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We thank each Give Back Awards recipient for giving back!
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GIVE BACK
AWARDS
2015
ABOUT
NEIGHBOURHOOD
NETWORK
Neighbourhood Network is a community
initiative funded by Magna International
Inc. that brings together volunteers with
local charities to support residents of
Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina,
King, and Newmarket.
ABOUT THE GIVE BACK AWARDS
The Give Back Awards are an annual cash prize donated by
Magna International Inc. and Neighbourhood Network to
graduating students from high schools in Aurora, Georgina,
and Newmarket. The outstanding recipients of the 2015
Give Back Awards were selected based on the exceptional
contributions they have made to fellow students and citizens,
and their ongoing dedication to community involvement!
TREVOR WRIGHT
DAMIANO PANETTA
AURORA HIGH SCHOOL
CARDINAL CARTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Volunteering is a part of Trevor’s life and he believes “if we
work every day to improve the lives of others, the world will
slowly but surely become a better place.”
Combatting youth homelessness is Trevor’s passion, and is an ongoing
cause that he champions by participating in fundraisers and raising
awareness amongst his peers. Trevor organized the Sandwich Run at his
school to provide lunches for those in need, and acts as Co-Chair for the
360 Experience Youth Leaders Edition, recently raising over $23,000.
As Co-Chair, Trevor connects 360 Kids with the public high schools in
York Region, where he hopes the knowledge gained will spread regionwide and encourage future initiatives. Trevor believes that we should
never stop volunteering, and that there is no limit for giving back.
Damiano is a true inspiration, leader, and role model. In 2013, he qualified
to swim for Team Canada at the Deaflympics. Damiano acts as a mentor
for the York Catholic District School Board by giving talks to students
about setting goals, hearing loss, and overcoming adversity. Damiano
also volunteers at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Parkinson’s
Foundation. His determination to achieve his goals is applauded by other
students and adults. Damiano wants everyone to know that people with
disabilities can reach their goals and do anything – the key is not to give up.
DAMIAN DI BIASE
HAVEN MOULDS
CARDINAL CARTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
DR. G.W. WILLIAMS SECONDARY SCHOOL
Through volunteerism, Damian has gained “good
leadership skills and learned the true value of giving
back by impacting people in a positive way.”
For the past 5 years, Damian has accumulated over 650 community service
hours acting as a referee for the King United Soccer Club. Through this
opportunity, Damian has become a strong leader, which he carries into his
school community. He is President of the Student Council, and while holding
this role, Damian formed a new committee called the “Identity Squad,” a
group that seeks to help individuals who are experiencing difficulty within
the school. Damian also volunteers in the community with the Terry Fox Run,
King Day, annual Town parades, E-Waste Day, and helping at sport events in
York Region.
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Damiano hopes to “help further develop devices for the
hearing impaired, such as the cochlear implant, to help
other people just like him.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
Haven knows that “giving back to the community should
not be considered a task, but rather something that she
should be honoured to do.”
Haven feels she has not only made a positive impact on her
community, but her volunteer efforts have helped her grow as a
person. She loves that volunteering has given her the ability to meet
people who share her passions, all while making someone’s life better.
Haven organized a bone marrow drive at her school, which led to a
campaign to hold bone marrow drives in every high school in York
Region. She also believes in healthy living, and organizes the Terry Fox
Run at her school to promote the fun side of physical activity.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
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CASSANDRA CAREY
TRISHA BALADHAY
ÉCOLE SECONDAIRE CATHOLIQUE RENAISSANCE
ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Cassandra believes that in order to achieve goals in the
community, everyone needs to contribute, “nobody can get
anywhere alone…we all need help.”
Even before high school, volunteering regularly within the community
was a huge part of Cassandra’s life. She donates her time to a variety of
causes from being a reading buddy, to a program assistant at her skating
club, to dedicating countless hours volunteering at the Hospital for Sick
Children in Toronto. Cassandra firmly believes that “by helping people,
you are helping your community, and by helping your community, you are
helping the world.” She put these words into action earlier this year when
she traveled abroad to build two homes for families in need. Cassandra
has a deep compassion for others and her contributions continue to
enhance many lives in the community.
Trisha’s well-rounded personality stems from her active involvement in
several organizations, like Easter Seals Ontario, the Aurora Historical
Society, and the AIDS Committee of York Region. She is recognized as a
positive peer mentor and a leader in the community, and has volunteered
to organize a number of fundraisers for St. Vincent de Paul, the Rose of
Sharon, and various natural disaster relief organizations. Trisha believes
that everyone possess unique skills that can be used to positively impact
individuals in need, and hopes to continue inspiring volunteerism.
