TORONTO — Ontario is recognizing 20 young people for exceptional volunteer service with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, the province’s highest honour dedicated specifically to youth voluntarism.
The recipients, aged 15 to 24, are being recognized for contributions spanning community organizing, science and technology, health and mental well-being, environmental stewardship, civic engagement and reconciliation education. The province said their work demonstrates the growing role young volunteers are playing in strengthening communities across Ontario.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario will formally recognize recipients from both the 2024 and 2025 award years at a ceremony at Queen’s Park on October 19.
Ontario Medal Recognizes Youth Leadership and Volunteer Service
The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, commonly known as OMYV, recognizes young Ontarians who have contributed significant time, energy and expertise to serving others.
Recipients are selected for volunteer activities that have made meaningful contributions to communities and encouraged broader civic participation.
“Across Ontario, young people are making a meaningful difference in their communities through the time they give to others and the talents they bring to causes they care about,” said Edith Dumont, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “This year’s 20 recipients are truly deserving of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, and I look forward to meeting these leaders who are helping to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of their fellow Ontarians.”
The latest group reflects a broad range of volunteer initiatives and community priorities. Among those being honoured are community organizers, STEM innovators and advocates working to improve health and mental well-being.
Recipients Contribute Across Diverse Ontario Communities
Other recipients have focused their volunteer efforts on francophone and civic engagement, environmental stewardship and reconciliation education.
The range of activities highlights how youth volunteerism extends across social, environmental, educational and community-development initiatives in the province.
“My sincere congratulations go out to this year’s recipients of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Your dedication and hard work are shaping a brighter future for communities across our province, and we are proud to recognize your leadership, passion and the valuable contributions you have made.”
Ontario said the recipients are not only contributing directly to their communities but also encouraging others to become more actively involved in shaping the province’s future.
Ontario Expands Recognition of Volunteer Contributions
The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers has recognized youth leadership for nearly three decades. Since the program was established in 1998, 237 individuals have received the medal.
The award forms part of a broader provincial system for recognizing volunteer service. Ontario also honours volunteers through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards and the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism.
These programs recognize contributions ranging from long-term community service to exceptional leadership and achievements within Ontario’s volunteer sector.
Thousands Recognized Through Provincial Programs
Ontario’s recognition programs extend well beyond the Young Volunteers medal. In 2025, the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism promoted more than 45 recognition program ceremonies across the province.
Those ceremonies celebrated the achievements and contributions of more than 6,400 recipients, highlighting the scale of volunteer and community involvement throughout Ontario.
The province continues to accept nominations for future Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers recipients. Nominations can be submitted for young people whose volunteer work demonstrates exceptional leadership and a sustained commitment to helping others.
The annual nomination deadline is January 15, with additional program information and nomination details available through the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers program.
With the latest 20 recipients preparing to receive their medals at Queen’s Park, the province is highlighting youth volunteerism as an important part of building stronger, more engaged and resilient Ontario communities.