Spirit Awards

2010 Spirit Award Winners

Public Secondary School Winner:
Forest Hill Collegiate Institute

Keeping up a unique tradition, students at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute ran an all-night relay from Barrie back to their school in Toronto—showing just how far they will go for United Way Toronto. Lead by their Student Council, the campaign encouraged classes to get involved and held a screamingly successful Halloween Dance. From United Way Toronto speakers, foyer fundraisers and pep rallies to cheering on relay runners, this school was able to cross the finish line with a campaign total of close to $8,900—an increase of 145% over last year!

Photo: (From left to right) Ashley Curran (presenter), Isabel Moore, Pauline Berkovitz, and Melanie Archambault (presenter).

Private Secondary School Winner:
Tanenbaum Chat Wallenburg Campus

At Tanenbaum Chat Wallenburg Campus, this year's campaign was all about commitment and demonstrating impact. And for one of their many fundraising events, the school hosted a sleepover to raise the awareness of the challenges people face when they are homeless. The campaign was made visible around the school with posters and display boards listing weekly events and how United Way Toronto helps the community. These inventive strategies, partnered with raffles, Dress Up Days, and an auction, helped students to surpass their goal and raise over $7,000!

Photo: (From left to right) Ashley Curran (presenter), Jenna Tabatznik, Brooke Kumer, Hannah Simpson, Melanie Citron, and Melanie Archambault (presenter).

Have your school’s outstanding Youth United campaign recognized

At United Way Toronto, we like to recognize outstanding contributions made by individuals who have gone the distance for the cause. Every year, we hold the Spirit Awards—an awards ceremony that publicly recognizes the best fundraising achievements from individuals who are making a difference in our city.

Winners are invited to attend our Celebration Dinner, which is held every January and is attended by over 2,000 volunteers, donors and community and business leaders.

If your school rose to the occasion this year, then we just might see you at the Spirit Awards! Check out last year’s winners of the Student Campaign Award on the side bar. This award is presented to the students of a school who have run an innovative and successful United Way Toronto campaign that has achieved higher results over the previous year’s winners.

How you can get your high school nominated

If you ran a Youth United Campaign in your school between September and December, please contact us at youthunited@uwgt.org to receive a Spirit Award application. Note that applications will be available in October 2011. Ask about application deadlines, including how you can ensure your submission is accurate and thorough.