2024
The BGC’s ‘National Youth of the Year’ recipient is a changemaker
Sid and Meredith are joined by BGC Canada’s ‘National Youth of the Year’ recipient Titobi Oriola and BGC Canada’s CEO, Owen Charters, to discuss Oriola’s experience with the club, his passions, and future goals.
Hometown Ponoka advocate Yaël Witvoet sets sights on helping victims of human trafficking
From an early age, former Ponoka resident Yaël Witvoet knew she wanted to lead – and to have an impact on the world around her. And much of that inspiration, and the foundation to move forward with her dreams, stems from her past involvement with BGC – Wolf Creek (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club).
Titobi Oriola is BGC Canada’s 2024 National Youth of the Year Award winner
Titobi Oriola has embraced his life in the city to the fullest, already paying it forward to others like him needing support. For his efforts, he has won BGC Canada’s 2024 National Youth of the Year Award.
She was just named Toronto’s first youth poet laureate. Here’s why Shahaddah Jack can’t just sit back and observe
The 20-year-old spoken word artist is also a human rights activist.
Shahaddah Jack is Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate
She is a bilingual spoken word poet, a human rights activist and as of October 15th she’s adding a new title: Toronto’s first inaugural Youth Poet Laureate.
East Toronto’s Shahaddah Jack set to become Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate
East Toronto’s Shahaddah Jack, who was named the BGC Canada National Youth of the Year in 2022 for her work with the Club in the Eastview community, is being recommended to become the City of Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate.
2023
20-year-old Hamilton woman’s passion for soccer earns her ‘Youth of the Year’ award
Saphia Shaaban plans to pursue sports medicine, as the investment in women’s soccer in Canada grows.
Indigenous Youth of the Year winner finds connection through giving back
For 16-year-old Logan Keilty, connecting with his Indigenous heritage is an important part of life.
Where my adventure really started: How BGC West Scarborough became my second home in Canada
Sebastian Cifuentes is a third-year psychology student at York University and was recently named BGC Canada’s 2023 Youth of the Year.
Club Friday Q&A: Poet and Youth Rights Activist Shahaddah Jack
18-year-old Shahaddah Jack is a force—a spoken word poet, performer, emcee, human rights activist and arts facilitator, she’s already racking up accomplishments.
In My Opinion: ‘Black history is 365’: BGC National Youth Of The Year Shahadda Jack shares her thoughts on Black History Month
I often ask, “How can you fit crucial conversations of Black history and joy-filled celebrations of Black culture into only 28 days?” The answer is quite clear; you can’t.
Local Ottawa Youth Awarded BGC Canada Youth Of The Year Award
It’s no secret that growing up can be challenging. But for many children and youth in the Ottawa area, it can be tougher than you would imagine.
2022
Making the most of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The 17-year-old from Sweetgrass First Nation is the 2022 Indigenous Youth of the Year at BGC Canada — formerly the Boys and Girls Club.
Global BC – Indigenous Youth Led Reconciliation
BGC Canada Aboriginal Youth Leader Kayla Littlepoplar explains the role Indigenous youth play in shaping the truth and reconciliation process.
CBC Special – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2021
BGC Canada Launches Inaugural Youth of the Year Leadership Program and Selects 2021 National Youth of the Year Recipient Français
Youth of the Year initiative to award winners with leadership training, financial support for postsecondary education, and funding toward youth leadership programming.
Northern Arm Woman Named Among BGC Canada’s Regional Youth of the Year
A young woman from Northern Arm has been named among BGC Canada’s list of six Regional Youth of the Year.
Teen’s journey has taken her from Syria to role model
Valentina Shamoun was having a hard time adjusting to life in Canada after her family moved here eight years ago to avoid escalating civil strife back home in Syria.
BGC Canada – Developing a Sense of Purpose in Canada’s Youth
BGC Canada (Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada) was founded in St. John, New Brunswick, 120 years ago by off-duty police officers who wished to occupy young boys with after-school activities and sports in hopes of keeping them away from trouble.
Janet Monk June’21
BGC Celebrates Youth Leaders.
Cornwall’s Lapensee and BGC set sights on national youth top honour
A member at the Boys and Girls Club of Cornwall / SDG is in the running for a national honour.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Natalie Paul
Director, Marketing Strategy & Content | BGC Canada
npaul@bgccan.com
