Ten extraordinary youth recognized for driving change and shaping a brighter future for all children:
Children First Canada proudly presented the winners of The Future is NOW Awards 2025 on October 30, recognizing Canada’s top 10 most inspiring young changemakers. Presented by Rogers, with Suzanne Rogers serving as Honourary Chair, this prestigious national celebration shines a spotlight on young leaders who are driving bold action on the most pressing issues of our time.
Now in its second year, the Future is NOW! Awards 2025 celebrate youth leadership and amplify young voices shaping the future of our country. From tackling climate change and systemic racism to advancing reconciliation, equitable education, and mental health, this year’s recipients represent the courage, creativity, and compassion of young Canadians who are making a difference in their communities — and for their generation.
All honourees are under the age of 18, and several members of the national jury are youth themselves. Each recipient receives a financial award, along with year-long mentorship, coaching, and funding to expand their social impact and deepen their leadership.
The Future is NOW Awards 2025 Winners are:
- The Literacy for All Award (Literacy): Ainara Alleyne (16), Hamilton, ON – Creator and host of Ainara’s Bookshelf on TVOkids, promoting children’s books by Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented authors.
- The No Planet B Award (Climate Action): Céline Zhang (17), Montreal, QC – Co-founder of Alleos, advancing mangrove conservation, food security, and environmental education worldwide.
- The Brighter Futures Award (Physical Health) – Presented by MacKenzie & William Sievert: Cailyn Sinclair (12), Vancouver, BC – Advocate for youth living with Type 1 Diabetes, raising over $120,000 for research and access to care.
- The Guiding Light Award (Reconciliation & Equitable Access to Care): Janessa Dumas Colomb (17), The Pas, MB – Advocate for culturally safe health care for Indigenous children.
- The Momentum Award (Student Leadership) – presented by FACE Toronto: Santiago Proteau-Sanchez (17), Montreal, QC – Founder of the Association des Présidences des Écoles du Québec, representing over 13,000 students and advancing youth representation in politics.
- The We Belong Award (Systemic Racism & Discrimination) – Presented by Mantellla Corp.: Clayton Yang (16), Toronto, ON – Founder of Narratives of New Canadian Youth, a photojournalism project amplifying young immigrant voices.
- The Civic Spark Award (Civic Engagement) – Presented by Deloitte: Kamran Shukoor (18), Calgary, AB – youth advocate for civic engagement and government transparency, named honorary Mayor of Calgary for a day.
- The Strong Minds, Strong Hearts Award (Mental Health) – Presented by KPMG: Megan Sooah Webster (17), Vancouver, BC – Co-founder of NaloxAware, advocating for housing supports post-rehabilitation and raising awareness about Naloxone access.
- The Thriving Communities Award (Poverty & Food Insecurity) – Presented by BMO: Oluwafemi David Ojo-Abegunde (16), Saint John, NB – Co-President of Club H.O.P.E., leading youth-driven volunteer projects advancing children’s rights.
- The Together We Rise Award (Equitable Education) – Presented by KPMG: Angelika Bell (18), Toronto, ON – Two-time TDSB Student Trustee and national youth advocate driving systemic equity and amplifying student voice in public policy.
Celebrating Youth Leadership and Collective Impact
On October 30th, 50 youth from across the country gathered for a Youth Changemaker Forum, a full-day summit focused on educating, inspiring and empowering young leaders. The celebrations will culminate that evening at the Future is NOW! Awards gala at Toronto’s Park Hyatt, marking Children First Canada’s 10th anniversary — a red-carpet celebration of 10 years of impact and 10 extraordinary young changemakers, uniting youth with leaders from government, philanthropy, civil society, and the private sector.
“Canada’s future is brighter because of these extraordinary young people,” says Sara Austin, Founder and CEO of Children First Canada. “They remind us that leadership has no age limit. Their courage and vision are transforming our country — proving that when children are seen, heard, and empowered, real change follows.”
Suzanne Rogers, Honourary Chair of the 2025 Future is NOW Awards, adds, “The next generation is leading with innovation, empathy, and purpose, and that gives me immense hope for Canada’s future. Rogers is proud to stand alongside these remarkable young changemakers who are using their voices and vision to build a more inclusive and connected country.”
Future is NOW! Awards 2025 Sponsors:
The 2025 Future is NOW Awards are made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors and donors:
Trailblazer: Rogers
Trendsetter: Mantella Corporation
Changemakers: KPMG, Deloitte, BMO, FACE Toronto, Century Initiative, MacKenzie & William Sievert
Pathfinders: the Bitove-Naumovich Family, Magnetic, Cineplex, Bassett Events
Every dollar raised through the Future is NOW! Awards will directly support children and youth across Canada, helping them achieve their full potential as leaders and changemakers. These funds provide vital resources such as leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and grants to accelerate youth-led initiatives on pressing issues facing young Canadians. Your support helps amplify the voices of young leaders, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to drive meaningful change in their communities and across the country.
The Future is NOW Awards 2025 was a spectacular event for a very worthy cause; namely, supporting Canada’s youngest change makers.
Let’s Stay Connected:
Follow Children First Canada and be part of a community that believes in the power of young voices to build a brighter, more compassionate world.
Facebook: facebook.com/childrenfirstcanada
Instagram: @children1stca
Key Words: #FutureIsNOW #YouthChangemakers #ChildrenFirstCanada #LeadershipWithoutLimits #CharityEventCanada #EmpowerYouth #MakeADifference
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