homes. That year, Mamas for Mamas awarded me the youngest volunteer award. It is important to me to support my community so that all kids have what they need.

Ravyn K.
Moncton, NB

I help my friends and those around me so much. I love teaching them new things while supporting them as they do it. One of my goals is to help my non-verbal friend learn how to communicate with me in her own ways. For example, we started using thumbs-up and thumbs-down for things she wants or doesn’t want and smiles and frowns for things she likes or doesn’t like. It makes me super excited to see her learn these things and to know that I’m a part of helping her do it. She’s becoming one of my best friends because of our bond.

Raegan I.
Fort McMurray, AB

I am nominating myself for this award. I learned about the Terry Fox Foundation at school and wanted to do more than just give them a toonie. I wanted to help more so that people would not get cancer and die. If we raise more money, then doctors can buy new tools that can help people with cancer or learn more about how to make people with cancer all better. We sold carrot muffins that my mom helped me make to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation. We raised $70, and my mom gave it to them for me!

Also, this year we did a bottle drive in my Sparks unit to raise money so that we could buy things for women who were living in the shelter. When our whole unit worked together, we raised almost $1,400. We got things for the ladies, and some of them had kids too. We got things like shampoo, toothpaste, and lots of stuff they needed with the money we raised. We also all drew cards for them to try and make them happy. I put an axolotl on mine because they make me happy. I wrote nice things too. My mom took me to drop off all the stuff and they were soooooo happy and said thank you a bunch of times. I like helping people because lots of people are nice and help me. If everyone did something to help other people, then maybe no one would need help anymore, and that might make the world nice.

Gabrielle S.
Ottawa, ON

I’m an Ember, and I really care about helping the Earth. That’s why I think I should win a Change Maker Award. I didn’t do it all by myself, but I worked super hard to help make a difference in my community and the world! I helped take care of the Earth!

This year, I helped lead two big projects: one was for Cleaning the Capital and the other was for Climb for Nature. For Cleaning the Capital, I got my unit to clean up our local park. It’s a special place for us, and we picked up trash to make it look nice and clean. It felt really good to do something kind for the Earth and for our neighbours. Then, for Climb for Nature, we raised money to help protect animals and nature. I made a climbing team, told lots of people about it, and asked them to help. I even explained to my friends and family why animals need our help. I want everyone to care about nature like I do!

Doing these things taught me how to be a good leader, be nice to others, and speak up when something is important. Helping the Earth isn’t just a one-time thing – it’s something we have to keep doing so the future can be better. Being a change maker means trying your best to help, even if it’s something small. I’m really proud of what we did, and I want to keep doing more. My unit and I worked as a team to make the world a little better, and that makes me really happy!

Isla O.
Edmonton, AB

I did a professional development (PD) day camp at the Edmonton Humane Society in November 2024. I love animals, and when I learned that the Humane Society always needs donations of money and other things (like pet food and toys) to be able to take care of all the animals, I wanted to help. I asked my mum to help me think of ways I could raise money for them, and I decided to make reusable gift bags to sell for Christmas.

Helping people to waste less wrapping paper at Christmas was important to me to help to protect our environment and animals. We got the fabric we used to make the bags from a thrift store that rescues fabric from the garbage. I really liked that we reused fabric for the bags rather than buying new fabric. My mum taught me to sew and helped me to make the bags, and I even got my twin brother to help thread the ribbons. We sold the bags online. With all the help I got from my family to make the bags, I was able to raise $310 for the Edmonton Humane Society! I’m really excited to make more bags for next year!

Another way I helped the Humane Society this year was by asking my friends for a donation to the Humane Society instead of presents, and I was able to raise another $40! I can’t wait until I’m old enough to volunteer with the animals!

Kaylee Q.
Regina, SK

My name is Kaylee. I am an Ember, and I love being in Girl Guides. I like working on crafts, drawing, reading books, being kind to all my friends and family, and helping out in the community. I am very thankful and grateful for all the support and help from my teachers at my school. To show my appreciation for my teachers, I bake chocolate chip cookies, make homemade gifts, make cards, and write special notes throughout the year to thank my teachers for all their hard work.

In the spring, my mom and I plant vegetables in the garden at home. When the vegetables are ready to be harvested, I give zucchinis, tomatoes, and carrots to friends and family. In the fall, I help clean up the garden by putting the stems in the compost bin to help save the environment. In the summer, I participated in the annual Walk the Talk for Autism. I donated money and walked with my family to raise awareness for autism. This event is dear to my heart because my brother and I have autism.

