Winners announced July 12, 2025 at the awards gala

Award Winners & Finalists

Celebrating exceptional individuals making a transformative impact in mental health across Canada

9th
Annual Event

10
Award Categories

3
Award Finalists

Top 3 Finalists by Category

Congratulations to all our incredible finalists who are making a difference in mental health across Canada


Proving age is no barrier to impact.


Changing the system—one solution at a time.


Media that heals and educates.


Support that feels like hope.


Education that empowers change.


Local action, national impact.


Leadership that makes work work for everyone.


Honouring healing through identity and story.


Their data is saving lives.


Their legacies are shaping Canada's mental health landscape.


🏆 Winners

Winners will be announced on July 12, 2025

Join us at the Awards Gala on World Reach Out Together Day

About World Reach Out Together Day

World Reach Out Together Day was established in memory of Tushar Vashistha, who passed by suicide. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health advocacy and connection in our communities.

Now in its 9th year, World Reach Out Together Day has evolved into a significant celebration that recognizes the tireless efforts of mental health advocates across Canada who are creating innovative approaches to better mental health for all Canadians.

Mental Health Advocacy Awards Gala, taking place July 12, 2025, at Metro Hall in Toronto. will spotlight 10 outstanding individuals who are driving change, breaking stigma, and building a mentally healthier Canada.

“Mental health advocacy often happens quietly, behind the scenes. This gala is about making it loud, giving thanks, sharing stories, and showing the world the power of community support,” says Aanchal Vash, founder of Reach Out Together.

Nomination Categories

  • Honors an individual who has demonstrated decades of unwavering dedication to advancing mental health awareness, support, and systemic change across Canada.

  • Recognizes an individual or organization that has created a new tool, approach, or program transforming how mental health care is delivered or accessed.

  • Celebrates a grassroots advocate or group making a measurable difference in local communities through direct service, outreach, or community-building efforts.

  • Acknowledges a young leader (aged 25 or under) who is breaking stigma, mobilizing peers, or creating impactful change in the youth mental health space.

  • Honors a journalist, content creator, or media outlet that portrays mental health topics with empathy, accuracy, and influence across platforms.

  • Recognizes an employer, manager, or HR leader who has championed mental health initiatives in the workplace, creating safer, more inclusive environments.

  • Celebrates an Indigenous advocate or organization working to advance culturally sensitive, healing-centered mental health practices within Indigenous communities.

  • Acknowledges a researcher or academic whose work is advancing the field of mental health through groundbreaking studies, data, or evidence-based solutions.

  • Recognizes a peer supporter, facilitator, or network that has demonstrated excellence in lived-experience-driven support, reducing isolation and empowering recovery.

  • Honors an individual or educator providing transformative mental health education—whether in schools, workplaces, or the broader community.

About the Awards Gala

The Mental Health Advocacy Awards Gala will include:

  • Live performances and speeches from advocates and changemakers

  • Open mic storytelling moments for audience members

  • Professional video coverage to amplify voices beyond the room

  • Celebrating Canada’s Top 10 Mental Health Advocates

What Past Attendees Say

About Reach Out Together

Founded in 2017, Reach Out Together is a registered Canadian not-for-profit dedicated to:

✔️ Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health
✔️ Offering trauma-informed mental wellness education
✔️ Supporting the unhoused population in Toronto with warm winter kits
✔️ Empowering youth and BIPOC communities to prioritize mental wellbeing

Reach Out Together has provided mental health education, workshops, and awareness campaigns to thousands across Canada and beyond. Your support allows us to continue these life-changing efforts.

About the Founder

Aanchal Vash is a High-Performance Wellness Expert, Mental Health Speaker, and Serial Entrepreneur committed to helping individuals and organizations sustain success without compromising mental well-being. After losing her older brother to malaria and her twin brother to suicide, she founded Reach Out Together, a global mental health initiative focused on education, awareness, and suicide prevention.

Aanchal is the author of five bestselling books, including Ongoing Success and Wellbeing, where she shares actionable strategies for achieving lasting success while prioritizing wellness. She's been featured in CTV Your Morning, OMNI TV, Canadian SME, SiriusXM, Hollywood Live TV, Women Entrepreneur India, CBC, Thrive Global, Yahoo Finance solidifying her as a trusted voice in resilience, leadership, and workplace wellbeing.

She placed second at North America's Largest Inspirational Speaking Competition with her speech. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Indian Women Leaders in Canada, Aanchal has received the EXPY® Award, Community Development Award from the University of Toronto, The Peak's 2025 Emerging Leaders award and the Quilly® Award from the National Association of Bestselling Authors.
@AanchalVash

Get Involved

  • Book a VIP Seat

    Secure a dedicated seat at a VIP table for a Donation of $40 or more.

  • Volunteer

    Contribute your time and energy to help us deliver a memorable event.

  • Donate

    Every dollar supports our grassroots programs and outreach.

  • Get a Ticket

    Register for general admission and be part of the celebration.

Reach Out Together

For Better Mental Health.