2026 Champion Award Recipient | Honouring BC Child and Youth in Care Week
Each year, during BC Child and Youth in Care Week Aunt Leah’s celebrates the strength, determination and contributions of the young people we serve. Staff and peers nominate individuals who have shown exceptional leadership, growth, and care, and recipients are selected across five award categories. At a special celebration, we gather to honour their achievements.
TThis year, we are proud to recognize Lin as the recipient of Aunt Leah’s 2026 Champion Award.
Throughout her time in the Thresholds program, Lin has developed strong everyday life skills that support her independence and well-being. Over the past year, she has moved into more independent housing, taking on greater responsibility and ownership of her daily life. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, cooking and exercising regularly, and practices self-care so she can continue working toward her long-term goals while prioritizing the needs of her daughter.
Balancing multiple roles is not always easy. Like many young parents, Lin has faced challenges while navigating motherhood, unpacking adverse childhood experiences, and managing her mental health. Yet she continues to move forward with determination and purpose, never losing sight of the future she wants to build for herself and her child.
Through her actions, Lin demonstrates the qualities of a leader. She role-models healthy relationships for her daughter by building community with other program participants, engaging in play, setting boundaries when needed, and practicing healthy communication.
Over the past year, we have watched Lin grow not only as a young mother, but as an individual. Her resilience has inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming an Early Childhood Educator. She will soon begin volunteering at a daycare and plans to enroll in an Early Childhood Education program at Vancouver Community College.
Perhaps most importantly, Lin understands the value of advocacy. She knows her strengths and is not afraid to ask for support when she needs it. By doing so, she encourages other young moms to see that seeking help is a sign of strength and an opportunity to build trust, safety, and community.
Step by step, Lin is creating a stable and loving environment for her daughter while building a bright future for herself. We are proud to recognize her as the recipient of Aunt Leah’s 2026 Champion Award.
About The Champion Award
The Champion award is given in honour of Aunt Leah’s former Human Resources Coordinator Jennifer McFarlane. Jennifer established connections with everyone at Aunt Leah’s using humor, laughter, thoughtfulness, and appreciation. Jennifer loved that her work in Human Resources was part of Aunt Leah’s mission. She had a deep appreciation for the community of support established at Aunt Leah’s and the services provided. In honour of Jennifer, Aunt Leah’s presents an annual award and bursary to an individual who has been active in championing positive change for youth and families affected by the foster care system.
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