A Brantford area woman with a passion for animals is among 24 remarkable recipients of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.
Advertisement 2
Article content
The medal is the highest honor bestowed by the province for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in recognition of outstanding contributions through volunteering in their communities and throughout Ontario.
Article content
Twenty-year-old Jada Finch, who started, along with her younger brother Will, a non-profit animal rescue operation called Good Will Good Karma at their Mount Pleasant home in 2017, was among 12 recipients for 2022 presented a medal by Edith Dumont , Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, during a ceremony at Queen’s Park earlier this month.
“As champions of volunteerism, you are a reminder that Ontarians of any age have the power to drive positive change within their communities,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Culture.
Advertisement 3
Article content
Among the other winners were young Ontarians who spearheaded projects related to science, medicine, mental health supports, environmental causes, Indigenous culture preservation and human rights.
“I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by 23 inspiring youth in Ontario who have gone above and beyond to make our province a better place,” said Finch. “I learned about so many terrific causes involving helping newcomers, the homeless, people with disabilities, and so much more. Despite the various focuses, we all have the same goal: to improve an issue happening in our province and to network and inspire others to do the same.
“To me, this means more about motivation for the future instead of just an appreciation of the past.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
With help from parents, Kristi and Dan, Will and Jada launched Good Will Good Karma to raise awareness and gather supplies and funds to donate to rescue animals across Canada. They’ve helped hundreds of dogs and cats and figure they’ve collected about $700,000 in monetary donations and animal supplies.
Finch has also volunteered with Northern Connection Dog Rescue, which works with communities in remote parts of northern Canada to curb the over-population of dogs roaming free.
“In northern Manitoba in minus 40-degree weather, (Jada) secured and removed wild dogs from a reservation, even performing CPR on hour-old puppies in the hope of returning them to Ontario for evaluation and possible adoption,” said a bio of Finch issued by the province in news release.
Finch is just as passionate about human rights, having volunteered as a crisis line responder with Kids Help Phone.
“Her belief in the power of kindness has shown many others at her age that giving back is the greatest gift.”
More recently, Finch started her own contracting business, Pink Collar — “skilled trades work, but with a feminine touch.” While she focuses on home renovations, she hopes to “inspire youth and women to achieve their goals and pursue their passions.”
Article content