Celebrating Our Community: The Beacon Awards
At the heart of MitoCanada is a vibrant and passionate community, one built on compassion, awareness, and a shared commitment to creating a world where all lives
are powered by healthy mitochondria. The Beacon Awards are our way of shining a light on the extraordinary individuals, groups, and initiatives that embody this spirit and help move our mission forward.
The Beacon Awards program dates back to MitoCanada’s earlier years, created to recognize and honour the remarkable people who give their energy, time, and talents to support, uplift, and inspire others across the Canadian mitochondrial disease community. While the program was paused during the pandemic, the spirit of recognition and gratitude never left us.
Now, in celebration of our 15th anniversary, we’re proud to bring the Beacon Awards back – stronger and more meaningful than ever. This milestone year is the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to honour the people who’ve lit the way.
Each year, the Beacon Awards will celebrate those who make a lasting impact through awareness, fundraising, education, research, leadership, or unwavering community support. These awards are more than recognition, they are a heartfelt thank-you and a reminder that together, we can spark powerful change.
Join us in celebrating the light they bring.
The Beacon MitoChampion Award
Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to MitoCanada through awareness, education, or leadership.
This individual:
- Has significantly raised awareness about mitochondrial disease through public speaking, media engagement, or community initiatives.
- Has led or influenced an awareness campaign or educational effort benefiting the mito community.
- Demonstrates a sustained commitment to MitoCanada’s mission over multiple years
*To be announced shortly
The Beacon MitoCommunity Impact Award
Celebrates a group, organization, or individual that has substantially impacted the mito community through support, awareness, or fundraising.
This individual:
- Has implemented a program or initiative that supports mito patients and families.
- Created meaningful engagement within the community.
- Has led or influenced an awareness campaign or educational effort benefiting the mito community.
- Demonstrates a long-term commitment to supporting MitoCanada’s mission
*To be announced shortly
The Beacon MitoFundraiser of the Year Award
Honours an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution through fundraising efforts.
This individual:
- Has successfully led or organized a fundraising initiative for MitoCanada.
- Demonstrated creativity, leadership, and dedication to fundraising.
- Inspired others to contribute to MitoCanada’s mission, either through peer-to-peer fundraising, events or corporate partnerships
*To be announced shortly
The Beacon Emerging Leader Award
Recognizes a young leader who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to raising awareness, or fundraising for mitochondrial disease.
This individual has:
- Engaged in awareness, education, or fundraising efforts.
- Inspired peers and broader communities to support the mito cause.
- Demonstrated leadership and commitment to MitoCanada’s mission.
- Has inspired their school, community or family to engage in the cause.