DHRUV KRISHNAN
ERIC HASKINS
ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE
KESWICK HIGH SCHOOL
Dhruv feels that “the path to success should not be
focused on ‘me,’ but ‘we,’ and that the key to happiness is
supporting each other and rising together.”
Dhruv is an active volunteer within his community and at St. Andrew’s
College. He has volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region
as their Youth Ambassador, the Learning Disabilities Association of
York Region where he tutors grade 5 students every week, and acts as
the Student Engagement Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society
at his school. Dhruv’s passion for community is rooted in his altruistic
nature. He believes that “the idea of a community is that different
people will do their part and contribute for the prosperity of the whole.”
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For Trisha, “giving back means devoting her time to worthy
causes and to things that she’s passionate about, without
the intention of getting awarded or recognized.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
For Eric, giving back is not about the recognition; he hopes
“that people can be and do better because he made an effort
to do and be better.”
Eric believes volunteering has good value because you make a difference
and get “paid” in a way that is priceless. This belief shines through
his lengthy list of volunteer commitments within his school and in the
community. Eric has volunteered at the Red Cross, senior’s homes, animal
shelters, Relay for Life, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Salvation
Army, and the Georgina and Aurora food pantries. To Eric, the life
experiences that are gained from volunteering are true experiences that are
irreplaceable.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
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MARGARET EVANS
JOSHUA CLEMENTS
OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC COLLEGE SCHOOL
HURON HEIGHTS SECONDARY SCHOOL
Margaret volunteers because of “the relationships that come
along with the work that she loves.”
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For Joshua, volunteering does not feel like “giving back
because he is also receiving enjoyment from the activity.”
Margaret has devoted the past two summers to volunteering at Camp
Widjiitiwin, where she spent countless hours impacting hundreds of
young campers by providing healthy advice, leading religious lessons,
and offering her friendship. During the school year, Margaret donates her
waitress skills to the New Wave Café for its many charity fundraisers. She
also helps at a number of different community events through her church.
Margaret’s volunteer experiences have built a strong stepping stone for
her future academic endeavours in early childhood education.
A recent immigrant to Canada, Joshua has quickly become a young
leader and entrepreneur who uses his skills to educate others. Joshua
was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, which motivated him
to work hard and in turn, to mentor students on how to manage and
adapt with learning differences. Joshua is active in his local Scout
group and has volunteered as a Troop leader, a Medivent, and a
liaison between Cubs and Scouts. Joshua is also the Co-Founder of
Qwertynomics and Founder of Sci-Tek, which employs youth in the
community and teaches people about robotics.
MAHIMA MEHTA
MADISON MAYNARD
DR. J.M. DENISON SECONDARY SCHOOL
HURON HEIGHTS SECONDARY SCHOOL
For Mahima, volunteering is “a hobby she has grown to
love,” and she believes, “it is our collective responsibility
to take care of our community.”
Madison plans to volunteer for the rest of her life and
believes that, “no matter how big or small, positively
impacting the community is giving back.”
Mahima began volunteering at a senior’s home in Aurora, where she
assisted with exercise classes and then in the CAT scan department.
From these early volunteer experiences, Mahima decided to pursue a
career in the medical field because “saving a life is the greatest help
one can get.” Mahima has positively influenced a number of senior’s
homes in her community by regularly assisting staff and residents. On
top of that, she volunteers at church functions preparing dinners, and
participates in charity events like the Hike for Hospice and the 4T Miler.
Madison has been an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of
Newmarket, the Rose of Sharon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of York,
the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, and Inn from the Cold.
Though she has well over her required community hours, Madison
chooses not to log her volunteer contributions because she doesn’t
want credit for her efforts. Madison believes that everyone in the
community should help one another, and that people need people
in order for a community to function.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
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ASHNI BHOOLATON
LEAH HANS
NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
When entering grade 9, Ashni saw volunteering as receiving
hours necessary for graduation. Now, Ashni believes
“volunteering is the backbone for a solid community.”
Over the past 3 years, Ashni has volunteered countless hours at Southlake
Regional Health Centre in the SDC Post-Op Unit. She found purpose
as a volunteer to help nurses, patients, or simply by being present as a
cheerful face for others in need. Ashni’s volunteering extends into the sport
community, where she helps children experience the real fun and value of
being active. She hopes her involvement in the community will inspire others
to follow suit.
Leah’s greatest achievement has been the creation of her own foundation,
the Leah Hans Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer through the Canadian
Cancer Society. She has raised over $16,000 by hosting hair-cutting
events and multiple community fundraisers. When Leah is not organizing
or participating in a community event, she is volunteering for Girls Inc.
York Region after school and during the summer months. Leah volunteers
to create “a brighter tomorrow” in the community, “with the aspiration of
creating hope and compassion for others within it.”
SARAH CHARNOCK
SAMANTHA MCFETRIDGE
NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
Sarah volunteers to “help others be the best version of
themselves, and to help her be the best version of herself.”