Throughout the year, I have donated toys and clothing to families and community centres. I helped my mom make more than 30 bracelets for children at different schools. It makes me happy to know that I can help other people by giving and being kind. I try to do my best every day. I am kind and like to help my friends at school, my mom and dad at home, and others in the community.

Zinnia J.
Edmonton, AB

I have been part of Girl Guides and Ismaili Volunteers Edmonton since I was five years old. Being in these groups has helped me connect with my community. I have learned how to take care of the environment and help people in need. For me, helping others is not just about giving back to my community – it is also about making new friends, learning new things, and doing kind actions.

One of my favourite moments was at the Ismaili Centre when I was offering water to others and helping elderly people. A little child saw me and started helping too! This made me very happy because I knew I had inspired someone, just like others had inspired me when I first joined. Now, I always try to make new young volunteers feel welcome. I also help by collecting food donations for the Edmonton Food Bank through the Ismaili CIVIC Food Drive.

Every year, my family and I donate gently used clothes, toys, and household items to families who are new to Canada. In the winter, I help my mom and dad shovel snow to keep the sidewalks safe for our neighbors. In the summer, I help clean our front and back yards. My mom and I also plant vegetables, fruits, and flowers in our backyard. This is my way of taking care of the Earth.

I never miss a chance to help others! At school, I take the initiative to hold doors open, help my teacher organize the classroom, and assist my friends with math since I am good at it. I also make sure no one feels left out at recess. My friend and I even created a big clubhouse where all our classmates are welcome to play! Seeing people smile makes me want to continue helping for a lifetime!

Cara H.
Harrowsmith, ON

My name is Cara. I am 10 years old and in my second year of Guides. In Girl Guides, I’ve learned how important it is to help other people. In my community, there are people who need food – even some kids don’t have enough food to eat! I participated in the Coldest Night of the Year walk this year. I raised $240 on my own, and it went to a charity that provides food and shelter for people in need. People pledged money for me to do the walk, and when I completed it, the money went to the charity.

Last year, when I was selling Girl Guide cookies, someone paid for cookies and told us to give the cookies to the food bank. When I went to the food bank, the manager gave me a tour of the food bank and told me how it worked. I learned that a lot of people depend on the food bank. I decided to do two things: a community food drive and a classroom food drive.

For the classroom food drive, I placed a box in my classroom and my classmates filled it up. Even my teacher brought something! I got help from my unit and friends for the community food drive. I decided it would be fun to fill an entire canoe! I set up in front of the Foodland in my community. I was even interviewed on the radio, and they told people to donate. By the end of the day, the canoe was overflowing. The total food collected was 594.2 pounds!

I enjoyed doing the food drive for the food bank and the walk for the charity. I loved how my friends, unit, and even classmates all helped me out! In the future, I want to keep doing things to help out with food insecurity.

Deeya S.
Brampton, ON

At one of the community events last year, I learned that many children in Toronto under the age of 10 are homeless. This touched my heart, and I wanted to do something to help and bring a smile to their faces. That’s when I started making bracelets to gift them. In 2024, I made 52 rainbow loom bracelets and donated them for Christmas. So far in 2025, I’ve made 62 bracelets, 15 necklaces, and 12 hairbands, which we donated to various children’s shelters during March Break. It brings me so much happiness to support kids my age and younger through something I enjoy creating. I am currently working on making more than 100 bracelets and cards to donate to a children’s cancer hospital in India during our visit this summer.

I also led two workshops to teach other kids how to make bracelets. I call this initiative Beads & Dreams. It empowers children by teaching them the art of bracelet-making, which sparks creativity and offers a skill that can support their future. Through handmade accessory donations, we bring joy to children in need while inspiring others to create and share.

Another initiative I started is Books & Pals. Whenever we visit parks, malls, or indoor play areas, we bring a few books and set up a small reading spot. We invite kids to take short reading breaks between play, helping them discover the magic of stories in a relaxed way. Now that we’ve done this many times, it’s exciting to see children picking up books – even for just a few minutes. Through this initiative, reading is becoming as natural as swinging or sliding: play, read, repeat! Alongside these efforts, I also volunteer at the temple, helping to distribute untouched food offerings to those in need. Giving back makes every day feel meaningful.

