The Vimy Foundation is Proud to Announce the Three Winners of This Year’s Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Leadership Grants

The Vimy Foundation is Proud to Announce the Three Winners of This Year’s Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Leadership Grants

May - 2024

The Vimy Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Grant, awarded to youth-led projects aimed at community improvement and commemoration.

The Vimy Inspires Tomorrow program empowers young people aged 13 to 17 to develop leadership skills through six modules inspired by First World War history. Participants engage in discussion-based activities that encourage the application of historical lessons to contemporary leadership challenges. These educational activities are offered free of charge, both virtually and in person. Subsequently, individuals or groups are invited to submit community project proposals, with the most compelling initiatives eligible for additional leadership and project management training. Three projects are chosen annually to receive a $2,500 grant each, supporting the realization of their community initiatives.

The Vimy Foundation extends its gratitude to Veterans Affairs Canada for their continued support, enabling these initiatives to make a positive impact in communities across Canada.

Jacob Taylor, from Metcalfe, Ontario, has been selected as one of the grant recipients for his project aimed at updating the Metcalfe Cenotaph. Jacob's initiative involves preserving the history of local veterans by creating a website to share their stories year-round. With the grant, Jacob plans to clean the cenotaph's stonework and install a bench to enhance the space.

Maria and Anna MacDonald of Halifax, Nova Scotia, have also been awarded a grant for their project, "Write Your Mind," a journaling workshop designed to address youth mental health challenges. The MacDonalds' initiative involves creating beginner's journals, with a portion of proceeds donated to Kids Help Phone, aiming to provide an outlet for youth expression and support.

Finally, Obii Udemgba, Elaine King, Benjamin Dalzell, and Marlaa Miller of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, representing the Walter Murray Collegiate Aviation Club, have received a grant for their project, "Heritage in Harmony." This initiative focuses on producing and distributing "Aviation Student Kits" to support students pursuing aviation interests, aiming to cultivate the next generation of aviators.