Together, we’ve raised our hands for change. Now, we raise them in celebration.
This year marks a milestone in the movement to make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up. Since 2015, Children First Canada (CFC) has united Canadians around a bold vision for Canada’s kids and become the leading national charity focused on children’s rights.
Through research, advocacy, youth empowerment—including the flagship Raising Canada report, and programs like the Young Canadians’ Parliament—CFC has spotlighted critical threats to childhood and mobilized action. CFC has directly impacted the lives of over 8 million children, amplified the voices of youth leaders across the country, and transformed national dialogue and policies to prioritize kids.
🏆 2025 Champions for Children Awards
To commemorate our 10th anniversary, we are proud to present the inaugural Champions for Children Awards, honouring 10 iconic Canadians and one legacy leader who have made a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Honourees:
- The Hon. Rona Ambrose – Deputy Chairwoman, TD Securities
- Dr. Cindy Blackstock – Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
- Darren Entwistle – CEO, TELUS
- Mary Jo Haddad – Founding Chair of CFC; Chancellor, University of Windsor
- Wes Hall – Founder, BlackNorth Initiative; Chancellor, University of Toronto
- Gail O’Brien – Philanthropist; Past Chair of Children First Canada
- Alex Munter – CEO, Canadian Medical Association
- Katie Taylor – Chair, SickKids; Chancellor, York University
- Benjie Thomas – CEO, KPMG Canada
- Karen Young – CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area
In Memoriam:
The Hon. Landon Pearson, O.C. – “The Children’s Senator” and founder of the Landon Pearson Centre for the Study of Childhood and Children’s Rights
🗓️ Join Us for Our 10th Anniversary Events
We are hosting two unforgettable celebrations, bringing together leaders in business, healthcare, philanthropy, government, and youth advocacy:
📍 Toronto:
May 27, 2025 | 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
St. Regis Hotel
🎟️ Get Tickets or Sponsor the Event »
📍 Calgary
September 23, 2025 | 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
Fairmont Palliser Hotel
🎟️ Reserve Calgary Tickets »
📘 Download Our 10th Anniversary Impact Report
Celebrate a decade of impact. Our new report highlights CFC’s top achievements in research, youth empowerment, and advocacy, and outlines bold plans for the future.
👉 📥 Download the 10-Year Impact Report »
💛 Help Us Launch the Next Decade
CFC is raising $5 million to fuel the next five years of impact—and you can help!
Every dollar makes a difference.
Thanks to Rogers Birdies for Kids, your donation will be matched by up to 50%!
📣 Share Your Support
Raise your hand on social media using #CFC10 and #ChampionsForChildren to show your support and help us celebrate this incredible milestone.
Thank you for standing with us—and for helping make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up.