Iyah Z.
Mississauga, ON

As a member of the Young Canadians’ Parliament, I learned about human rights, advocacy, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. I became interested in water quality. Water quality is important for drinking and for the environment. I could not believe that some Indigenous communities in Canada don’t have clean drinking water.

I went to the library and read everything I could about this problem. I read Search for Clean Water by Simon Rose, Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom, and Water Is Life: The Ongoing Fight for Indigenous Water Rights by Katrina M. Phillips. Then, I wrote a letter to the prime minister about water quality in Indigenous communities and I got five of my friends to write letters with me. The prime minister’s office wrote back to tell us they forwarded our letters to Indigenous Services Canada. Guess what? They responded, answered our questions, and invited us to meet with a director! I was nervous about meeting a director, but he was so nice. We learned about what Indigenous Services Canada does, we asked the director questions, and we learned how we can keep being advocates.

I still wanted to do more to help solve water quality problems, so I joined Water Rangers! As a Water Ranger, I test water in my community from ponds, rivers, and lakes using my water quality test kit. My kit helps me test alkalinity, hardness, chlorine, pH, and temperature. I put the results on the Water Rangers data platform online. So far, I have tested 10 sites across six bodies of water. I will keep testing and comparing the results to check for problems. I am the only Water Ranger in my community, so I have an important job! By advocating for better water for humans and animals, I am creating a better world.

Tesla C.
Vancouver, BC

Hello, my name is Tesla. I am 11 years old and in my fourth year of Girl Guides. My family and I have been regularly volunteering at different places throughout the years because so many people around the community need help. Every holiday season, we volunteer at the Maritime Labour Centre, where we help prepare dinners and organize presents for people who are struggling during the holidays. We do this because a lot of people can’t afford holiday gifts for their families and loved ones.

We also volunteer at powwows around the neighbourhood, where we serve meals to Indigenous Elders. At the powwows, I learned that Indigenous Peoples treat Elders honourably by granting them higher authority than others. I also learned that there are a lot of different kinds of dancing and singing that different First Nations bring and share at the powwows. It is important for me to learn about First Nations cultures and traditions as part of reconciliation.

Because I like children, I volunteer at a daycare near me, and I have started to volunteer with Murphy Charitable Foundation Uganda. Murphy Charitable Foundation Uganda is committed to helping rural communities across Uganda, and I volunteer by writing letters to children living in poverty who need encouragement to continue school in Uganda. When I signed up for the foundation’s Pen Pal Program, I was paired with a 12-year-old child, and every few weeks we write letters to each other.

I like helping people and volunteering when and where I can. Volunteering has helped me meet new people and even make new friends! My family and I volunteer with different organizations and hope to make an impact in the world.

Leah D.
Whitby, ON

The 2nd Brooklin Sparks would like to share just how much Junior Leader Leah means to them. Even at their young age, the Sparks recognize Leah’s kindness, patience, and magical way of making every meeting exciting and welcoming. To them, Leah is not just a leader — she is a friend, a helper, and someone who makes them love being a part of Girl Guides. Here are just a few of the sweet things the Sparks have said about Leah:

• “Leah always helps me when I don’t know what to do. She makes it not scary.”
• “I love when Leah does crafts with us. She makes glitter fun!”
• “Leah is funny, and she lets us do the cool games.”
• “I want to be like Leah when I’m big and help the little kids too.”
• “Leah gives the best hugs when we’re sad.”
• “Girl Guides is my favourite thing because Leah is there!”

Leah has a special way of connecting with each Spark. She remembers their names and favourite activities, and she always makes them feel like they matter. Whether it’s gently guiding them through a new task, celebrating their accomplishments, or just sitting on the floor with them for story time, Leah’s presence is felt deeply. The Sparks may be small, but their voices are strong in saying that Leah is their change maker.

