Honouring the 2025 Leah Award Winner during BC’s Child and Youth in Care Week
Ruby joined the Thresholds program at Aunt Leah’s House in May 2024, six months pregnant and full of quiet strength. Described by her longtime Urban Native Youth Association housing support worker as “a mentor, always looking out for the younger kids,” Ruby quickly became a steady and thoughtful presence for other moms, children, and staff.
In August 2024, Ruby became a mother for the first time. She’s known for the deep affection, protection, and nurturing care she gives to her daughter Jasmine. During this first year of
motherhood, Ruby has shown a strong value for family bonds and makes great efforts to make the time and sacrifices to contact and travel to her family.
Each year, during BC Child and Youth in Care Week, Aunt Leah’s honours the strength, determinations and resilience, and leadership of the young people we serve. Staff and peers nominate youth for five awards. This year, Ruby is being recognized with the Leah Award, which celebrates a young person who shows unconditional care and support for others.
Ruby’s story reflects deep cultural pride and personal resilience. She attends ceremonies, connects with Elders, and dreams of teaching Jasmine Oji-Cree and traditional dance. Despite personal hardships, Ruby continues to lift others up—offering support, checking in on peers, and helping create a welcoming space for everyone around her.
Ruby sees the best in those around her whether they’re participants, the babies, staff, community supporters, or her own family. When Ruby shares her thoughts, she speaks with an
empathetic and insightful perspective. On an average day, her humor and warmth is a big part of why Aunt Leah’s House is a comfortable home to be in. She’s preparing to return to adult education and continues to engage in programs like SMILE, UNYA, and Aunt Leah’s Mom & Baby group, where she’s a supportive and reflective participant.
Ruby embodies the spirit of the Leah Award: someone who gives freely of herself with care, empathy, and strength.
About the Leah Award – Unconditional Love and Support
This award is given in honour of, our friend and long-time supporter, Bruce Ambrose. He was known by family for his unconditional love and support as he shared his wisdom while helping in fundraising endeavors as a donor and dedicated volunteer of Aunt Leah’s. In honor of Bruce, Aunt Leah’s gives an annual award and bursary to a program participant who has shown unconditional love and support to others.
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