The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) rolled out the red carpet on Feb. 8th at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto for its spectacular 2025 Great Valentine Gala, where the stars of the disability community took center stage. This dazzling event celebrated individuals and organizations who have truly gone above and beyond, highlighting extraordinary leadership, heartwarming achievements, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
2025 CFPDP Award Winners: Shining Beacons of Inspiration
Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada and the Shah Family Foundation both took home the 2025 Corporate Award, each making waves in the disability community. Primerica Life Canada earned the honor for diversifying its corporate board, proudly appointing Gaurav Upadhya—a financial and risk wizard who’s walked with crutches and leg braces since battling polio at age three. His leadership not only inspires but proves that disability doesn’t define capability.
Next up, the Shah Family Foundation was celebrated for its incredible contributions to healthcare and education. Their heartwarming $1.3 million donation (matched by universities, colleges, and CFPDP) is set to create over $2.8 million in endowment funds, paving the way for a future where students with disabilities can shine bright across every province and territory.
The Honourable David C. Onley Award went to Taylor Lindsay-Noel, a powerhouse advocate, social media sensation, and entrepreneurial queen. She’s the founder of Cup of Té—a luxury tea brand—and a tireless volunteer who uses her platform to show the world that accessibility is not a luxury, but a necessity.
The Honourable Vim Kochhar Award
The 2025 recipient of this prestigious award is Laura Dottori-Attanasio, the brilliant trailblazer at the helm of Element Fleet Management Corp. Since taking the reins in 2023, Laura has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, opening doors for people with disabilities and making waves with her outstanding leadership.
A Night of Glory: The King Clancy Award
Canada’s 31 Paralympic medalists from the Paris 2024 Games were also honored with the King Clancy Award. More than 20 of these incredible athletes were present to accept their accolades, with the legendary Jeff Tiessen—three-time Paralympian and world record holder—presenting this prestigious award. As a sweet cherry on top, Raj Viswanathan of Scotiabank handed out podium cheques, rewarding the athletes for their extraordinary achievements.
A Legacy of Inclusion
The CFPDP has been a true pioneer in promoting incluscivity for over four decades. One of its proudest accomplishments is the creation of the world’s first barrier-free apartment complex for individuals who are deaf-blind, nestled in Toronto’s Willowdale neighborhood. Now, the Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC), a project founded by CFPDP, is building an even bigger 56-unit complex to provide safe, accessible housing for more individuals. Hon. Vim Kochhar couldn’t be more proud of the impact CHKC continues to make.
Entertainment and Sponsors Galore
The night sparkled with a special performance by Robert Pilon, a renowned stage, television, and recording artist, celebrated for his unforgettable roles as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Scott Russell guided the evening as emcee, keeping the energy high and the spirits soaring.
A huge thank you goes to the sponsors who made the event possible: Scotiabank, Deloitte, and Element Fleet Management. The gala was also steered by Honorary Co-Chairs Laura Dottori-Attanasio and Sal Iacono, with Gala Co-Chairs George Przybylowski and Tony Wight ensuring everything went off without a hitch.
About the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons
Since its founding in 1984, the CFPDP has worked tirelessly to shine a spotlight on abilities, not disabilities. With a heart full of passion and over $40 million raised, the foundation has spearheaded countless initiatives to change the world and make it a more inclusive place. Learn more about their impactful work at cfpdp.com.
2025 Great Valentine Gala
was an unforgettable evening where hearts, minds, and spirits came together to honor those making a lasting difference in the world of accessibility and beyond! © 2025 TorontoArtsandEvents. All rights reserved. AI assisted.
