OACAS is proud to announce that Nicole Bonnie, Chief Executive Officer, has been selected as one of six finalists for the 2020 Lynn Factor Stand up for Kids National Award for her outstanding work towards making meaningful change for children and youth in and from care in Ontario.
“It’s an honour to be nominated and included among this year’s list of inspiring and deserving individuals,” said Ms. Bonnie.
The Lynn Factor Stand Up for Kids National Award is part of Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s Stand up for Kids movement and was created in 2018 to recognize extraordinary Canadians whose efforts and dedication have made a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth. This year’s nominees include Ashley Bach, former youth in care, leader, and volunteer, Dylan Cohen, former youth in care, facilitator, and community organizer, Julie Despaties, founder and Executive Director of Adopt4Life, Roberta L. Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire, and Dr. Jane Matheson, former CEO of Wood’s Homes. Past winners include Irwin Elman, former Ontario Child and Youth Advocate (2019) and Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (2018).
“I have dedicated my career to listening to Ontario’s most marginalized children and youth and pushing for changes to make the child welfare system less harmful, and ultimately more equitable, for them and their families” said Ms. Bonnie. “To have my work recognized is to also recognize that these young people deserve more. More respect, more support, and more opportunities to thrive.”
Ms. Bonnie was selected as a finalist by the National Award Committee, which includes distinguished leaders from across sectors who are committed to supporting our country’s most at-risk children and youth. The winner and five finalists will direct $75,000 in grants toward initiatives that support children and youth. The winner will be announced September 9 at the Foundation’s Stand Up for Kids Night presented by CIBC.
Learn more about the Lynn Factor Stand up for Kids National Award and the other nominees here.
For media inquiries, contact:
Sean McGrady
Interim Senior Manager, Communications
Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
smcgrady@oacas.org
