From the teacher volunteering at the local soup kitchen, to the 12-year-old collecting pennies for cancer research, unsung heroes are all around us. The Canadian Living Me to We Awards are all about shining the spotlight on heroes like these – everyday Canadians thinking "we" before "me". Created in 2005 by Canadian Living Magazine and Me to We founders Craig and Marc Kielburger, the awards are now in their fourth year. So far, they have brought many extraordinary Canadians into the public spotlight. And with each winner receiving $5,000 to donate to the charity of his or her choice, they've also given a much-needed boost to incredible not-for-profit organizations from across North America and around the world, helping thousands of people in need.
Youth (12 and under)
LOGAN MACGILLIVRAY • LENDING A HAND IN SIERRA LEONE • BEDFORD, N.S.
Inspiring others to realize they can make a difference, 12-year-old Logan MacGillivray has campaigned across his province to support children in Sierra Leone. With guidance from the Centre for Development and Peace Education (CDPeace), and the help of his basketball team and donations from local businesses, he raised more than $9,000 to send a shipping container full of school, recreation and building supplies to Sierra Leone. "When you are trying to do something good, people will come forward to help," he says. "So nothing is too big to do."
Logan speaks at schools to raise awareness of social issues in Sierra Leone. He is also working on filling a second container with items to equip Listen to the Children, a children's community resource centre in Mayagba, Sierra Leone. The centre will feature a classroom, a library, art, computer and music rooms, an outdoor recreation area and provide assistance in training local teachers.
Last fall, Logan finished a documentary called Listen to the Children; proceeds from DVD sales are donated to the construction of the centre. "I am very honoured that a lot of people feel I have done a good job," he says. "And that means a lot of people are aware of needs in Sierra Leone." - Lisa Fielding
Logan's Me to We Award money will be donated to CDPeace.
Page 1 of 5 - Read page two for the winner of the Youth (13 to 17) category!
