Girl Guides of Canada

Divya S.
Brampton, ON

My name is Divya and I love helping people. Wherever I go - at school, at home, or in my community - I always ask, “Can I please help?” At school, I support my teacher and classmates every day. I help tidy the classroom, organize supplies and assist my friends with activities or finding what they need. I try to help at least two or three classmates each day by sharing, guiding them, or cheering them up. My teachers often say that I am always smiling and always looking for ways to help by asking for jobs in the classroom.

At home, I help my family by cleaning up my toys, organizing my belongings and doing small daily chores. I also love helping my older sister with her community projects. I have learned a lot by watching her volunteer and support others. I proudly act as her mini helper. In my community, I volunteer at events with my family. I help set up and greet people with a big smile. I have participated in multiple events and enjoy being part of activities that bring people together and help others. My teachers and family say that my smile and positive attitude make people feel happy and welcome.

Inspired by my older sister, I am learning the importance of giving back from a young age and hope to follow in her footsteps. I will keep helping, smiling and making people happy every day.

Kathryn D.
Winnipeg, MB

I actively participate in all Girl Guide activities I can! I help build a community that demonstrates equality and justice and I have an active “Go Green” attitude. I belong to school club called “Eco kids” and I’m always feeding the worms and planting seedlings or cleaning up neighborhood. I am the first to help out our local wildlife. I saved a bee that had a broken wing in my backyard and helped and released a bird and a bunny in the neighborhood that were injured. Last summer some baby mice were left abandoned in the back alley behind my house. I made them a small shoebox home and helped feed them with an eye dropper until we took them to the emergency vet.

I also help out neighbours in need, baking for our elderly neighbours or shovelling the walkway when it snows. I volunteer my time at church. I hand out hymn books, help give out communion, greet people walking in and help sweep up church kitchen. If anyone needs a hand, I’m the first to volunteer for any task and am always the first friend to help a friend in need or hurt. I love making homemade watercolour pictures to give to my friends and teachers, I’m so proud of everything I can do!

I always have a hug or a song for some who feels down and my favourite motto is “be slow to anger and quick to forgiveness.”

Charlotte C.
Kingston, ON

Hi! My name is Charlotte and I am an Ember! I love helping people, animals and my community because it makes my heart happy. Every day after school, my family asks, “Who did you help today?” I always have an answer because I’m always looking for little ways to be kind, like holding doors or helping other kids with schoolwork.

I really like using my hobbies to make others smile. I learned to crochet so I could make 55 wreaths for my class and my Girl Guides unit. I wanted everyone to have something special! I also write stories called "Les aventures de Pinpo" and leave them in tiny libraries because I want others to enjoy reading as much as I do. I know being the "new kid" is scary, so I started making "Les boîtes de bienvenue". I put in friendship bracelets, glitter dough, welcome cards and other surprises because I don't want anyone to feel alone on their first day.

I also care for animals, like feeding the calves on my grandma’s farm and saving worms after the rain so they don’t get stepped on. I even made my own first aid kit that I take to school every day, just in case someone needs a hand.

Volunteering with my community is so much fun! Whether I'm baking for fundraisers, helping at the Regional Spelling Bee, or selling cookies with my unit outside Princess Auto, I just like being part of the team. I even inspired my sister to do face painting in the park so that she can use her talent to be a Change Maker too. For me, a Change Maker is someone who looks for ways to help every single day. That’s exactly what I try to do!

Ivy T.
Kelowna, BC

My name is Ivy Tregarthen. I am a 1st year Ember in Kelowna BC. I have a friend Max who is Deaf. Max and other Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing kids in BC go to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Summer camp in the Okanagan. It is a very expensive camp to run and they do a lot of fundraising in my town so kids like Max can attend. I wanted to help so I held a lemonade stand this summer and raised $150 to donate toward this camp. I am a Change Maker because I help those in need!

