Winner: Julie Chamagne

As Executive Director of the Halifax Refugee Clinic, Julie used her expertise, dedication and vision to develop an innovative mock hearing program that prepares claimants for a hearing that determines their eligibility to stay in Canada. The program has attained a 87% positive decision rate versus the national average of 50%. Julie mentors law and social work students and lectures at universities and to public interest groups on refugee-related issues and human rights.

Finalists:

Adam Arthur

• Adam is the volunteer assistant-coordinator of the Halifax Regional Police Youth Program and works to create a safe, engaging, positive environment for youths aged 14 – 19.
• Adam serves as a strong role model who leads the fight against youth crime providing an avenue for youth to put their energy into positive activities and to learn about crime prevention through collaboration with Halifax Regional Police.

Blair Ryan

• Blair co-founded The Empathy Factory, a program to help young students understand what empathy means in our community and how they could use theirs to change the world.
• Through this program, students from HRM schools are introduced each week to three or four different charities, and complete small but meaningful volunteer projects for each.