Lucia FS.
Longueuill, QC

Depuis que je suis petite, mon rêve est d’aider les animaux et de leur offrir une vie meilleure. Mes parents faisaient partie du mouvement des guides et des scouts et ils se sont rencontrés dans un camp, j’ai donc toujours été impliqué dans ce mouvement. En 2021, quand je suis arrivé au Canada, ma mère a découvert qu’il y avait un groupe de guides près de chez moi et j’ai décidé de le rejoindre et j’ai aimé ça. Au cours de ma deuxième année, nous avons réalisé un projet de service et j’ai entendu parler d’un projet sur les animaux, ce qui m’a motivé à poursuivre mon rêve. Mon projet était de ramasser de la nourriture, des jouets et du matériel pour une organisation appelée SPCA Montérégie, qui est un refuge dédié au sauvetage des animaux maltraités ou abandonnés. Pour réaliser ce projet, je suis allée sur la page pour voir ce dont ils avaient besoin, puis j’ai fait des dépliants et je les ai donnés à des connaissances, des guides et des amis. J’ai ensuite appelé pour voir quand je pouvais déposer mes affaires. Ils m’ont ensuite accueilli chaleureusement et j’ai pu voir des animaux et les installations après ils m’ont remercie et je me suis senti très heureuse d’aider et j’aimerais continuer à aider parce qu’on peut tous avoir une deuxième chance.

Sainna J.
Surrey, BC

When I started Sainna’s Creative Factory in 2020 at eight years old, I had a simple goal: to use my creativity to help others. I make and sell handmade items and donate the money to causes that matter to me. I believe that no matter your age, you can still make a big difference and spread kindness in your community and beyond.

In 2024, I raised more than $300 and donated it to the Autism Support Network. I also organized a clothing drive for the Friends For Cause Foundation, which provides free cataract surgeries in India. On top of that, I collect bottles all year long to support my fundraising.

Every project I take on is my way of giving back and creating positive change. Being considered for the Change Maker Award means a lot to me, because that’s exactly what I try to be: someone who uses creativity, compassion, and action to make the world a little better, one small step at a time.

Xiyun Kate H.
West Vancouver, BC

I am a challenger change maker and an education change maker, committed to fostering inclusion through leadership and action. As Youth Director of Project Firefly in West Vancouver, I lead youth volunteers in supporting International China Concern (ICC), an organization that brings hope and dignity to children with disabilities in China. ICC works to prevent child abandonment by supporting families, providing rehabilitation and education, and creating loving communities where every child is valued. Managing this project has been both challenging and transformative. I recruit and mentor new youth, introduce the project to the community, and raise awareness on social media. I also design bottle drive posters, post them online, and coordinate donation pickups at people’s doors.

In 2024, I contributed 35 volunteer hours through bottle drives. The money that was raised helped to fund ICC’s Family Partners Program and sponsor a child named Xiahong. Knowing our efforts support children like 16-year-old Xiahong, who receives therapy for mobility challenges and emotional care, makes this work deeply meaningful. He pushes his wheelchair on his own, enjoys morning assemblies, and smiles on the swing during therapy. His story reminds me why I lead this project: to help children like him thrive.

I also seek ways to grow our impact – researching best practices, refining communication strategies, and encouraging youth to take initiative. I’ve learned to lead through obstacles, solve problems creatively, and inspire others by example.

Beyond raising funds, I’m helping shape a more compassionate, educated community – one that sees the value in every person. By mentoring younger volunteers and sharing stories like Xiahong’s, I aim to spark empathy and action. Through service, I’ve learned that real change begins when youth dare to lead.

Carly G.
Dalhousie, NB

Through my 10 years in Guiding, I have learned the importance of teamwork, community, and inclusion. I am nominating myself for this award because I have been a change maker in Guiding for many years and feel my contribution to the world is important.

As a Ranger in Lones, I have designed projects that combine my hobbies with my passion for social justice. For example, countless bake sales with 100% of proceeds going to local organizations like the SPCA and the New Brunswick African Association (NBAA). I also organized a card-writing activity at my local elementary school, which resulted in more than 50 cheerful cards being sent to an assisted living facility in my community. Furthermore, my Ranger service project was inspired by my love of sports and the awareness of the financial burden that school sports pose. I led a small team and organized a volleyball tournament fundraiser that raised more than $1,200 for student athletes at my school who were struggling to pay sports fees.

I am also an executive member of the student council and a member of my school’s International Citizenship and Understanding (ICU) club. We provide support for international and newcomer students through school orientations, activities, and guidance. Whether it be by sharing Canadian culture with a snowshoeing activity or learning about other cultures through international food potlucks, we have created an inclusive school community.

In addition, I am currently living in Germany as part of Atlantic Education International’s Study Abroad program. This experience has reinforced the importance of cultural understanding and has increased my awareness of global issues. As a member of my Provincial Youth Council, I aspire to create further change at the national level and to complete my Trailblazer Leadership Award. I will continue uplifting my communities through Girl Guides by creating change, one step at a time.

