Award of Merit (two nomination categories: staff/employees and volunteers)
The Award of Merit recognizes exceptional effort and contribution to the field of Older Adults/Seniors. Anyone is eligible to receive this award from two categories:- Outstanding leadership contribution to the field of Older Adult Centres or Seniors Active Living Centres
- Making a significant impact on the lives of older adults in their community across Ontario
Community Spirit Award
The Community Spirit 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)
The trailblazer 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 – NEW! (two nomination categories: staff/employees and volunteers)
The Legacy Award recognizes dedication, efforts, 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.Questions?
Please contact the OACAO at 905-584-8125, 1-866-835-7693 or admin@oacao.org
The following award categories fall under the responsibility of the OACAO Board of Directors to make nominations. Suggestions from our members are always welcome, and can be emailed to admin@oacao.org.
Regional Award of Excellence
This award recognizes a staff person or volunteer representative 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 Meetings/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.2026 Nomination Portal
OACAO 2026 Awards Program Portal: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OACAO2026AwardsProgram
The deadline for nominations is August 31, 2026.
Please ensure that you nominate your volunteer or staff candidate promptly!
Awards Committee
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.
Questions?
Please contact the OACAO if you have questions at 905-584-8125, 1-866-835-7693 or admin@oacao.org