Nominate a young local hero for Canada’s Walk of Fame

Canada’s Walk of Fame has announced its first-ever national call for submissions for the 2019 Community Hero Program, presented by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and Scotiabank.

Now in its second year, the Community Hero Program recognizes a young Canadian under the age of 30 who is making an impactful change in their communities.

Canadians are being asked to nominate a deserving candidate by visiting canadaswalkoffame.com and describing the nominee in 500 words or less.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $10,000 donation to the charity or cause of their choice, tickets to attend the 2019 Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards and Gala where they will be recognized, and an invaluable mentorship opportunity with a fellow Canadian hero, to be announced.

Submissions will be accepted beginning today through to Tuesday, October 15th at 11:59 p.m. EST.

In the inaugural year of the program, Canada’s Walk of Fame awarded the 2018 Grand Prize to Stella Bowles from LaHave, Nova Scotia.

At the age of 11, Stella learned that her community used straight pipes that flowed into the LaHave River – sending raw sewage directly into the local waterway.

Stella researched the impact that straight pipes had on the health of the river and created a movement with thousands of followers raising awareness of the polluted water. As a result, three levels of government came together to pledge a $15.7 million clean up program for the river.

“Winning the Canada’s Walk of Fame Community Hero honour has allowed me to share my story across Canada.  I want youth to know that regardless of their age, they can make a difference. I am proof of that,” said Stella reflecting on the impact the program has had on her young life.

“Stella is a powerful example of what young people in Canada are able to achieve,” said Jeffrey Latimer, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame.  “Canada’s Walk of Fame is about celebrating great Canadians and their incredible accomplishments.  With this Program, and the generous support of our partners, we can find local heroes who are making their voices heard and doing extraordinary things in their communities to inspire all Canadians.  They too are our stars.”