Healthy Kids Awards

2015/2016 Award Recipients

Health Advocacy and Public Education Award

Awarded to an individual or organization that is raising awareness and providing public education on a key issue affecting the health of children and youth, or is influencing a change in public policy that will benefit youth and their families

Recipient: Gordon and Kathleen Stringer, Rowan’s Law

After an inquest into the death of their daughter, Rowan Stringer, Gordon and Kathleen Stringer have worked hard to win support for provincial legislation so that no other parent suffers this type of devastating and preventable death of their child.

Their bill, known as Rowan’s Law, will educate parents, coaches, teachers and students on the signs and symptoms of concussion, supply health providers with universal guidelines on when it is safe to return to school and play, as well as cover many of the 49 recommendations from the inquest into Rowan’s death.

Thanks to their dedication, Rowan’s Law passed its second reading and is one step closer to protecting young people from concussions.

Community Champion Award

Awarded to an individual who has proven to be an exceptional advocate of childhood mental and physical health

Recipient: Monique Yashinskie, Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre

After losing her 18 year old son to suicide in 2011, Monique Yashinskie founded the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre to ensure other families would be able to find support where and when they needed it. The Centre’s primary program, its Suicide Prevention and Crisis Clinics for youth and families, have been operating since June 2013 and now have offices in Petawawa, Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior and Eganville.

Since its launch, the clinics have helped 368 youth and families. The Centre’s vision is for everyone in Renfrew County to have access to compassionate mental health support in a timely manner.

Community Program Award

Awarded to a corporate, non-profit or organizational program/initiative that promotes the healthy development of children and youth

Recipient: Spanish Folk Dancing Troupe of Ottawa (Tanya and Susan Novo)

Tanya and Susan Novo are two Ottawa-born sisters whose parents emigrated from Spain. Every Saturday these young women volunteer their time to teach traditional Spanish folk dancing to kids and youth ages 6 to 17 at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre. As part of the troupe, children have performed at events, including the Casino du Lac-Leamy’s Sound of Light fireworks show.

Dancing reinforces physical and mental health, builds confidence, and creates lasting connections and friendships. Through Tanya and Susan’s hard work, they have made Spanish Folk Dancing an affordable option for children and youth who otherwise may not have the opportunity.

Recipient: Surad Youth Soccer Club (Abdirizak Mohamud)

Surad Youth Soccer Club (SYSC) was founded by a small group of parents to promote and develop youth soccer in the Ottawa Somali community. Run by Abdirizak Mohamud, along with Ahmed Hassan and Said Arwo, SYSC is made up of 8 teams of boys and girls ages 6 to 17, providing them with the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and fun environment, all while encouraging inclusion, sportsmanship and tolerance.

Abdirizak invests his time and money to promote the physical and mental well-being of young Somali-Canadian children and youth. As a leader and mentor, he sets an example for how to successfully bridge cultures and different classes by creating an accepting social space for each child regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Help for Special Needs Award

Awarded to an individual, project or program that enriches the lives of children and youth who are developmentally delayed, physically disabled, medically challenged, technologically dependent or who require complex/palliative care

Recipient: James Fleet, Physical Support Program, Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School

James Fleet is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and volunteer with the Physical Support Program (PSP) at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School. PSP is a program for students, ages 14-21 years, who have extensive physical disabilities. James, who is physically disabled and faces many of the same barriers as the students, joined the program to teach a Basic Obedience and Dog Psychology Course and has stayed on to regularly coach power wheelchair hockey.

James has had a tremendous impact on his students' lives. These youth face many barriers, and James has given them hope that with hard work, their dreams are possible. For students who thought that they would never be able to live alone or work a job, James is living proof that an independent and meaningful life is within their reach.

Youth for Youth Award

Awarded to initiatives or programs created by youth, for youth

Recipients: Morgan Joseph and Emma Sharkey, Headstrong, St. Mark’s High School

Morgan Joseph and Emma Sharkey are two students who advocated for and launched Headstrong, a mental health/wellness advocacy club at St. Mark's Catholic High School. Their club has grown to over 30 students who engage their peers in mental health promotion. This past November, the students launched Man Up For Mental Health to highlight the importance of male mental health.

This club takes action against stigma and promotes positive coping strategies and self-care. Through monthly initiatives, poster campaigns, and activities, they continue to engage their student body to learn about the importance of positive mental health and wellness.