Celebrating the Champions of Inclusion, Advocacy, and Heartfelt Service
Each year, Empower Simcoe proudly honours individuals, families, and community partners whose compassion, dedication, and leadership truly embody the heart of our mission—to empower people to lead meaningful and inclusive lives.
The Gift of the Heart Awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond, making a lasting difference in the lives of the people and families we support, and helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
Whether through professional excellence, personal advocacy, volunteerism, or community collaboration, these awards recognize the people whose passion and service have helped advance the vision of Empower Simcoe.
Nominations are open until July 15th, 2026.
The awards recognize outstanding contributions in the following five categories:
Community Partner
An individual, business, community group or organization that has made a significant contribution to Empower Simcoe’s mission of empowering people to live a meaningful and inclusive life.
Eligibility
- A business, community group or organization that currently operates in Simcoe County.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion of Empower Simcoe.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Has taken an active role in collaboration with our agency that resulted in a strong and deepening relationship.
- Is a role model in the community.
Employee
Honouring an employee who has gone above and beyond in their work at Empower Simcoe in impacting the lives of the people and families we support.
Eligibility
- Full time, part time, casual or contract Empower Simcoe employees
- Minimum of 1 year of employment at Empower Simcoe.
Criteria - Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A proactive ambassador who consistently promotes Empower Simcoe in a positive light, both within and beyond the organization.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe and their program area.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Exhibits a uniqueness in their work and/or attitude.
- Is a role model for his/her colleagues at Empower Simcoe.
- Demonstrates initiative, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness.
- Makes contributions outside of assigned work area – Demonstrates an investment in Empower Simcoe as a whole.
Family
A family or family member who has exhibited exemplary dedication in fostering collaboration, advocacy and inclusion, or championed a cause supported/endorsed by Empower Simcoe on behalf of families supported by Empower Simcoe.
Eligibility
- Is currently, or has been previously supported within previous 6 months by the agency.
- Any family member(s) of a person supported by, or utilizing services provided by Empower Simcoe.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion and positive representative of the agency.
- A family member who champions a cause aligned with Empower Simcoe’s mission, creating positive change for multiple individuals or families receiving support.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Promotes continued connection and meaningful participation for people and families supported.
- Works collaboratively with staff to enrich the lives of the people supported at Empower Simcoe.
- Acts as a voice for many individuals/families accessing supports and services at Empower Simcoe.
Self Advocate
An individual supported by Empower Simcoe who has shown outstanding leadership and knowledge advocating for the rights of people of all abilities, and who has shown exemplary dedication to inclusion and giving back to their community.
Eligibility
- Must be currently supported by Empower Simcoe.
Criteria - Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion and positive representative of the agency.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Makes a significant impact on the work the agency does.
- Has shown an exemplary dedication to inclusion and giving back to their community.
- Works to ensure all people belong, have equal rights, and have a sense of self-worth by having opportunities to grow.
- Is a role model for others.
Volunteer
An outstanding individual who volunteers their time and talent through exceptional commitment and service to Empower Simcoe.
Eligibility
- A current, active Empower Simcoe volunteer.
- Minimum of 1 year of volunteerism at Empower Simcoe.
Criteria – Must exhibit 3-5 of the following:
- A Champion and positive representative of the agency.
- Exhibits and promotes commitment to the values, vision and goals of Empower Simcoe.
- Has made a significant and lasting impact through volunteerism at Empower Simcoe.
- Has positively affected the lives of the people and families supported by Empower Simcoe.
- Has a passion for volunteering and is a role model for others.
Sorry - the Gift of the Heart Nomination Form is now closed. We thank you for your interest.
