The Volunteer Changemaker of the Year Award celebrates the rich talent, deep commitment, and boundless generosity of MODC’s amazing volunteers.
The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding impact in connecting, supporting, and empowering people with disabilities through their voluntary role with MODC.
Eligibility Criteria
- Canadian resident, 18+
- Active volunteer with MODC in 2023-2024
- Demonstrated impact for MODC clients through their voluntary role
Nominations are now open!
Nomination deadline: Friday, August 9, 2024 at 4 pm ET
Volunteer Changemaker of the Year Award Past Winners
Congratulations to the Volunteer Changemaker of the Year Award winners. All the winners were celebrated at MODC’s annual signature gala, The Changemakers Supper Club, held in Toronto.
2023 Volunteer Changemaker of the Year Award Winner – Lara Kaufman
In 2013, Lara Kaufman joined March of Dimes Canada as a volunteer with our After Stroke program. From her first role supporting stroke survivors in hospital, Lara ’s involvement with March of Dimes Canada has expanded to include roles as a volunteer facilitator for the Living with Stroke™ program, participation in research and program development, support for grants and fundraising efforts, and educational outreach to health professionals and other groups. Setting an example of optimism and perseverance in her own stroke recovery journey, Lara’s colleagues and peers call her a “trailblazer” and “an inspiration to team members and other volunteers.”
2022 Volunteer Changemaker of the Year Award Winner – James Larsen
James Larsen has volunteered with After Stroke B.C. for over seven years. He wears many hats, including mentor to stroke survivors; advisor to the planning committee; and tech support and DJ for Sea to Sky Aphasia Camp. James also shares his lived experience of aphasia and, during the pandemic, launched the virtual Musical Minds program. People describe him as “the epitome of a gracious, giving, kind, exemplary human being.”
