March of Dimes Canada Celebrates Changemakers Building a Barrier-Free Canada

November 02, 2023

The Changemakers Supper Club - Image of two smiling faces
Toronto, ON — March of Dimes Canada was honoured to present the second annual Changemaker of the Year Awards celebrating exceptional individuals and organizations that have had a profound impact on building a barrier-free future, and championing equity and empowering ability for people with disabilities in Canada.  

The five-category awards were presented at March of Dimes Canada’s annual gala fundraising event, the Changemakers Supper Club on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Toronto’s Liberty Grand. Changemakers of the Year for 2023 are: 
  • Disability Changemaker of the Year: Hon. Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s federal Minister of Sport and Physical Activity (Delta, BC) 
  • Corporate Changemaker of the Year: Microsoft Canada (Toronto, ON) 
  • Community Changemaker of the Year (tie): 
    • Disability Without Poverty (national); and 
    • Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Toronto, ON) 

  • Volunteer Changemaker of the Year: Lara Kaufman (Toronto, ON) 
  • Changemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement: Dan Purcell (Kitchener, ON) 

This year’s Changemakers Supper Club raised funds for March of Dimes Canada’s “Tech for Impact” program, which gives people with disabilities the mobile devices, laptops, and adaptive aids they need to use technology independently – and the one-one-one support they need to use them. 

March of Dimes Canada’s President and CEO, Len Baker, said, “I’m delighted to share that our Changemakers Supper Club raised over $240,000 this year for our Tech for Impact fund. We know that when people with disabilities have access to the tech they need, we take major steps toward true equity and inclusion.” 

Baker continued: “I’d like to thank our incredibly generous sponsors and donors for their changemaking commitment. Transformational change requires collective effort, and its hard work. That’s why we recognize achievements and celebrate progress toward a Canada where everyone belongs. We’re building momentum that carries our work forward.” 

The evening included inspiring stories that called upon all attendees to become a Changemaker in their own way. The event featured a keynote address by first woman of colour in space and former NASA astronaut Dr. Mae C. Jemison — physician, engineer, and leader of the 100 Year Starship project. Dr. Jemison shared her story of overcoming barriers and driving change, highlighting the evening’s theme of empowerment and inclusivity. 

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For more information about Changemakers Supper Club, Changemaker Awards and MODC's work, please visit the official website. 

Media Inquiries: 

Tina Siegel 
Communications Specialist 
416.606.0541 

About March of Dimes Canada  
March of Dimes Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a society inclusive to people of all abilities. Their mission is to provide a wide range of services to individuals with physical disabilities throughout the country. They are committed to enabling people to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. 


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