Season's Greetings - Wishing the best of the holiday season to you and yours! From all of us at the Bhayana Family Foundation.

Saluting all caregivers and personal support workers! The work you do is under the radar/Invisible but so appreciated! Spotlighting a very special Caregiver/Bhayana Family Foundation 2025 Awardee, Kidist (Kitty) Kebede of LOFT Community Services. Read more: https://loom.ly/eD0YHXY

Bhayana Family Foundation Awardees Marillac Place, Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, Sunshine Coast Community Service Society, Hope 24/7, Alice House... and many more. These are some of the many nonprofit organizations in Canada working day and night to protect women and families from violence.

Have you heard of Capacity Canada's Governance Boot Camp? It's a gem! Thought-provoking and scintillating dialogue opportunities with people from across Canada. Hosted yearly in November by Capacity Canada's visionary CEO Cathy Brothers, it's a feast of ideas and opportunities to meet and network!

The countdown begins! The United Way Calgary/Bhayana Famliy Foundation Awards are just around the corner: Where: University of Calgary Event Centre When: November 20, 2025 Time: 4:30 to 6:30 pm MST Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bina Patel To register for the Bhayana Awards, visit https://loom.ly/BYAXAZ8

Today, on Remembrance Day, we pause to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served—and continue to serve—so we may live in peace and freedom. It’s also a time to reflect on how we build a better, more compassionate future together, grounded in understanding, community, and respect. 🧵

Staff of the Social Good - or Nonprofit - Sector excel in forging partnerships to meet the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities. Meet Hiroko Nakao: 2023 Partnership Collaboration and Connection Awardee-Calgary: https://loom.ly/4Dc_hUk

Calgary’s Invisible Champions Awards are just around the corner! On November 20, we’ll join United Way Calgary & Area to celebrate the extraordinary nonprofit staff who go above and beyond every day — the invisible champions whose compassion, creativity, and commitment strengthen our communities!

Meet Andrew Chunilall — a self-described disrupter and a true transformer of systems par excellence. Andrew is the CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, an organization with 208 branches serving communities across the country. 🧵

Who helps vulnerable youth in Calgary in need of personal supports, stable housing, needed therapeutic interventions and much more? Meet a team from the Trellis Cosity who does all of the above and more......they are the Invisible Champions of Canada! 🧵

Human Trafficking is a subject that is hard to talk about, yet still exists in Canada. The total number of victims is believed to be underreported. However, we know that 93% of the reported victims are young women and, shockingly, close to 25% are children under the age of 18.

Meet a remarkable, dynamic leader who is much awarded and lauded from Vancouver, British Columbia -- Zahra Ismail, CEO of Vantage Point. 🧵

Wildfires have been a reality for us in Canada for the past few years. Providing a much-needed helping hand for people who have been forced to evacuate their beloved homes is critical. Read what her nominator for the Invisible Champion Award said about Nova Scotian Amy McKinnon and her team! 🧵

Continuing our series on the Invisible Champions, meet the Provos. They’re transforming the world of Black Teens in Preston with their Ideas, Passion and Ingenuity... As their Invisible Champion Award nominator shared: 🧵

Do you know what The Invisible Champions do? Meet Kidist (Kitty) Kebede of LOFT Community Services, Greater Toronto Area. From cooking to compassionate caring, she never stops in her quest to "nourish residents with food, a sense of belonging and hope...." Read more! https://loom.ly/eD0YHXY

Meet Nova Scotia's exemplary Nonprofit Leader: Margie Grant Walsh and her wise thoughts on the Nonprofit Sector. She is a dynamic, passionate, visionary thinker with a deep commitment to the well-being and development of today’s youth and future generations. Read more: https://loom.ly/aM_mf3g

Strengthening data literacy is an organization-led best practice. Thanks to the leadership of Ms. Sunder Singh, Executive Director of the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, and her tech guru Arun Arokianathan, new opportunities are emerging—especially for Seniors. 🪡

Calling all nonprofits serving Seniors! Do you wonder what impact the UWGT/Bhayana Family Foundation Awards have? Read on-they are often transformational! We applaud Ms. Sunder Singh and Arun Arokianathan! 🪡 1/7

A joyful celebration of the brilliant minds and big hearts of the staff of United Way Greater Toronto and their relentless energy - they ensure that United Way is at the heart of the GTA!

