The TDC Foundation Awards
Recognition & Celebration
The TDC Foundation Awards recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact in their community. By honouring those who embody Teresa's spirit of service and leadership, the Foundation seeks to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.
- The TDC Foundation Awards are open to individuals and non-profit organizations active in their local community.
- Eligible individuals could be community leaders, volunteers, donors, philanthropists, activists, educators, social workers or any individual who has made a significant contribution to the community. Eligible organizations must be registered as a non-profit or charitable organization and should have a proven history of making a positive impact in their community.
- To be considered for a TDC Foundation Award, individuals and organizations must meet the eligibility criteria set out below and be nominated by someone in the community. While specific criteria may vary depending on the award category, the TDC Foundation is committed to recognizing and supporting individuals and non-profits who are working to create positive change in their communities.
- The TDC Foundation Awards are a growing initiative that recognizes and encourages community engagement. While currently focused on the West Island of Montreal as well as Lachine, Vaudreuil, St-Lazare and Hudson, the Foundation has plans to expand its geographical reach over time and recognize and celebrate community contributions throughout Quebec and across Canada.
The TDC Foundation Awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to their community. With the exception of the Teresa Dellar Inspiration Prize, which is given to an individual OR an organization, each TDC Foundation Award may be given to individual or group, as well as to a non-profit organization when the caliber of nominations warrants such action.
To be eligible for an award, an individual or organization must be nominated by someone within the community no later than March 31, 2025. Self-nominations will not be accepted. The nominator should fill out the nomination form provided here.
Length of involvement: Individuals nominated must have a minimum of two years of active participation in community initiatives or activities related to the particular award’s purpose, while organizational nominees must have been in operation for at least three years and have a history of community engagement.
Geographic area: The nominee’s community action must have taken place in the West Island and surrounding area including Lachine, Vaudreuil, St-Lazare and Hudson.
Demonstrated impact: Individuals nominated must have a history of making a significant and positive impact in their community through their involvement in initiatives related to the award’s purpose. This could be in the form of improved quality of life for community members, increased awareness of an important issue or the creation of new opportunities for community members. Organizational nominees must be able to demonstrate their impact through measurable outcomes and evidence of successful programs or initiatives that have contributed to the betterment of the community.
Spirit of service and leadership: Individuals nominated must embody the spirit of service and leadership that was exemplified by Teresa Dellar. This includes a commitment to helping others, a passion for making a positive impact and the ability to inspire others to get involved and make a difference. Organizational nominees should have a strong and dedicated team that works together to achieve the organization’s mission and goals as well as a clear understanding of their role in the community and how they can best serve community members.
Collaboration and teamwork: Individuals nominated should be able to demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. Organizational nominees should be able to demonstrate successful partnerships with other community organizations, building coalitions or networks, or working effectively with diverse groups.
TERESA DELLAR INSPIRATION PRIZE
The Teresa Dellar Inspiration Prize is the Foundation’s highest honour and its recipient is selected by the Dellar-Fernandes family at their sole discretion. It serves as a powerful testament to the profound legacy of Teresa Dellar, a woman who embodied kindness, empathy, and compassion in every aspect of her life. Through her tireless efforts, she left an indelible mark on her community, touching the lives of countless individuals.
This prestigious award is presented to an exceptional individual or organization who has demonstrated remarkable compassion towards their community. It celebrates those who have selflessly dedicated a significant portion of their time, energy, or resources to extend a helping hand to those in need. The recipients of this accolade are individuals or organizations who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
The Teresa Dellar Inspiration Prize upholds the very values Teresa herself epitomized: kindness, empathy, and compassion. By honouring those who have made significant contributions to their community through their work or volunteerism, this award recognizes individuals and organizations who have not only made a difference but have also demonstrated a deep understanding of the human experience and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others.
Beyond being a recognition of their remarkable achievements, the recipients of this award serve as an inspiration for others. They exemplify the transformative power of service and act as role models, ignite a sense of purpose and encourage individuals to make a difference in their own communities. Through their exceptional acts of compassion, they inspire others to embrace the values that Teresa held dear.
The Teresa Dellar Inspiration Prize is an acknowledgment of the profound impact that can be made through acts of kindness and service. It serves to remind us of all of the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion in building strong and resilient communities. By honouring those who embody these values, the award not only pays tribute to Teresa’s legacy but hopes to motivate individuals and organizations to continue her community work and create a ripple effect of positive change in the world.
AWARD FOR EMERGING VOLUNTEERS
The award for Emerging Volunteers recognizes individuals aged twenty-five (25) and under who have made an exceptional contribution to their community through their volunteer work. This award celebrates the dedication and passion of the community’s next generation of volunteers and aims to encourage and empower young people to become active members of their community, while promoting a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility. It recognizes the value of youth and young adult engagement in building stronger and more vibrant communities and inspires others to support and recognize the important contributions of emerging volunteers.
AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERISM
This award honours individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to their volunteer work, serving as a role model for others in their community. These individuals have inspired others to get involved in community service and have made a lasting impact on the lives of those around them. The Award for Volunteerism aims to shine a light on the importance of volunteerism and its power to transform communities. It serves as a reminder that one person can make a difference and that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
AWARD FOR SERVICES TO SENIORS
This award is given to individuals and/or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional involvement with service to their community’s seniors. It acknowledges the role the recipient has played in the lives of the senior population by providing critical support, care and advocacy. It highlights the recipient’s exceptional efforts in improving senior health, welfare and inclusion by offering access to vital resources and engaging in community initiatives that promote well-being.
AWARD FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL WORK
This award recognizes professionals and teams who provide essential psychosocial support to their community. It honours those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of vulnerable individuals, promoting social inclusion, and advocating for marginalized populations. The award may be given to individuals or organizations that have implemented community initiatives, developed innovative approaches to addressing psychosocial needs, or provided exceptional care and support to individuals and families.
AWARD FOR NON-PROFIT LEADERSHIP
This award recognizes exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the non-profit sector. This award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to their communities by leading non-profit organizations with passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to their mission. Recipients of this award have exhibited exemplary leadership skills that have helped to improve the lives of people in need. They have demonstrated the ability to inspire and motivate their teams, develop effective strategies, and implement successful programs that have had a positive impact on their communities. Their vision and dedication have helped to build stronger, more resilient communities and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
AWARD FOR SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS AND VETERANS
This award is presented to individuals and/or organizations that have made remarkable strides in bettering the lives of one or both of these at-risk groups in society. The award recognizes those who have offered an array of crucial services to these populations such as shelter, food, medical care, mental health support, job training and other vital resources. By providing these services, the recipients have significantly improved the quality of life for the homeless and veteran communities, helping them transition towards a more stable life in a more equitable and caring society.
Sponsors:
Nomination Process
- The TDC Foundation Awards were established to honour the memory of Teresa Dellar, a beloved community leader whose unwavering commitment to service and belief that every person deserves to be treated with kindness, empathy and compassion, continue to inspire and motivate individuals and organizations to this day. The awards celebrate her legacy and recognize those who have made exceptional contributions towards improving the lives of others in their communities.
- The TDC Foundation Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have left an indelible mark on their communities through acts of kindness, dedication, and innovative solutions to social challenges. Whether it is empowering marginalized groups, spearheading initiatives to support the unhoused, or providing support to those in need, these exceptional nominees have taken it upon themselves to be catalysts for change and have become beacons of hope in their respective communities.
- Now is your chance to put forward those remarkable individuals or organizations whose efforts deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged on a grand scale. We invite you to nominate individuals or organizations whose remarkable contributions have touched lives, inspired change, and sparked a ripple effect of compassion and empowerment within their community.