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2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS
from EVENT PROGRAM
by powerplaypg
Alumni of the Year:
Paula Ramsay
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Paula Ramsay is a former BBBST Little in our Pumped for Post-Secondary Readiness Program. After experiencing how much the program positively benefited her in high school, she wanted to provide that same opportunity for other students by becoming a volunteer mentor. Since 2012, Paula has been an incredible role model who has supported Pumped for Post-Secondary program development and innovation by using her unique lens from being a program alumni! Paula has spent countless hours mentoring over 200 students throughout her time with BBBST!
Builder of the Year:
Sheila Harrison
The Builder of the Year is in honour of Sheila Harrison. Sheila created Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto’s Big G(randparent) program for those in the 55+ volunteer age bracket. Sheila was an extremely active member of the community where she would work hard to encourage and recruit volunteers for BBBST. She was a steering committee member of the Federation of North Toronto Residents Association, Director of Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods and long-time board member of the South Armour Heights Residents’ Association. In her neighbourhood, she led annual block parties and in 2020 she organized a daily block music tribute to honour healthcare workers that lasted for 100 days. BBBST is grateful to have known and worked with Sheila, she touched the lives of many members of the BBBST community from the Big G mentors that she recruited, to BBBST staff, and her Little, Reem.
Corporate Champion: Eight Capital
For the last two years, Eight Capital has been a strong contributor and supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. In November 2022, they hosted an incredible third party fundraiser for BBBST, raising critical funds to help us open up an office in Regent Park and match 44 young people on our waitlist with a mentor. Eight Capital believes in the work of BBBST and we are grateful for this true, authentic partnership. Their contribution allows us to continue to provide meaningful mentorship opportunities for young people in Toronto and build thriving communities within the Regent Park neighbourhood.