Sarah’s community involvement ranges from being the President of
Food for Thought, organizing a committee for Relay for Life, and acting
as a coach and mentor for youth soccer players in Aurora. She has also
dedicated countless hours at the Walk It Off Spinal Cord Wellness
Centre, where she assists patients during their recovery sessions and
aims to make therapy fun for patients. Internationally, Sarah gives back
by teaching English in Ethiopia. Sarah’s goal is to continue improving
people’s lives by furthering her studies in the medical field.
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A leader at the age of 10, Leah began hosting her own
fundraising events and has become an anti-bullying activist
and role model to girls struggling with the definition of
‘true beauty.’
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
At an early age, Samantha had a passion for helping people,
and though she doesn’t “have a master plan to save the
planet, she does have a plan to make a difference, one
person at a time.”
Making a difference in someone’s life is not just a one-time goal for
Samantha, it’s an ongoing effort. Samantha has volunteered for a
wide variety of organizations, taking part in different fundraisers, and
dedicating over 300 community hours in just one year at the Southlake
Residential Care Village. Her efforts and leadership were admired by the
Volunteer Coordinator, and Samantha was asked to continue giving back
as a Volunteer Trainer. To Samantha, the most important thing in life is
people, and she will continue to help anyone who is in need.
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
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JENNIFER POWERS
BOMI PARK
NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
SIR WILLIAM MULOCK SECONDARY SCHOOL
“It’s important to always remember that you didn’t have
any say in where you were born but you do have a say in
what you do with the blessings you’ve been given.”
Helping the less fortunate has always been important to Jennifer, and
her efforts have earned an outstanding 1650 hours of community
service. At a young age, Jennifer understood the significance of
giving. She planned garage sales, ran lemonade stands, and held
clothing drives to help raise money for various causes. Not only has
Jennifer taken part in several community events, but she even raised
money to support relief efforts in Haiti. Soon after, she found herself
volunteering there, to help rebuild a home for a family who had lost
theirs during the natural disaster. Jennifer is a true leader by nature,
and an incredible philanthropist at heart.
Bomi’s volunteer efforts started at an early age and spread beyond
Newmarket’s borders. With her creation of the Christian youth group,
4TX, Bomi has brought together 100 students from Newmarket,
Mississauga, Hamilton, and Toronto to discuss ways in which they could
address inner city homeless. In grade 7, Bomi went on her first mission
trip to the Philippines, and later went to Ecuador and Costa Rica. While
abroad, Bomi learned what poverty looked like, and committed herself to
a lifetime of volunteering, helping one individual at a time.
MELISSA CUSACK STRIEPE
ZACH ROBERTS
NEWMARKET HIGH SCHOOL
SIR WILLIAM MULOCK SECONDARY SCHOOL
Melissa gives back “to contribute, to have a part in
change, to help one or many, and because she yearns to
see better lives and better ecological health.”
Melissa’s most significant contribution to the community has been
through active involvement with the Ontario Nature Youth Council. As a
member, Melissa helps to plan, organize, and execute an Annual Youth
Summit, as well as other fundraisers. In May, Melissa will be holding
a wildflower planting day in Newmarket to create a pollinator habitat.
Melissa hopes to impact youth and adults by inspiring them to follow their
passions and make a difference. When thinking about giving back, Melissa
takes a look at all she has received from her community and environment,
and then finds a way to help.
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Bomi strongly believes that her “small actions of caring
will be brought together and contribute in changing the
community and making the globe a better place to live.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
Zach has recognized “that working within one’s community
can have a powerful impact, and consequently has sought
to touch as many lives as possible in a positive fashion.”
Zach dedicates most of his volunteer efforts to school events and
leading other students. In grade 9, he was the driving force behind the
school’s first participation in “We Day.” He is also a founding member
and student leader of the Social Justice Club. Zach has made many new
international students’ lives easier by tutoring students in reading and
writing. He helps raise their confidence, and makes them feel at home.
Zach also teaches others in the community by volunteering as a reading
buddy at the Newmarket Public Library and hopes “to be a teacher down
the road, and use his experiences to enrich learning and inspire youth to
follow their passions.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015
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THANK YOU
MESSAGE
FROM
STEVE
HINDER
Manager,
Magna for Community
On behalf of Neighbourhood Network and
Magna International, we thank each Give Back
Awards recipient for all they have accomplished
through volunteering and setting a strong
example for others — not only in their schools,
but throughout our community.
Each recipient has distinguished themself as
someone who not only cares about community,
but actually does something about it.
We wish all winners the very best in their
continuing efforts to make a positive contribution
to fellow peers, citizens, and communities.
Sincerely,
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NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK
GIVE BACK AWARDS 2015