Nonprofit workers are the backbone of communities - so why don't we celebrate them nationally? We're advocating for a National Day of Recognition for the Nonprofit Sector in Canada because the people doing the most vital work deserve to be more visible! Learn more: https://loom.ly/aS1IvsU

From client to leader, Viji Rajan has walked the path she now clears for others. As an Invisible Champion Honourable Mention, she's being recognized for the equity-driven, community-rooted care she brings to Indus Community Services. Learn more: https://loom.ly/vEvtiVE #InvisibleChampion

Shahrzad and Sarah are the heart of Regent Park Sewing Studio - and now Honourable Mention Invisible Champions! From mentorship to sustainable fashion, they've built more than a studio - they've built community. Learn more: https://loom.ly/-tfmUBs #InvisibleChampions #Community

The Project NORTE team at Victim Services of York Region became a lifeline for survivors. They identified 100+ people trafficked and stepped in with care—supporting 64 in crisis and 53 on their healing journey. Learn more: https://loom.ly/NjuAsAk #EndHumanTrafficking #InvisibleChampions

.#InvisibleChampion Award Winner Vivian Etuka saw a crisis and took action. Her advocacy helped secure housing for displaced African refugees in Brampton, ensuring they found support and dignity. Learn more: bit.ly/3Zba25V

#InvisibleChampion Award Winner Kasandra James is reshaping volunteerism at Volunteer Toronto, making it more inclusive and equitable. Her leadership is ensuring everyone has the opportunity to give back. Way to go! Learn more: bit.ly/43Edh7a @unitedwaygt.bsky.social @volunteertoronto.bsky.social

We’re taking a short break from posting to celebrate a special family milestone. We’ll be back to sharing more inspiring stories soon. Stay tuned!

The team at Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women provides vital support to women, newcomers, and families in need. Their food bank, settlement programs, and advocacy are changing lives. Learn more: bhayanafoundation.org/winner/elspe... #InvisibleChampions #CommunityCare

#InvisibleChampion Claire Perttula is tackling food insecurity head-on at Malvern Family Resource Centre. Her work has provided over 80,000 lbs of fresh produce while creating lasting community solutions. Learn more! bhayanafoundation.org/winner/clair... #InvisibleChampion #FoodJustice

At Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong, healthcare is rooted in culture, tradition, and identity. Their team provides holistic, trauma-informed care for Indigenous communities. Learn more: bhayanafoundation.org/winner/auduz... #InvisibleChampions #IndigenousHealth

For 17+ years, Suma Balagopal has been fostering community and belonging at Caledon Community Services. From conversation circles to cultural initiatives, she helps newcomers thrive. Read more: bhayanafoundation.org/winner/suma-... #InvisibleChampion #NewcomerSupport #UnitedWayGreaterToronto

Sundeep, Kiran, and Anju lead with heart at Indus Community Services’ Adult Day Services. From dementia-friendly programs to innovative outreach, they ensure seniors stay connected and supported. Learn more: bhayanafoundation.org/winner/adult... #InvisibleChampions #SeniorCare

Tired of the bad news stories that dominate all media? For the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting the incredible work nonprofit staff do every day—pouring their heart, mind, and soul into their mission. Let us know if you enjoy these real-life stories!

Kitty Kebede has spent over 20 years bringing care, dignity, and warmth to LOFT Community Services. Whether leading teams or cooking meals for 100 residents, she builds community every day. Learn more: bhayanafoundation.org/winner/kidis... #InvisibleChampion #CommunityCare

Hear from Erik Brandt, Portfolio Manager, Guardian Capital. Thank you Erik for your passionate and heartfelt support for the Nonprofit Sector and its extraordinary mission driven staff! #NAW2025 ❤️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lWe...

