a

• Minister’s Award - for generating the most impact across the province:
  Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) is the force behind the increasing number of Ontarians interested in green power alternatives. OSEA relentlessly works at making community green power initiatives a widely acceptable option for meeting Ontario’s energy needs.

• Chair’s Award - for exemplifying how to build healthy and vibrant communities that meet the needs of Ontario’s diverse groups:
  Peel Region’s Community Environment Alliance - Share-IT recycles computers and other IT equipment for use by low-income families and individuals. In addition to recycling, the program reduces hazardous e-waste in landfill sites. Its success has raised interest across Ontario and abroad.

• Award of Distinction - for enhancing one or more of OTF’s granting priorities:
  Toronto’s Sketch, an art studio for at-risk youth, turns lives around by helping artistic youth find the confidence and skills necessary to leave the street, return to school or find employment.

• Arts and Culture: Prescott-Russell’s Francoscénie produced the musical “L’Écho d’un peuple”, one of the most significant cultural and artistic achievements of the local community with over 300 volunteer participants on stage. The production is now used as a teaching tool at Francophone schools.

• Environment: Tobermory’s 2004 Provincial Envirothon c/o Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association galvanized its rural host community and left behind five Legacy Projects to enhance local forestry and preserve wildlife and soil.

• Human and Social Services: Hamilton’s St. Joseph Immigrant Women’s Centre’s innovative pilot program attracted government funding and made possible the creation of an office to support experienced, foreign-trained nurses in overcoming language and academic barriers and finding employment.

• Sports and Recreation: Thunder Bay’s Lakehead Canoe Club increased participation from local and regional youth and adults in dragon boat racing. They are building a strong Northwestern Ontario competitive force at the national level.