Winners announced on July 12, 2025 at the awards gala in Metro Hall, Toronto
Canada’s Top Mental Health Advocates 2025
Join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals who are transforming mental health across Canada. Their dedication, innovation, and compassion are creating ripples of positive change in communities nationwide.
9th
Annual Event
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Award Categories
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Award Finalists
A Moment of Recognition ✨
Today, we pause to honour the remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing mental health. From groundbreaking research to community advocacy, from innovative solutions to compassionate care—these champions represent the very best of what it means to serve others. Their stories inspire us, their work transforms lives, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of mental health in Canada for generations to come.
2025 Award Winners
We are thrilled to announce our incredible winners! Each of these outstanding individuals has made extraordinary contributions to mental health, and we celebrate their achievements with immense pride and gratitude.
Distinguished Legacy Award
Founding President and Former CEO, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Dr. Paul Garfinkel is a pioneering psychiatrist and internationally recognized expert in eating disorders. His groundbreaking research and clinical work have transformed the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions. With decades of dedicated service, he has mentored countless professionals and advocated tirelessly for mental health advancement across Canada.
Lifetime Achievement in Mental Health Advocacy
Neil Seeman is an author, innovator, and powerful public voice on mental health. His lifetime of advocacy has shaped public discourse, influenced policy, and created lasting change in how society approaches mental health challenges and support systems.
Indigenous Mental Health Advocacy
Carol Hopkins is a trailblazer in Indigenous-led wellness, championing culturally appropriate mental health services and systemic change. Her work centers Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional healing practices while advocating for policy changes that address historical trauma and promote wellness
Innovation in Mental Health Services
Dr. Matthew Galati integrates holistic care with mental health therapy, developing innovative treatment approaches that address the whole person. His work transforms how mental health care is accessed and delivered, making services more comprehensive and effective.
Research Excellence in Mental Health
Sajel Bellon bridges emotional fitness and scientific research, conducting groundbreaking studies that advance our understanding of mental health interventions. Her research-driven approach combines evidence-based practices with innovative therapeutic techniques to improve mental health outcomes.
Workplace Mental Health Leadership
Matthew Dewar is a visionary systems thinker and compassionate changemaker who believes healing and lasting change begin with empathy. As a Management Consultant with the City of Toronto, he established the Employee and Client Wellbeing Unit and co-developed the COVID-19 Mental Health Support Strategy, reaching over 250,000 Torontonians. He has also led the development of mental health programs for individuals impacted by trauma, and wrap-around housing first programs for both Indigenous women experiencing homelessness and youth exiting the child welfare system across Ontario.
Media Excellence in Mental Health Reporting
Dan Shaikh amplifies stories of courage through Speaker Slam, creating platforms for authentic mental health storytelling. His media work breaks stigma by showcasing real experiences and fostering dialogue that educates and inspires communities to support mental health.
Mental Health Education and Awareness
Carla Abichahine is a dynamic resilience speaker who makes mental health relatable and accessible to diverse audiences. Through her engaging presentations and workshops, she breaks down complex mental health concepts into understandable, actionable insights that empower individuals and communities.
Community Impact Award
Amanda Coombs leads youth wellness through Back 2 Basickz, a grassroots organization that provides mental health support and resources to young people in her community. Her work demonstrates how local action can create significant national impact in mental health advocacy.
Youth Mental Health Champion
Eden Agulnik is a social work student running a global care initiative that supports youth mental health across international communities. Despite her young age, she has created impactful programs that provide resources and support to young people facing mental health challenges.
Peer Support Excellence
Ashley is a passionate mental health advocate and social work student focused on community care, accessibility, and equity. She has developed digital mental health resources with Mind4Youth, Cam’s Kids, and Kerry’s Place Autism Services, and supports national peer and education efforts with Melanoma Canada and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. A recipient of the MSU Student of Distinction and Peer Educator Excellence Award, Ashley brings inclusive leadership, creativity, and care to every space she serves.
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.
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
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Honors an individual who has demonstrated decades of unwavering dedication to advancing mental health awareness, support, and systemic change across Canada.
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Recognizes an individual or organization that has created a new tool, approach, or program transforming how mental health care is delivered or accessed.
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Celebrates a grassroots advocate or group making a measurable difference in local communities through direct service, outreach, or community-building efforts.
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Acknowledges a young leader (aged 25 or under) who is breaking stigma, mobilizing peers, or creating impactful change in the youth mental health space.
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Honors a journalist, content creator, or media outlet that portrays mental health topics with empathy, accuracy, and influence across platforms.
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Recognizes an employer, manager, or HR leader who has championed mental health initiatives in the workplace, creating safer, more inclusive environments.
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Celebrates an Indigenous advocate or organization working to advance culturally sensitive, healing-centered mental health practices within Indigenous communities.
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Acknowledges a researcher or academic whose work is advancing the field of mental health through groundbreaking studies, data, or evidence-based solutions.
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Recognizes a peer supporter, facilitator, or network that has demonstrated excellence in lived-experience-driven support, reducing isolation and empowering recovery.
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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
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