2010 Spirit of Change Awards

The goal of the Oxfam Canada Spirit of Change Award is to recognize key Oxfam supporters in a public forum with a meaningful award. The award honours Oxfam supporters that have demonstrated leadership and outstanding commitment to Oxfam Canada’s work through community involvement, direct financial support, development of charitable initiatives, volunteering, and/or other means of support.

This year's awards were presented at Oxfam Canada's general assembly meeting - The Gender Justice Summit - in Toronto on July 19, 2010. 

Alex Nataros

Alex first became involved with Oxfam Canada while in high school, forming a global issues group and organizing a Hungry4Change fast that raised significant funds and awareness. Now committed to the cause, he then went on to form Simon Fraser’s first Oxfam campus group. A champion of engaging young men in advancing women’s rights, Alex moved from Oxfam intern to Regional Youth Liaison, to joining Oxfam’s board as Youth Director. Throughout his tenure with Oxfam in both official and unofficial capacities, Alex has continually and actively demonstrated the importance of youth leadership, inspiring many young Canadians to follow suit.

Dick Evans

Beginning as a Miles for Millions participant back in the 1960’s, Dick Evans reignited his passion and support for Oxfam in 1996. Elected to the Board of Directors, and eventually to Chair of the Board until 2007, Dick has campaigned tirelessly on Oxfam’s behalf, whether participating in press conferences, chairing speaker sessions with Oxfam partners, or getting involved in fundraising pursuits. And his commitment to Oxfam goes well beyond just him, engaging his family and community with Oxfam and our work – two of Oxfam’s youngest supporters happen to be his grandsons!

Mary Walsh

Television personality and comedienne Mary Walsh has been entertaining Canadians for over two decades. In addition to her 18 Gemini Awards, Mary has also dedicated her time to charitable pursuits, such as serving as a spokesperson for Oxfam Canada. Whether going to Ethiopia with Oxfam to visit local communities and shed light on Oxfam’s work, taking her character “Marg, Princess Warrior” and pressuring Canada’s top ad agencies and television conglomerates to give Oxfam free creative and air time, or stepping up to host and/or participate in key events for Oxfam, Mary has shown dedication in putting Oxfam on the map and speaking out about our mission and work.

Megan Fultz

Only 18 years old, Megan Fultz has already dedicated a significant portion of her life to Oxfam Canada. While in high school Megan co-founded Manitoba’s first-ever Oxfam Community group. By then a seasoned volunteer, Megan went on to form a successful campus chapter for students at both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, where she also successfully banned water bottles. As current Chair of the Prairie Regional Steering Committee, Megan has also taken on the role of full-time intern, organizing this year’s CHANGE Initiative, while also orchestrating successful fundraising events in support of Oxfam. She is certainly an inspiration to those young and old, having proven that change really can happen.

Sahar Golshan

One of Oxfam’s most spirited and committed campus leaders, Sahar Golshan has shown how easily one can be engaged with Oxfam in multiple ways and have a significant impact. From volunteering at the reception desk in Toronto, to participating in and raising funds for - and not to mention finishing! - Oxfam Trailwalker, Sahar has shown strength, leadership and dedication to Oxfam. Instrumental in increasing University of Toronto’s Oxfam chapter’s outreach and membership, Sahar has also played key roles in Oxfam’s CHANGE initiative and this year’s G8/G20 popular mobilization activities.

Orval Chapman

An active Oxfam supporter for over 40 years, Orval Chapman has shown leadership through his tireless fundraising and campaigning efforts, and through his commitment to championing the mission and vision of Oxfam Canada in his community. Always one of the first to spring into action when there is an emergency, and rally his friends, neighbours and community around global issues, Orval has dedicated immeasurable time and effort to this cause. Truly an inspiration to those who have worked alongside him, Orval continually demonstrates what it means to embody the spirit of change.