Tidbits of Change Foundation Honors Young Canadians for Community Impact

The Tidbits of Change Foundation's 2024 awards have spotlighted the extraordinary contributions of three young Canadians, whose projects in collaboration with mentors or parents have brought about meaningful change in their communities. These awards, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 CAD, are designed to support the recipients' post-secondary education while acknowledging their efforts to address societal needs through innovative solutions.

Felix Townsend from Esquimalt, B.C., was honored for his project 'One Million Acts of Love,' a heartfelt initiative born out of personal tragedy. Following the loss of his sister to Blau syndrome, Felix and his parents launched Lexi's Legacy to advance research into this rare disease. The project's global reach and inspirational impact have been commended by Greg Scott, co-founder of the Foundation, illustrating how personal loss can fuel widespread positive change.

Kayla Dixon, a University of Alberta student, received the Youth Inspiration Bursary Award for her work in designing and building special equipment for adaptive athletes in waterski and wakeboard sports. Her collaboration with her father and grandfather has not only enhanced accessibility for adaptive athletes in the B.C. Interior but also set a precedent for inclusivity in competitive water sports.

Cassie McNutt from Kamloops was another recipient of the Youth Inspiration Bursary Award, recognized for her annual Charity Drive that provides warm clothing to less fortunate individuals in her city. What started as a modest clothing drive has grown into a significant community effort, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can evolve into substantial societal contributions.

The selection process, as noted by Hali ScottSmith, co-founder of the Foundation, was challenging due to the abundance of inspiring stories. The foundation's mission to celebrate and support youth who work alongside mentors or parents on community-benefiting projects underscores the importance of intergenerational collaboration and the potential of young individuals to inspire others.

These awards not only provide financial assistance for the recipients' educational pursuits but also serve as a platform to amplify their stories, encouraging a ripple effect of youth engagement and community service across Canada. The Tidbits of Change Foundation's initiative exemplifies how recognizing and nurturing young innovators can lead to a cycle of positive change, reinforcing the belief that small, dedicated efforts can indeed make a significant difference in the world.