New award to recognize up and coming community leaders

MONTREAL, June 12, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network, the Fondation Notre Home Foundation and CBC Quebec are pleased to launch the Young Quebecers Leading the Way Award which recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of young English-speaking Quebecers who are engaged in innovative initiatives that create change in our communities.

"The Fondation Notre Home Foundation is a newly incorporated charitable foundation that aims to support the vitality of Quebec's English-speaking community. I can think of no better way to do this than to encourage youth leadership. They are the future of our community," said Irene Tschernomor who sits on the Boards of the QCGN and the new foundation.

"Every day, we tell stories of English-speaking Quebecers doing great things in our province," said Shelagh Kinch, Managing Director of CBC Quebec. "But sometimes the smaller stories don't always get the most attention. This award puts a spotlight on the people behind those stories and recognizes the impact they are making in our community."

To be eligible for a Young Quebecers Leading the Way Award, candidates must be under the age of 30 and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributed to an initiative with measurable impact in their community.

"Through my work in communities across the province I have met so many young Quebecers doing awesome work. I am thrilled that we will be able to recognize their enthusiasm and outstanding efforts," said David Hodges, who has joined the interim board of the foundation.

Nominations, which describe how the candidate applied their innovation and skills to inspire and create community change, must come from organizations and institutions that serve Quebec's English-speaking minority community. No self-nominations or nominations from family members will be accepted. Candidates will be reviewed by an intergenerational jury composed of community leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to youth.  Submissions must be received by, or postmarked on, August 21, 2015. Full details at www.notrehome.qc.ca  

The QCGN is also welcoming nominations of individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the vitality and understanding of English-speaking Quebec for recognition with a Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award which recognizes individuals who have contributed to strengthening the English-speaking community and to building bridges between Quebecers of different backgrounds. Established by the QCGN in 2009, this award celebrates individuals who, like Dr. and Mrs. Goldbloom, have dedicated their lives to ensuring English-speaking Quebec remains a vibrant community within Quebec and Canada. Submissions for the Goldbloom Award must be received by, or post-marked on July 31, 2015. Full details at  http://www.qcgn.ca/nominate-a-candidate/

Recipients of the Young Quebecers Leading the Way Award and the Sheila and Victor Goldbloom Distinguished Community Service Award will be invited to attend a special community recognition ceremony on October 8 that will be emceed by Sonali Karnick, host of CBC Television's Our Montreal and CBC Radio's All in a Weekend.

The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together more than 40 English-language community organizations across Quebec. As a centre of evidence-based expertise and collective action it identifies, explores and addresses strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec and encourages dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

SOURCE Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)

Rita Legault, Director of Communications and Public Relations, [email protected], Telephone: [phone], ext. 223, cellular: 514-912-6555