More than 350 people gathered today to preview Canada's young leaders of today as the 2006 recipients of Youth in Motion's award and mentoring program - Top 20 Under 20TM - were celebrated at a breakfast event, sponsored by University of Ontario, Institute of Technology, at 89 Chestnut Residence.
Top 20 Under 20TM, a program of Youth in Motion, sponsored by ING Canada, ING Foundation and Bell Canada is designed to seek out and reward young Canadians who have demonstrated significant levels of innovation, achievement and leadership. Other program supporters include: Global TV, National Post, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, The Keg Spirit Foundation, Manpower and Hydrogenics to name a few.
"Youth in Motion is extremely proud and honoured to be able to showcase, from coast to coast, young Canadians from all walks of life, who are committed to innovation, leadership and achievement," says Akela Peoples, President & CEO, Youth in Motion. "The 2006 recipients are an impressive group of young Canadians, they are entrepreneurs, scientists, social activists, environmentalists and inventors," said Ms. Peoples.
"We are excited to celebrate with Canadians across the country the innovation, achievements and leadership demonstrated by each of the 2006 Top 20 Under 20 recipients. Innovation is the key to Canada's future economic and social success. We are glad to see so many up and coming leaders and innovators," said Claude Dussault, President and CEO, ING Canada. "ING Canada and ING Foundation are proud to partner with Youth in Motion in recognizing and rewarding the very attributes that have led to our global success," said Mr. Dussault.
Each recipient receives a financial award up to $2,000 to be directed towards their continuing area of study or training, participation in a Four Day Leadership Summit specifically designed to further enhance their leadership and innovative capabilities and mentoring by a Canadian leader for a period of eight months.
The 2006 Top 20 Under 20 recipients include: Marie Abbott, Whitehorse (YK), Miles Aronson, Calgary (AB), Melanie Bell, Coleman (PE), Kayla Cornale, Burlington (ON), Sarah Dubé, Halifax (NS), Larissa Fulawka, Lac La Biche (AB), Joanna McNeil, Red Island (NS), Naveen Hassan, Toronto (ON), Josianne Gosselin-Dubois, Gatineau (QC), Sami Obaid, Laval (QC), Keith Peiris, London (ON), Meghana Saincher, Edmonton (AB), Douglas Price, London (ON), Aaria Rahim, Coquitlam (BC), Natalie Raso, Hamilton (ON), Jordan Tannahill, Ottawa (ON), Hannah Taylor, Winnipeg (MB), Heather Muir, Walkerton (ON), William Turk, Winnipeg (MB) and Jennifer Wang, Saskatoon (SK).
Bios for each recipient and photo are available upon request.
About Youth in Motion.
Youth in Motion (YIM) is a national, not-for-profit organization focused on developing the employability and life skills of today's youth to prepare them effectively for success in life and work. Our programs are designed to provide access to career information and increase awareness about opportunities for youth and those impacting the career decisions of youth. For more information, visit www.youth-in-motion.ca.
About ING
ING Canada is the largest provider of property and casualty insurance in Canada. ING Canada's principal insurance products are automobile, property and liability insurance, which it provides primarily to individuals and small to medium sized businesses through its insurance subsidiaries across Canada. In 2003, ING established the ING Foundation committed to empowering Canada's young people to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.ingcanada.com.
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Larry Mah, Top 20 under 20TM Program Manager, at (416) 738-1382, or lmah@mahconsulting.ca. Full recipient bios and photos are available.
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