OACAO Awards Program - OACAO

OACAO Awards Program

OACAO 2026 Awards

The on-line portal to submit nominations for the OACAO 2026 Awards program will open on July 7th, 2026. 

The deadline for nominations is August 31, 2026.

We are pleased to announce that nominations will open on July 7th, 2026 for the OACAO’s 2026 Awards Program. This is an opportunity to recognize outstanding senior volunteers and staff who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact in the Older Adults and Seniors Active Living Centre sector.

Award Categories:

Award of Merit (two nomination categories: staff/employees and volunteers)

This award recognizes exceptional effort and contribution to the field of Older Adults/Seniors. Anyone is eligible to receive this award from two categories.

a) Outstanding leadership contribution to the field of Older Adult Centres or Seniors Active Living Centres
b) Making a significant impact on the lives of older adults in their community or across Ontario

Community Spirit Award

This award recognizes an organization, partner or business that has displayed exceptional effort and commitment, on behalf of Older Adults / Centres, through age friendly service, accessibility, and/or advocacy.

Trailblazer Award (two nomination categories: staff/employees and volunteers)

This award recognizes a novice staff person or volunteer in the field of Older Adults and Seniors Active Living Centres whose personal achievements and professional accomplishments have furthered the sector. The nominee must have proven leadership and dedication and have been employed or a volunteer involved with the organization for a maximum of 3 years in the sector.

Legacy Award (two nomination categories: staff/employees and volunteers) (NEW)

This award recognizes dedication, effort, and contribution to the field of Older Adults and Seniors Active Living Centres of a seasoned staff person or volunteer who has been engaged with the nominator’s centre/program for more than 15 years. Nominees can be recognized for leadership, community impact, and their commitment to the program/centre.

Regional Award of Excellence

This award recognizes staff person or volunteer representatives from an OACAO Region, who has shown a considerable amount of effort and commitment to the Older Adult sector /Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC), to increase awareness of, and advocacy for, the OACAO and its’ programs and opportunities, and by coordinating and/or participating in OACAO Regional Workshops and/or other OACAO initiatives.

Past President’s Award

There shall be a PAST PRESIDENT’S CITATION in recognition of services rendered. The Past President’s Award shall be presented to the Outgoing President following the appointment of the Incoming President. The award will only be presented when an individual leaves the office of President.

Award of Distinction 

The OACAO Award of Distinction is considered to be the most prestigious recognition bestowed by the OACAO. It recognizes the exceptional contributions and/or long-term commitment of an individual staff person, volunteer, or group, toward the advancement of Older Adult initiatives and awareness of the OACAO in Ontario, and beyond. To be eligible, they must have dedicated a minimum of ten (10) years of service to the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario, served as Chairperson on two or more committees and as a member of the OACAO Executive Committee. Recipients of this award epitomize the hard work and long service required to ensure the positive contribution of the Association to the success of Older Adult Centres in Ontario.

Lifetime Supporter Award 

Consideration will be given to long time service to OACAO. Candidates must have served on two or more Committees, the Board of Directors, and the Executive for a period of fifteen (15) years. Consideration may also be given to persons serving in the field of Older Adult Centres in general.

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A dedicated Awards Committee, made up of OACAO Board Members, will carefully review all submissions and select recipients based on specific criteria, including:

  • Clear description of the nominee’s distinction in their role supporting the sector
  • Specific examples of achievement excellence
  • A testimonial or quote supporting highlighting the significance of the nominee’s contributions

The Awards Committee reserves the right to move a nomination to a more appropriate category if needed. One or more recipients will be selected in each award category, and all decisions of the Selection Committee are final.

Award recipients will be recognized during the OACAO 2026 Virtual Annual Meeting on Monday, September 14.

Deadline for nominations: August 31, 2026
Please ensure that you nominate your volunteer or staff candidate promptly.

Questions: Please contact the OACAO if you have questions at 905-584-8125 1-866-835-7693 or admin@oacao.org