Canada's Champions of Change

To reveal the new face of activism and citizenship worn by Canadians of all age groups and walks of life, CBC News and Outpost Magazine (Canada’s premiere adventure travel magazine), have joined forces to produce a unique program celebrating volunteerism in Canada. It’s called Canada’s Champions of Change and it kicks off on Canada Day.

Hosted by Mark Kelley of Connect with Mark Kelley, this contest will be featured on CBC TV, CBC News Network, CBC Radio and CBC.CA. It encourages Canadians to nominate exceptional volunteers making a difference both here at home and abroad in key areas of social change such as environment, housing, education, health and wellness, and social justice.

Lead by Frank O’Dea, a panel of activists, artists, athletes and entrepreneurs – all exceptional leaders in charitable and volunteer activities – will select the top ten finalists from a short list: five for their volunteerism here in Canada and five for making a difference internationally.

The panel’s 10 finalists will then enter a voting phase open to the public. Ultimately two winners – one domestic and one international – will be chosen by the Canadian public and receive a $25,000 cash prize for the charitable organization of their choice. The other eight finalists will each win $10,000 to be donated to the organizations they support.

Results will be available in January 2011, the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Volunteer.

For more details on important dates, process, categories, judges and prizes, click here.