Skip to content

OACAO 2026 Awards Program - Call for Nominations is Now Open!

Introduction and Award Categories:

We're excited to announce that nominations are now open 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 Adult Centres and Seniors Active Living Centre sector.

Deadline for nominations: August 31, 2026
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.
Award recipients will be recognized during the OACAO 2026 Virtual Annual Meeting on Monday, September 14 which starts at 12:00 pm.

Deadline for nominations: August 31, 2026
Important: The Nominator and Nominee must be a staff/employee or volunteer affiliated with an OACAO member centre/club/organization.
1.Please select the Award Category below, for your Nomination:
2.Nominee (Name and Centre/Program)
3.Nominee's email and phone number
4.Nominator (Name and Centre/Program)
5.Nominator's email and phone number:
6.What makes the nominated staff member/employee or volunteer distinct in their role? (max 1000 characters)
7.List specific examples of achievement excellence. (max 1000 characters)
8.Illustrate the impact this individual has had on the community with a quote from either a participant or staff member. (max 1000 characters)
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 quote from a participant or staff member 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 may be selected in each award category, and all decisions of the Selection Committee are final.