From April 19 to 25, organizations across Canada are celebrating National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to recognize the remarkable individuals who show up for the missions they believe in. This year’s theme is “Ignite Volunteerism”, encouraging Canadians to spark positive change and reconnect with their local communities through service.
At Best Buddies Canada, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission: they are the students who consistently show up for their friends, the teachers who build school communities where everyone belongs, and the community champions who remind us that inclusion is a choice we make every day. This week, we are proud to present 2026 Best Buddies Canada Volunteer Awards to three extraordinary volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support Best Buddies’ mission of fostering friendship, inclusion, and leadership development opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Monika has been an active member of the Gives Network at BlackRock, using this platform to raise awareness of Best Buddies Canada among her colleagues. Through her efforts, she has supported the organization in a variety of meaningful ways—securing grants through BlackRock, hosting Lunch & Learn sessions to educate colleagues about Best Buddies, and volunteering her time at events such as the Best Buddies Prom.
Best Buddies Canada is truly grateful for Monika’s meaningful engagement and her dedication to increasing awareness of the organization within her workplace. She is a most deserving recipient of the Volunteer Award.
Martine joined the Board at Best Buddies Canada in 2021. In 2024, she became Co-Chair of the Board, where she has played a vital role in supporting the Executive Director in her new role and ensuring the organization operates effectively while adhering to strong governance practices.
With her accounting and financial expertise, Martine has been instrumental in providing financial oversight and contributing to the organization’s strategic growth. She has also supported the annual fundraising event, Thrill of the Ascot, by serving on the committee and offering her insight and assistance wherever needed.
We are proud to present the Volunteer Award to Martine in recognition of her integrity and her collaborative approach in working with staff and fellow board members.
“Janay’s impact at CECI is most profoundly felt through her leadership in Best Buddies, where she currently serves as Chapter President. Watching her in this role has been nothing short of inspiring. Janay leads by example, showing up consistently for our developmental education students not because she has to, but because she genuinely values the relationships she builds with them. She has helped grow our chapter, promote inclusion within the school, and create a welcoming environment where every student feels seen and valued.
Her contributions extend far beyond formal events. Janay spends her lunch hours and spare periods visiting our classroom, forming meaningful one‑to‑one connections with students who often struggle to trust or engage with peers. One moment that stands out is her relationship with a student who typically avoids physical proximity and social interaction. Through her patience, warmth, and authenticity, Janay built a bond with him that we had never seen before — sharing laughter, moments of connection, and genuine joy. It is a testament to her compassion and her rare ability to meet students exactly where they are.
Janay has also played a central role in organizing and leading numerous Best Buddies initiatives, including two Halloween dances for CECI and AVSS, Special Olympics events, and major fundraisers such as “Hoop It Up” and World Down Syndrome Day. She has been equally dedicated to smaller chapter activities — ornament decorating, Valentine’s lunches, cookie decorating, and more — always ensuring that every event is meaningful and inclusive.
Her leadership extends well beyond our chapter. Janay regularly attends leadership conferences, where she represents our school with professionalism and pride. She has delivered powerful speeches on inclusion, sharing her passion for creating equitable, welcoming spaces for all students. Additionally, she is an active member of our School Athletic Association (SAA), where she has played a key role in bridging the gap between athletics and inclusion — ensuring that sports culture at CECI reflects the same values of belonging and accessibility that she champions in Best Buddies.
What sets Janay apart is her character. She is passionate, resilient, warm, and positively infectious. She carries herself with a sense of purpose and integrity that is uncommon in someone her age. She anticipates needs before they arise, takes initiative without being asked, and consistently acts with a strong moral compass. She is the kind of student who makes a school community better simply by being part of it.” – Brianna Dennison, Staff Advisor at Central Elgin Collegiate Institute