In 2001, the International Year of Volunteers, the Government of Canada announced the launch of  the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award. This award was established to commemorate the work of Thérèse Casgrain and honour those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteering.   Thérèse Casgrain was an eminent Canadian whose actions continue to serve as an example to all. The award is presented annually to two Canadians, one man and one woman. It recognizes the voluntary contributions of individuals from communities across Canada whose pioneering spirit, social commitment and persistent endeavors have contributed significantly to the advancement of a social cause and the well-being of their fellow citizens.   The Award The award consists of: a bronze medallion bearing the likeness of Thérèse Casgrain, a lapel pin and a certificate of recognition; and $5,000 to be awarded to a registered Canadian voluntary organization designated by the recipient. The Committee will be seeking candidates who meet the following criteria: They are Canadian citizens. There is evidence that the spirit of volunteerism has played a significant role throughout their lifetime. Their volunteer efforts have enabled fellow citizens to participate in the workplace and/or their communities. They have demonstrated leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in advancing a social cause. They have created effective partnerships with the public, the voluntary sector, local communities and/or governments. For more information, visit their website Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award or direct inquiries to:   Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award Secretariat Social Development Canada 140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 5th Floor Gatineau, QC K1A 0J9

CHSF Awards 

Health Awards Two annual awards are presented in recognition of special efforts in the area of health education. These awards are donated by Marilyn Ashby, a former Home and School Member.

 

Dr. Samuel R. Laycock Memorial Award: This annual award in memory of a former president of CHSF, is presented to an educator who through dynamic leadership, inspiration and love of children has made a real contribution to relations between school and home.

 

Life Member Award This award is presented to a person who has given outstanding service to the Canadian Home and School Federation by virtue of a project, dedicated service or other unique efforts to contribute and promote the mission of the Home and School movement in Canada.

 

Volunteer Recognition Award Program CHSF created this award in the "International Year of the Volunteer" (IYV) 2001" to celebrate the role of parent volunteers in Canada. These awards are intended to recognize exceptional volunteer commitment to the Canadian Home and School Federation and the provincial affiliates.   The province hosting the CHSF Annual General Meeting chooses one of the award winners from their province and the CHSF President selects the award winner from the CHSF Board of Directors/National Committees. The two awards are presented at the CHSF Annual Awards Banquet. These awards are meant to: honour individuals who have served on the Board of Directors or on any committee. recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the President to carry out her/his duties during the past year. draw attention to individual volunteer activities and accomplishments. recognition and appreciation volunteer work that has contributed to the Mission/Vision of CHSF or the Provincial Affiliates. promote and encourage parent volunteers to take on leadership roles.

Canadian School Volunteer Program Award (2002) The Canadian Home and School Federation saw the creation of the Canadian School Volunteer Program Award as a vehicle for supporting the work of committed volunteers in our schools and as a means of encouraging a new generation to volunteer. Parents volunteers take on roles in their local home and school association/parent councils which often involves advising principals and staff of parent views regarding programs and policies; enhancing communication between the school and home; assisting parents in accessing the system and providing advocacy support. There were 10 "winning schools" from each province each receiving $5,000.00 and an overall winner earning the national prize of $10,00.00. Healthy Alternatives, Inc. was the major sponsor major and donations were also received from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation and the N.B. Ministry of Education. It was advertised nationally in 14 various newspapers and award submissions doubled. Sean Leet, CEO, is very optimistic and positive about the project and expressed an interest in sponsoring the award again for 2002-2003. Over 316 schools registered for the award and 137 nominations were submitted by the March 1st deadline. Judging Process for the Award The Canadian School Volunteer Awards was presented in each Province and at the National Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg. All submissions for each province were "bundled together" and each school was given a coded identification number to ensure impartiality and a winner from each province. The Executive discussed who would be best qualified and honoured to be Preliminary Judges. The consensus was CHSF Life Members, past Executive Committee members and previous Provincial Presidents would have the knowledge and understanding of both the educational systems the importance of Home and School. The Final Judging was done by representatives of our national education partners - CASA, CTF and CSBA.. An official scoring sheet was developed for the judges to use. The winners were announced April 8, 2002. A media release kit outlining the award and the Starfish Project was developed by Healthy Alternatives that CHSF Board members and provincial offices would receive. At the time of the Award Presentations, press kits were to be sent to local newspapers with the press release announcing the winning school.