Audrey B.
Brampton, ON

Hi, my name is Audrey. Every year, I do something special to help other kids at Christmas. I save some of my allowance every week, and in November I go to Toys“R”Us to buy toys for kids who won’t get many presents. Some of my family members and my parents’ friends also give me money to help. Last year, we raised about $1,000, and Toys“R”Us even gave us a discount because they liked my story. In total, over the last four years, we’ve raised almost $5,000.

When I shop, I’m very careful about the toys I choose because these might be the only Christmas presents the kids get. I don’t look for sales; I only look for good toys. If a toy needs lots of extra pieces, I don’t get it. Last year, I filled the whole trunk of our car and half of the back seat with toys. After shopping, we bring the toys to a local mechanic shop. They give them to Toy Mountain, and then the toys are given to parents who can’t buy many gifts for their kids.

I do all of this in memory of my great grandma, who died four years ago. She gave me a piggy bank when I was born, and I still use it to save my money. It reminds me of her, and she inspires me because she was very kind and generous. My last trip to Toys“R”Us was extra special. My dad emailed their office, and they helped with my shopping. I even got to meet Geoffrey the Giraffe! They told me they want to keep helping me every year, and I plan to keep doing this for a long time, if not forever.

Tea F.
Mississauga, ON

I knew that when I joined Girl Guides, I would want to work extra hard on making a better world. Where should I start? I thought: Start small. First, I made a Lemonade stand, and it was free! I know people not only like freebies, but sometimes if you are having a bad day, a little gift like that can make your day. I also like to surprise my neighbours with cucumbers and tomatoes from my garden.

At school, I’m part of a group that helps welcome kids who just immigrated from different countries. When they arrive, I show them around the school to try to make them feel more comfortable. And recently, I created The Community Shelves in my class. This a place where there are free school supplies that can be used by anyone who needs it.

When it comes to making the Earth a better place, I’m also very dedicated. Every year, I take part in a beach clean-up in my city. I’ve also helped remove invasive honeysuckle shrubs to give native plants a space to grow, and I’ve helped collect almost 1,000 pounds of invasive garlic mustard. Last year, I signed up to be part of the Earth Rangers. Earth Rangers teaches us how to do positive actions for the environment. I pick a mission, read the online sheets and complete it. Example: The Pollinator Power Mission. I read it, and then I made a pollinator garden. It had native flowers and pebbles. Soon after, I saw butterflies and bees on my flowers! I have also been part of a group that tagged Monarch butterflies so that scientists can track their migration to Mexico, understand their survival rates and monitor population decline. I love helping ecosystems and animals… And humans too!

Emma D.
Merritt, BC

Hello, my name is Emma D. and I am a third-year Guide with the Highland Valley Extra Ops Unit. I am working up to my Lady Baden Powell award, and I like to give back to my community. I have done two charity walks and have raised funds for both of these events for the past six years. I also support our local Legion for the Remembrance Ceremony and Valentine’s Day fundraiser by laying wreaths and holding flags, and I helped served seniors because they're really great to us. This year, I supported my friend with making packages for the unhoused at a community outreach event.

I am a Junior Leader and help with the Sparks when I'm not dancing. This year I participated in a school district meeting and advocated help keep my school from closing. I regularly help at my studio by being a teaching assistant and help fundraise at the annual Literacy Week in Merritt by hosting games and activities for families. At local rodeo event I, helped by doing the face paint and helped little kids. I love helping out with my community because I get to help other people and other local organizations, and they helped me too. My favorite helping was when I was face painting and this nice 60-year-old man asked me to paint him as Spider-Man, and he was so happy.

I'm excited to be a Pathfinder next year because I can do bigger and better things for the community. This year for my service project, I'm hoping I can help with seniors. I really want to do board games and play with them including some friends to help. I know have more room to go grow and I'm so happy I'm in Girl Guides.

Fionna C-W.
Merritt, BC

Fiona was nominated by her fellow Guide, Emma.

I am nominating my friend Fionna because she is one of the most helpful, fun and caring people I know. She always makes volunteering exciting, and she inspires me and other kids to help our community too.

