Bilaal Rajan, 11
Richmond Hill, Ontario

Bilaal Rajan, 11, is a published author, motivational speaker, successful fundraiser, founder of a childrens school in Tanzania, UNICEF Canada’s child ambassador, and founder of Hands For Help organization (www.Handsforhelp.org).

Bilaal has always been motivated to help people in need, especially children, since he was 4 when he sold clementines door to door for the India earthquake. Bilaal has since raised millions to help the world’s less fortunate through his Tsunami “Canada Kids Earthquake Challenge”, the Haiti hurricanes appeal and the World Partnership Walk. He has visited many disaster areas and has spoken to thousands worldwide about his experiences and teaching them his success principles required to achieve one’s true potential.

He has written several books for kids to help other kids. Bilaal’s vision is to instill in children worldwide the importance of being of service to others less fortunate and living by his motto “Together, we can make a difference.”

Sundeep Randhawa, 17
Edmonton, Alberta

Sundeep Randhawa was only 14 years of age when he became inspired by a dream to raise funds for the devastated region of Darfur, Sudan. Despite facing many hurdles in registering Dream for Darfur Society, mostly due to his age, his perseverance paid off and he has been incredibly successful.

Once the Dream for Darfur Society was registered, Sundeep quickly went to work on a major fundraising initiative that involved many Edmonton public schools. His first fundraising campaign raised over $7,000 from one school. Following this success, Sundeep moved his fundraising campaign to two other schools and raised $6,000 and $12,000 respectively.

Dream for Darfur is currently involved in corporate ventures with several companies for the future including the sale of Dream for Darfur wristbands, as well as a Casino that would raise an estimated $70 000.00 in one night, and a new initiative with the realty board.

To date, Dream for Darfur Society has raised approx. $34,000.

Nikhita Singh, 16
London, Ontario

Billions of tons of pesticides are used worldwide every year. Spread equally on our landmass, this would form a 16mm layer on every bit of land. Almost 50% of the pesticides used run off the surface of the leaf immediately after application. The runoff contaminates soil and water supplies and kills terrestrial and aquatic life.

Nikhita, through her research project, has demonstrated that this wastage can be reduced by up to 90% using simple scientific methods. The results from her project were showcased at the regional science fair where she received a First Place award and the Pfizer Award of Excellence.  Nikhita qualified for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, Mexico where she received a Third Place award amongst 1500 students across the world.

Nikhita also initiated a Charity Art Club based on a novel concept in which students create artwork for the community and in turn, get volunteer hours.  The club has worked with several organizations and organizes fundraisers for local charities.

Adam Wheeler, 18
Toronto, Ontario

Volunteering has helped to shape Adam Wheeler.  One of Adam’s most significant volunteer initiatives is Breaking Down the Barriers, a weeklong series of workshops addressing a wide range of social issues including discrimination, poverty and climate change. This program, now held annually, attracted over 600 students in 2007.

Adam is committed to encouraging youth involvement in the community. To this end, he coordinated the “Mock Student Vote in 2006 to coincide with the Municipal elections, which encouraged young people to make informed political choice. He has also developed a monthly "Open Mic" night and other teen programs with the public library to create a positive and welcoming space where youth can share their talents and influence library services. Adam continues to demonstrate his commitment to social justice and youth engagement through volunteer work for a number of causes.