Leah C.
Saint John, NB

I’ve been a Girl Guide member for 13 years. I’m active in my school and community through volunteering and humanitarian efforts and have taken on several leadership roles. Guiding provided me with the courage, tools, knowledge, and initiative to lead service projects and inspire others to join my efforts.

In Grade 9, during the COVID pandemic, I set out to spread positivity to students by creating baskets of healthy snacks with assistance from a #RisingYouth grant. In Grade 11, I led a Holiday in a Box campaign by rallying the school community to donate personal care items. For the past five years, I’ve created Christmas crafts for the residents at the Loch Lomond Villa Seniors Residence.

In 2024, I started the Community Impact Heroes Project at my school to help the less fortunate. The project features monthly challenges and collects donations of food, clothing, and personal care items throughout the school year, providing hope to those in need. Each month I supply a collection box and encourage the school community to contribute to the monthly cause. I prepare posters and advertise on social media. I collect the items at the end of each month and distribute them to the receiving organization.

I also prepared blessing bags for Outflow Ministry and collected winter clothing for Hestia House, food for Romero House, books and board games for the Boys & Girls Club, purses and backpacks for Coverdale Centre for Women, blankets and food for the SPCA, and sports equipment for NB Social Pediatrics. My sister and I also delivered a presentation at the Boys & Girls Club focused on safety awareness and provided educational safety kits for the children.

Helping others is gratifying and contributes to self-discovery and personal growth. I’m proud of the positive impact these projects are having on the community.

Serina P.
Calgary, AB

I would like to be considered for this award because my Guiding journey has inspired and empowered me to create positive change in my community. Since joining in 2021, I have been dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

My inspiration began after my mother’s cancer diagnosis, which opened my eyes to the underfunding of cancer research. With the support of a friend, I raised more than $300 for youth affected by cancer. The following year, with support from my Guiders, I launched Paper Cranes Against Childhood Cancer, an initiative in which I folded 1,000 paper cranes to raise awareness of and money for childhood cancer.

I believe that true change is created not only through financial contributions but also through dedicating time and passion to important causes. This led me to volunteer more than 200 hours at the Wilder Institute as a Junior Zoo Guide, where I learned the importance of education in driving change. Seeking to expand my knowledge, I enrolled in Indigenous Studies at my school to better understand my role in reconciliation. This journey culminated in the opportunity to join the honorary Brave Dogs Clan, which has deepened my connection to Indigenous teachings.

Additionally, I have actively used my voice to advocate for change. I have participated in climate marches and school walkouts against anti-trans legislation and served on the ANY Council Youth Forum. I currently serve on the National Youth Council to help amplify youth voices within Guiding. In my role as a Junior Leader in Ember and Spark units, I am committed to giving back to my direct Guiding community. I hope to inspire the younger generation not only to stay involved in Guiding but also to contribute positive change in their own communities, just as I was inspired at the start of my own Guiding journey.

Sydney F.
Surrey, BC

I have been a member of Girl Guides of Canada for 12 years, consistently stepping up to plan meetings, camps, and events for my unit and district. This year, I worked as a Junior Leader with a Spark and Ember unit, planning and leading activities. Additionally, I take on leadership roles in organizing and mentoring others for our district’s World Thinking Day events.

Last year, I discovered my love for water polo. Initially, my lack of familiarity with the rules, plays, and positions set me back, but through hard work, perseverance, and consistency, I earned the opportunity to travel with my team to other provinces to play in Water Polo Canada’s National Championship League tournaments in my second year of playing. I train five to six days per week, show up early to practices, and apply feedback from my coaches so I can continue to improve my skills.

Volunteering is an important part of my life. I’m a Big Buddy with the Surrey Libraries Reading Buddies program, sharing my love of reading with younger children. I also volunteer as a coach for my high school swim team. This past year, I was a swim coach with the Canucks Autism Network, where I led a team of eight support workers and two volunteers. I provided a safe and supportive environment so swimmers could thrive and learn within their own boundaries.

My passion for supporting girls and women in sports is reflected in my Grade 12 capstone project, where I focused on how periods affect girls in sports. My goal was to show the importance of coaches receiving training on women’s health to ensure girls stay in sports longer. Through Girl Guides and my other experiences, I’m growing into a strong, confident leader, and I’m committed to making a positive difference in my community.