Fionna does so much for others. She helped at Literacy Merritt Week by running games for families in French and English. She also walked in the Coldest Night of the Year event to support the food bank, and she has fundraised for charity walks in our town for years. She has helped sell Girl Guide cookies and worked hard on fundraisers so we could go on trips, like our Victoria trip, and I’m excited to go to the Maritimes with her someday.

Fionna also supports our local Legion. She lays wreaths at the Remembrance Day ceremony, and she was one of the helpers with me at the Valentine’s Day dinner where we served seniors. She helped our friend Meredith at a community outreach day by making packages for unhoused people. She is a Junior Leader for Sparks, and she is also a teaching assistant at her dance studio, which makes her a great role model for younger kids. She volunteers at community events too, like Family Day and other local activities, always stepping in when there aren’t enough helpers. She makes everything fun and lively, and she always brings a positive attitude.

I think Fionna makes the world a better place because she is kind, hardworking and always ready to help anyone who needs it.

Sara C.
Brampton, ON

Sara was nominated by her friend and fellow Pathfinder.

Sara is my best friend but even more like a sister. I have known her since she was born and I think she deserves this award because of the many things she has done. She has recently adopted a park and is doing park cleanups, she collects cans to send kids to camp, she is a part of Jr. Claus Academy and does food drives, toy drives and clothing drives. She donates these things to many places such as Regeneration of Brampton.

She has also done many Coldest Night walks to help out people in need and is a part of a group called PAL that does many group activities such as park clean ups. We have painted flowerpots to give to seniors, and she has donated animal supplies to the animal shelters throughout Brampton. She also made different shoe boxes with toys and supplies to send to people in different countries who are less fortunate.

Sara and I have both sold Girl Guides cookies on the side of the road to collect money for my East coast trip. She has stopped by at so many mini libraries throughout Brampton mostly about Black Alliance and I love that. She has also been awarded the proclamation for the City of Brampton Pink Shirt Day, she has also planted trees throughout Brampton and done many different Terry Fox runs to support people with cancer. Sara has donated cookies to seniors, she has done a toy mountain with the city of Brampton and she has done many Veterans Walks to support the veterans who fought for us.

She has been through many challenges such as being diagnosed with autism and has been so strong throughout the whole thing, and I think she deserves this award because of all these reasons.

Charlotte S.
Kitchener, ON

Charlotte was nominated by her younger sister, Chelsea.

I would like to nominate my older sister Charlotte for the Change Makers Award for her ongoing dedication to volunteerism. Charlotte is only in Grade 9 but, despite her own busy schedule with schoolwork load and her own dedication extracurricular activities, she has already volunteered over 150 hours this year. That is pretty incredible because I know some students who haven’t started to volunteer at all. She is very giving of her time to others.

She volunteers with Sand Sharks, the Cheer Abilities team at Cheer Sport Sharks cheerleading. Sand Sharks is for athletes with different physical or learning abilities. Some of the people she coaches are older and bigger than her. She volunteers every Sunday morning when most teens are still sleeping. She also volunteers with younger children in the Lemon Sharks. In both cases, she wants her athletes to be the best they can be. She is very enthusiastic and encouraging. Everyone she coaches adores her. She loves coaching then!

For three years, my sister has been a Junior Leader with Sparks and Embers. While achieving her own awards and moving on in the Guiding Program, she finds time to help others. Charlotte volunteers with teachers in my school on her PD days because she likes to help.

I would like to nominate my sister because Charlotte has to work extra hard at everything she does, but she still cheerfully offers, and wants to help others in various situations. She always looks for opportunities to volunteer. It is important to her. I am very proud of my sister. She has set a fine example to me of what it is like to be a volunteer. I hope to be like her one day.

Meredith M.
Merritt, BC

Meredith was nominated by a fellow Guide, Emma.

