The Award has made a profound impact on young people across Canada, as well as adult volunteers and supporters alike. Hear what our participants, alumni, Award Leaders, and supporters have to say!
Featured Testimonials
Nicholas Johnson
Breaking boundaries and empowering the next generation"I hope to inspire young people to achieve their goals and have the confidence to break barriers in doing so."
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Gold Participant"I was reminded that you are never too old to learn something new and set a goal to learn a new skill every year."
Read MoreClaire Verkuyl
Gold Participant"I am eternally grateful for all of the amazing opportunities this Award has given me."
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Vipul Gupta
Silver Award AchieverThis program taught me to manage my time effectively, be self-motivated and enjoy every moment for what it is worth, because moments like these don’t come back.
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Nicholas Johnson
Breaking boundaries and empowering the next generationI hope to inspire young people to achieve their goals and have the confidence to break barriers in doing so.
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Claire Verkuyl
Gold ParticipantI am eternally grateful for all of the amazing opportunities this Award has given me.
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Olivia Dey
Silver Award ParticipantAfter two years of doing the Duke of Ed Award Program, I am an aspiring 15 year old, ready to advocate for those in need.
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Sarah
Gold ParticipantI was reminded that you are never too old to learn something new and set a goal to learn a new skill every year.
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Canadian Award Holders: Chimdinma Chijioke
Chimdinma Chijioke is an international student from Nigeria who started the Award program upon her arrival in Canada and completed the Silver Award in 2018.Chimdinma is thankful that the Award has helped her to make friends and adjust to life in Canada.
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Dave Maynard
Award LeaderI see the Duke of Edinburgh programme as an incredible opportunity for personal development for young people that will help them be successful throughout their lives.
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Heather Aucoin
Award LeaderThe Award pushes youth out of their comfort zone and encourages them to try new things.
Deanne Nielsen
Award LeaderThrough completing the Award, they develop into community-oriented citizens we want representing our school.
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Shannon Tong
Award LeaderOverseeing the program is incredibly rewarding as a teacher leader. The [Award] challenges students to move out of their comfort zone.
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Bob Quartermain
Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for Pretium Resources IncThe discipline and commitment that The Award instilled in me in 1973 has continued throughout my life. It has been important in shaping the manner in which I operate in business and interact with my family, friends and coworkers. I’ve been fortunate that throughout my career I have been successful both professionally and financially and that has provided me with the capacity to give back. It is appropriate that I am able now to give back to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as the organization had a positive impact on my youth development
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Philip Crawley
Publisher & CEO - The Globe and MailI remain deeply impressed by the quality and accomplishments of Award participants. There is no doubt that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to make a significant impact on the youth of our country.
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Anthony Von Mandl
Founder – Mission Hill Family EstateAs a business leader, you have a responsibility to give back to the community. The Award opens doors for the corporate community and serves as a bridge to connect in a meaningful way. Our involvement in The Award means we are able to make a positive contribution by helping to improve the lives of young people in local communities in which our employees live and work.
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Anthony Graham
Vice Chairman and Director of Wittington Investments Ltd. and Chairman and Director of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment TrustThe Duke of Ed cannot only be life-building but life-changing.
Erin Maitland
Teacher and Camp Coordinator for TCDSBThe Duke of Ed gave me the skills to succeed academically and professionally. I learned how to persevere, be dedicated, be flexible and step outside my comfort zone. It made me a person who loves and lives for helping others, helping me become the best tescher I can be. Due to the Duke of Ed, I will be a teacher that knows and instills that not all learning happens within the classroom.
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Hunter Macdonald
CEO of Tutela TechnologiesI believe the Duke of Ed provides great preparation for young people pursuing careers. I have seen this first-hand from one of our previous co-op students who achieved her Gold level. She fit well with our organization, and her passion to give back to the community impressed me.
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