Every year, thousands of Canadians demonstrate their spirit of philanthropy through volunteer work, raising awareness or using their influence to make a difference in the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children.
World Vision Canada’s Heroes for Children Awards is our way of saying thank you – to celebrate individuals whose heart for children led them to do something extraordinary and make the world a better place.
Meet the incredible recipients of this year’s Heroes for Children Awards...
Geneviève Borne
Voice for Children Award
A noted TV and radio personality from Montreal, Québec, Geneviève became an ambassador for World Vision in 2012. Through her various trips to the field, including the Philippines and Indonesia, she recorded numerous videos and spoke with media outlets about the challenges that children face. She’s been the voice of World Vision’s child labour campaign, “Contre l’exploitation des Enfants,” for more than three years and continues to engage with World Vision in many impactful ways. We’re recognizing Geneviève for her commitment to giving children a voice.
Dennis The Prescott
Ruth Roberts Award
Five years ago, Dennis Prescott was a musician who didn't know how to cook. When he realized that food – not music – was his passion, he threw himself into not just creating delicious recipes, but styling and photographing them in a way that will leave you drooling. The chef, author, photographer and social media influencer has since been a central figure of the World Vision HungerFree campaign, sharing stories from his trips to Kenya and casting a light on the critical issues that children face through famine and drought. We’re recognizing Dennis for the way he channels his passion for food into amplification of the HungerFree movement.
Nav Bhatia
Courage Award
Best known as the official Toronto Raptors Superfan, Nav has not missed a home game since the team’s inception in 1995. He can be spotted at the ACC and at quite a few road games sitting in his famous courtside seat next to the basket. Demonstrating passion and influence, Nav has played a crucial role in helping girls in India stay in school thanks to new sanitation and hygiene facilities. He remains committed to raising money and awareness for important issues facing children today. We’re recognizing Nav for his volunteer role as an ambassador for World Vision’s Rise Up Daughters of India initiative.
Dr. Tony Campolo
Ken MacMillan Award
For 40 years, Tony has led the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, an organization he founded to create and support programs serving vulnerable communities. More recently, he has provided leadership for the progressive Christian movement, Red Letter Christians, as well as the Campolo Center for Ministry. He has been a passionate advocate for the work of World Vision, with nearly 13,000 children being sponsored at his events. We’re recognizing Tony for his unceasing support of child sponsorship, changing lives and communities around the world.
Kerry and Mandy Shapansky
Power of Generosity Award
As long-time donors and close partners of Vision Fund International – World Vision’s microfinance arm – Kerry and Mandy are deeply engaged through their support of small and growing businesses in the developing world. They’ve travelled to Sri Lanka, Mexico and Ghana to offer their expertise and experiences, helping local businesses create more jobs, improve supply chains and realize economic growth. We’re recognizing Kerry and Mandy – not only for their investment of time and financial resources – but for helping us learn and innovate as founding members of World Vision’s Small and Growing Business Fund.