I have been in Girl Guides with Meredith for five years. She is a first-year Pathfinder. Meredith has done lots of great things for our community in the past 12 months. Meredith came up with the idea to support at a local community event for Overdose Awareness and collect items for unhoused people. We set up the table and supplies where people were able to ‘make their own baggies’ of basic hygiene supplies and snacks. This is the second time I worked with Meredith to do something for those in need. Meredith helped collect items for a women’s shelter too, she helps a lot in our community. Meredith and a few other Girl Guides volunteered at the Legion with me, where we served dinner to seniors for a Valentine's Day fundraising event. Also, Meredith fundraised with a group of homeschool youth and joined me in walking 5k in the Coldest Night Fundraiser for the Foodbank.

Meredith is a good role model for our community, and I really look up to her. She is a Junior Leader for the Embers and sets a good example for younger Guiding members.

Makayla S-B.
Brampton, ON

Makayla was nominated by her friend and fellow Guide.

Makayla and I adopted Howden Park in Brampton and as PALs (People Against Littering) we go once a month to clean the park. She even took one of the gardens and made it a friendship garden. Makayla also raises money to help those in need with the Coldest Night Walk.

Makayla and I collected toys to be sent to Jamaica and donated toys to those in need in Brampton. We also do at least six to eight food drives a year. We help with Stuff a Cruiser with the police and Stuff a Pumper with the fire department, as well as Meals for Regeneration, the Knights Table and Brampton Farmers Market food drives.

Makayla likes to read just as much as I do, so together we ask my older sister and mom to take us to little libraries where we can donate books. She tries very hard to make the world better for kids who are not as lucky as we are and to protect our environment and make it a better place.

Ashleigh M.
Edmonton, AB

One of my most meaningful contributions is my role as a Junior Volunteer in a nursing home. I dedicate my time in supporting disabled residents through activities like arts and crafts and Bingo. By engaging residents in creative and social activities, I help improve their emotional well-being and fosters a sense of community within the care home.

I also show leadership within Girl Guides as a Junior Leader in an Embers Unit. I act as a mentor and role model for younger girls, guiding them through activities and encouraging their personal growth.

In addition to my community and leadership work, I'm committed to promote equity and inclusion. My participation in an anti-racism initiative within my school board demonstrates my willingness to stand up for important social issues. This work is essential in building a better world where diversity is respected and celebrated.

For the last two summers, together with my mom, we helped support the Stollery Lemonade Stand to raise funds for the children at the Stollery Hospital. My participation in Culture Club at my school highlights my appreciation for diversity and my desire to learn and celebrate different cultures. Overall, I'm creating a better world through kindness, leadership and dedication to help others.

Chinmayi B.
Mississauga, ON

Through my 10 years in Girl Guides of Canada, I have understood the power of community, inclusion and taking initiative. I am nominating myself for this award because I am a Change Maker who not only contributes to my community, but also actively works to improve it for others.

As a Ranger, I have led and contributed to initiatives with local and broader impacts. Through my Duke of Edinburgh journey in Guiding, I mentored around 10 teams of five-seven students in our region’s STEAM Change Challenge, guiding them to develop solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I am committed to advancing women in STEM by supporting outreach, mentorship, and communication initiatives with organizations such as the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS) and representing CAGIS at Science Rendezvous events. I strive to create accessible, engaging opportunities to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of women in these fields.

Beyond my unit, as a National Youth Council Member, I represent youth voices in national discussions, advocating for greater inclusion, diversity and access to opportunities within Guiding. Outside of Guiding, I extend this commitment to inclusion and community impact as President of my school’s South Asian Student Society. In this role, I organize cultural events that celebrate identity and foster belonging, and lead fundraisers that support local food banks, helping address food insecurity while engaging students in community service. These initiatives not only bring people together but also address community needs in meaningful ways. After 450 volunteering hours and my continued commitment to the community, I believe I am a Change Maker because I take initiative where it is needed, whether that is building inclusive communities, supporting those in need or advocating for representation. Through Guiding and beyond, I am committed to creating meaningful, lasting impact.

Laura F.
Toronto, ON

Laura was nominated by her friend and fellow Ranger.

