By: Jenner Pratt, Communications Specialist
After hearing countless stories about individuals, community groups, and businesses stepping up to help others in need during this public health crisis, the leaders of Scarborough Health Network (SHN), Centennial College, Toronto Zoo, and University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) have together launched the Scarborough Hero Awards.
This new initiative will recognize those who have gone above and beyond to serve the local community in very substantive and impactful ways during this pandemic.
For their part, the SHN team has seen extraordinary acts of heroism, from within their own clinical settings, and in support of the health care they provide to patients and their families. Staff and medical staff give so much of themselves to keep things running, while at the same time being overwhelmed by the incredible support the community has shown them: through donations, volunteerism, and acts of kindness.
Joining forces with fellow Scarborough Anchor Institutions to shine a light on these stories seemed like the perfect way to engage and thank the community.
"It is a great honour and privilege to take part in the Scarborough Hero Awards. There are so many hidden stories of members of this community who deserve recognition for their impactful contributions in the fight against COVID-19, and this entire initiative is a beautiful tribute to them," remarked Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO, SHN.
Community members may nominate a #ScarbTOHero deserving recognition for their extraordinary actions to support the community during COVID-19, in 200 words or less. Nominees can be an individual, group, business or organization residing or working in the Scarborough community.
Nominations are now open for seven award categories:
- Health – Honouring the valour of frontline health care workers, including, but not limited to hospital, long-term care, and public health personnel
- Community Action/Service – Recognizing those who set-up/ran food banks, shelters, mask and other personal protective equipment distribution, etc.
- Education – Celebrating those who engaged in transforming learning experiences for students in Scarborough and beyond
- Environmental – Recognizing those responsible for keeping outdoor spaces accessible and safe for Scarborough residents, while also nurturing natural habitats and wildlife
- Good Neighbour – Celebrating those who put their own needs aside to help others, such as supporting neighbours and vulnerable individuals in need of medication, supplies, and groceries
- Outstanding Youth Leader – Celebrating youth 19 years and under who went out of their way to make a difference within their community
- Outstanding Organization/Business Leader – Recognizing local organizations/businesses and/or their leaders who went above and beyond to serve their clients and/or support the local community
Representatives from SHN, Centennial College, UTSC, and Toronto Zoo will distill nominations to a maximum of five per category. A jury panel consisting of the Scarborough City Councillors will then determine the ultimate winners. In addition, representatives from the local Scarborough Business Association, Scarborough Community Renewal Organization and the Rotary Club of Scarborough will assist with determining the winners in the business and community categories.
Nominations close on March 21, 2021 and the winners will be announced at an event at Toronto Zoo on Saturday, April 17, 2021 pending public health guidelines. For more information, please visit: www.scarbtohero.com.