York Region Educational Services Honored with Canada Volunteer Award for Transforming Youth Engagement
- By Daphne
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For years, York Region Educational Services (YRES) has been a pillar of community engagement, creating opportunities for youth to develop essential skills, gain meaningful experiences, and make lasting impacts through volunteering. This dedication was nationally recognized on March 13, 2025 when YRES was announced the recipient of the Canada Volunteer Award for Social Innovation, presented by Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
“It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by such passionate individuals from all over the country who are making real, tangible changes in their communities.
We engaged with individuals involved in various initiatives, from youth mentorship programs to large-scale educational projects, and it was inspiring to see how volunteerism continues to shape lives, both locally and nationally.”
—Jessica Scott, Board Chair at YRES
The award, which celebrates organizations that drive innovative solutions in volunteerism, also comes with a $5,000 grant, which YRES has chosen to reinvest into expanding its Canada Youth Volunteer Success Program —a program that connects young people aged 12-30 across Canada with skill-building volunteer placements, career mentorship, and community impact projects.
A Legacy of Impact in York Region and Beyond
For YRES, volunteerism isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about empowerment. The organization has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in education, career development, and community engagement by providing youth with structured opportunities to gain real-world experience.
Through mentorship, training workshops, and partnerships with schools and organizations, YRES has helped thousands of young people develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—setting them up for success in their future careers.
“This award is not just for us—it’s for every young person who has stepped up to make a difference, every mentor who has guided them, and every organization that has opened its doors to youth volunteers.”
—Moxi Zhang, Executive Director
Reinvesting in the Future of Volunteering
The grant accompanying the Canada Volunteer Award will support the Canada Youth Volunteer Success Initiative, ensuring that even more young people—especially those facing barriers to employment and community participation—can access 1:1 mentorship, career coaching, and meaningful volunteer placements across the country.
“We want every young person to feel like their contributions matter and that volunteerism can be a stepping stone to incredible personal and professional growth.”
—Dorothy Mok, Board of Director
Celebrating a Team Effort
While receiving the award was a proud moment for YRES, the team emphasized that it reflects the collective efforts of volunteers, educators, and community partners who dedicate their time and energy to fostering a culture of giving back.
As YRES continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains clear: their commitment to empowering youth through volunteerism is stronger than ever.
“There are so many incredible organizations and individuals in York Region who make volunteerism a priority. This award is a recognition of their hard work, their passion, and their belief that young people can—and should—be leaders in shaping the future.”
—Edel Tolentino and Kaitlin Alger, Youth Advisors at York Region Educational Services
To learn more about YRES and how you can get involved, visit our volunteer success program page!