Laura is one of the most exceptional people I have had the privilege to call a friend and a fellow Girl Guide. In Laura’s personal life and her community, she builds on the principles of Girl Guides to improve the lives of those around her and the shared environment in which she resides.

In Girl Guides, Laura has led numerous unit events and service projects. She helps plan multiple camps each year for varying age ranges and abilities of members, from Embers to Rangers. Last year, Laura and I made a ‘little library’, acquiring the necessary materials and book donations, teaching younger members how to paint the cabinet, and leading unit programming on literacy.

As co-president of our school’s Environmental Club, Laura organizes several events each year relating to climate activism. She has run an e-waste drive to dispose of waste that has collected over 150 items and hundreds of batteries over the past two years. She also leads an initiative to monitor and reduce electricity consumption in unused classrooms, weaves milk bag mats to donate to shelters, and attended the 2025 TDSB EcoSchools Student Climate Leadership Conference to share ideas with other young environmental leaders.

Laura isn’t only a leader at school and in Girl Guides, but everywhere in her community. For the past several years, she has collected litter from around the lake at her cottage, reducing waste and promoting environmental best practices. She has properly disposed of several hundred pieces of litter, improving the natural beauty and health of Canada’s environment. For this, she was featured in the town newspaper, educating people about climate responsibility.

Laura has created incredible initiatives based on her desire to conserve the environment. In all her pursuits, Laura displays leadership and support that helps everyone involved shine and make a difference.

Victoria Sophia M S.
Richmond, BC

I have worked to make a positive difference in my community through service, kindness, and commitment. One of the most meaningful things I have done is writing around 200 cards for seniors living in retirement homes and for military members of the 39 Battalion while they were abroad. These cards share kind messages, helped reduced loneliness and show appreciation for others.

Since October of last year, I have volunteered every Saturday for three hours at a seniors' retirement home. I spend time playing games, talking with residents and listening to their life stories. I also play the piano for them, which brings joy and creates a warm and happy environment. I am also a member of the BC Epilepsy Society, where I have helped with fundraising events and raise awareness about epilepsy. In addition, I took part in the Vancouver Sun Run as a Finish Line Ambassador. I have also supported my local community center by helping organize Halloween and Christmas events. These activities brought people together and created fun experiences for families.

I have taken part in environmental actions, such as painting fish symbols near street drains to remind people to protect our water, and cleaning garbage from the beach. I have been a strong Girl Guides cookie seller, showing responsibility, confidence and good communication skills. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of helping others. I am proud of the impact I have made and will continue working to build a caring and connected community.

Ella C.
St. John’s, NL

Throughout my journey of over 12 years in Guiding, I have grown into someone who is deeply committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact within my community. Guiding has shaped me beyond measure and taught me that being a woman does not limit my ability to lead, take initiative, and be the example I want to be for others.

Through Guiding and Sea Cadets, I lead with both discipline and empathy while living the Guiding Law through honesty, inclusivity and service. Thanks to Girl Guides, I have had opportunities to mentor youth, learn beyond the classroom, and travel the country, experiences that continue to shape who I am and inspire my commitment to creating positive change for others.

My commitment to service is reflected in over my 300 hours volunteering at my local retirement home, where I build meaningful relationships with residents through companionship and conversation. Inspired by this, I founded InterGen NL, an intergenerational initiative that connects all ages. Through this, I foster the sharing of stories, preservation of knowledge, and meaningful relationships that bridge generations. I also volunteer with the YMCA, where I deliver presentations that encourage youth to get involved in their communities while teaching essential life skills, which further extends my passion for mentorship and community engagement.

At school, I’m an active member of the mental health club and help lead initiatives that promote inclusivity and connection. From organizing pep rallies to supporting events that raise awareness for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, I work to create a more welcoming community. Guiding has taught me that change begins with action, no matter how small. I am proud to contribute to my community in ways that reflect the Guiding Promise and Law, and I remain committed to creating positive change that extends beyond myself.