Two Non-Profits Honoured with Manulife Governance BootCamp Award

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region and St. John’s Status of Women Council / Women’s Centre were named the two winners this year.

Every year, Capacity Canada invites nominations from graduates of Manulife Board Governance BootCamp for the Excellence in Board Governance Award and admission to the Board of Directors Hall of Fame.

For the first time in its history, two non-profits were selected as the recipients of the award this year and were honoured with a prize of $5,000 each. ExtendA-Family Waterloo Region and St. John’s Status of Women Council / Women’s Centre were named the two winners of the Manulife Governance Excellence Award this year. The award was presented at the opening night of the 12th Manulife Board Governance BootCamp on November 5.

“It would not have been possible to announce a second award if it wasn’t for the generous support Capacity Canada has received from Manulife and Suncor Energy Foundation,” said Cathy Brothers, CEO, Capacity Canada. As part of the application, nominees must demonstrate how they have applied specific learning from their BootCamp experience to their board practices. Additionally, they are asked to build a case for why they deserve this award.

“Winning this award means recognition for how far the organization has come in a short time in terms of improving its governance structures while still holding true to our feminist, anti-oppression and harm reduction values. Overall, it highlights the wonderful work of our volunteer board,” said Laura Winters, Executive Director, St. John’s Status of Women Council / Women’s Centre.

Founded in 1972, the St. John’s Status of Women Council / Women’s Centre is a feminist organization that has been working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women in the St. John’s area. Winters further added they are excited to be able to spend the award funds to continue their work in the area of governance. Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, the second recipient of the award, was founded in 1981 with the goal of creating a community where everyone belongs. The organization champions an inclusive community for all by working with people with disabilities, their networks and the broader community.

“The award will boost the confidence of our board members, donors, and funders. We believe excellence starts at the top, and our board has been extremely committed to the BootCamp,” said Allan Mills, Executive Director, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.

For any non-profit, the board plays a critical role in making a positive impact as it advances an organization’s mission. Over the years, Capacity Canada’s Manulife Governance BootCamp has supported over 800 participants in understanding their duties and roles as non-profit board members. At the end of every BootCamp, each participant leaves the program with a plan for tackling opportunities for governance improvement.