To honour their impact, we share the stories of the 2025 recipients. Whether they’re individuals or groups, our volunteer winners all have one thing in common: they have gone above and beyond.
National Young Volunteer of the Year
Jessica Share (British Columbia)
At just 13 years old, Jessica walked more than 366 km—one for every day of the year—to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes Canada after a friend’s diagnosis. Her campaign raised an inspiring $13,200 and earned her recognition as a Lace Up Ambassador. Jessica will represent Canada at the Diabetes UK Wellness Walk in London. Her dedication makes her a role model for youth across the country.
National Volunteers of the Year
Ciara Stevens (Nova Scotia)
A nurse and certified diabetes educator (CDE), Ciara has supported D-Camps across the country for nearly a decade. In 2024, she helped lead parent programming at Family Camps, blending education with empowerment for the entire family. She has modelled in the Halifax Pump Couture show and been a member of the planning team for a few years.
Maya Bennett (British Columbia)
A D-Camps nurse since 2019, Maya stepped up into a head nurse role and led volunteer recruitment efforts post-pandemic. Her creativity, compassion, and leadership helped strengthen the camp experience for families and healthcare professionals in the province.
Jan Glozier (Ontario)
With decades of volunteer service, Jan has helped manage the Friends of Camp Huronda alumni group for more than 10 years. Her tireless coordination and leadership made the camp’s 50th anniversary celebration a memorable milestone for all involved.
Tashayla Gouthro (Ontario)
Tashayla is a university student and dedicated Banting House volunteer. She leads tours, trains new volunteers, and steps in whenever needed to ensure every visitor has a meaningful experience.
Finn Davis Oxner (Ontario)
One of only three secondary school students to ever volunteer at Banting House, Finn leads tours, trains volunteers, and even shovels snow on winter days to keep the historic site accessible.
Sikh Motorcycle Club of Canada (Ontario)
This group raised more than $60,000 in 2024 through their cross-country Ride for a Cause, supporting kids at D-Camps. They’ve raised awareness about diabetes in Sikh and South Asian communities nationwide and have now earned this award twice.
Asra Nadeem (Ontario)
A Virtual Diabetes Education Program (VDEP) volunteer with our Knowledge & Connection team, Asra uses her experience as a nurse and CDE to make complex health concepts understandable. She also tries to ensure the information is accessible for different languages and cultures, and has recruited others to volunteer, too.
Sandra Venneri (Ontario)
A dietitian and VDEP volunteer, Sandra led sessions and provided recorded resources to help people enjoy food while managing their blood sugar. She also brought her expertise to D-Camps and uses her social platforms to share credible, empowering nutrition information.
Michael McMullen (Manitoba)
Michael has served as a board member, fundraiser and advocate. From leading corporate giving to securing policy support in Indigenous communities, his leadership has shaped Diabetes Canada’s future and advanced our mission across the country.
National Advocacy Leadership Award
Jeremy Storring (Saskatchewan)
Jeremy’s advocacy helped expand access to continuous glucose monitors in Saskatchewan. He continues to train other advocates and share his lived experience and that of others to shape public policy that supports people with diabetes.
Innovation Award
Dr. David J.T. Campbell (Alberta)
With the creation of Low—Stories of Stigma, which received funding from Diabetes Canada, Dr. Campbell shed light on the experience of being unhoused with diabetes. The film has now been screened at more than 40 events, incorporated into medical school programs, and inspired changes for more inclusive policies in shelters and health centres.
Charles H. Best Award
Dr. Baiju Shah (Ontario)
A renowned researcher, Dr. Shah has dedicated 16 years to Diabetes Canada through his work with the Clinical Practice Guidelines, the National Research Council, and more. He has made a meaningful impact in high-risk communities, including the South Asian population.
Thank you to all of our volunteers
Whether you’re sharing your story, leading a campfire song, guiding a tour, or helping a someone navigate their diagnosis, you are making a difference. We’re grateful for your energy, compassion, and commitment.
And, congratulations again to this year’s honourees, who you can meet in our video.
Want to get involved? Learn how you can volunteer with us.