Thank you to Jo-Anne Ryan and Lee Rose of #TDBank for these incredible displays - an apt metaphor for the work of the almost 1 million people who work in the Sector. #NAW2025

A resounding thank you and gratitude to Jo-Anne Ryan, VP TD Bank, Benaaz Aronis, Senior VP, Desjardins Insurance and Lorna Read, Managing Director, LEAP/Pecaut Centre for joining us on Feb 12 as we celebrated the extraordinary achievements of #UWGT's funded agency staff. 🪡

Led by Michele Fisher, CEO of Dufferin Community Foundation and the Dufferin Board of Trade, Dufferin County continues to lead the way with local celebrations for the Ontario Nonprofit Week of Appreciation. They have worked hard over the last 3 years & now its taken a life of its own this year. 🪡

Our heartfelt thank you to UWGT staff - Elizabeth Marshall, Nadeesha Watawala, Nation Cheong and their team members who contributed their expertise, time and passion to ensuring that last week's UWGT/Bhayana Family Foundation Awards celebration was outstanding and memorable. So well done!

Meet Eliza-Beth Barnett-Pommainville of Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society and 2025 #InvisibleChampion award winner! She is a fierce advocate for Indigenous women, breaking cycles of over-incarceration & trauma. 🪡

This Valentine's Day, we're sending all our love to the incredible nonprofits that make our communities stronger every day! As we wrap up the #NAW2025, we want to say one more THANK YOU to the passionate staff and volunteers who pour their hearts in their work.

Meet Auduzhe Mino Nesewinong, part of Na-Me-Res - a lifeline for First Nations, Inuit & Métis communities in Toronto. Born from a community-driven COVID-19 response, it now provides culturally safe, trauma-informed care rooted in tradition & identity. By weaving Indigenous healing, medical care...🪡

Do you know RISE? They're the leading nonprofit creating new entrepreneurs in Canada. "We're mobilizing our community to help empower Canadians with mental health challenges towards greater social and economic inclusion through entrepreneurship." Learn about their empowering work! bit.ly/3Qf36zR

Behind every thriving community, there are dedicated nonprofit workers whose impact often goes unseen. Today, we’re proud to shine a light on the incredible individuals and teams from across the GTA who have gone above and beyond to support others: 🪡

Dan Clement is the legendary CEO of #UnitedWayCentraideCanada —  a Major unifying force for social change in local communities. It is a national network committed to bringing people and organizations together to meet immediate community needs — and... 🪡

Who doesn't know Cathy Brothers? Capacity Canada is led by the 2024 Kitchener Citizen of the Year, the indefatigable CEO Cathy Brothers is a “leader of leaders,” and "displays an impressive array of roles and accomplishments across various sectors." 🧵

The legendary CEO of #Reena, Bryan Keshen, is leading Reena in its commitment to driving positive change and providing exceptional support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. 🪡

Bruce MacDonald is the visionary and iconic CEO of Imagine Canada - our National Organization that does a remarkable job of strengthening and supporting charities and nonprofits "so they can better serve communities and... 🪡

🎉 Ontario Week of Appreciation for the Nonprofit Sector is here! 🎉 From Feb 10–14, we’re celebrating the incredible contributions of nonprofit workers across Ontario! ❤️ Stay tuned as we: 🪡

Helen Burstyn, O.C., has had a storied career in government, business, academia, broadcasting and community service. She serves on numerous Boards in the Nonprofit Sector including The Pecaut Centre for Social Impact, Koffler Centre, Canadian Opera Company, Luminato amongst many others. 🧵

Who shelters the homeless, feeds kids, cares for seniors, and fights for our planet? The #InvisibleChampions of nonprofits! We’re celebrating past winners of the Invisible Champion Awards in Toronto, who are the backbone of our communities. Read their stories here: bit.ly/4hDN8ek