Canada
Commonwealth Point of Light 44. Jane Roy
Jane Roy, representing Canada, is the founder of 'Catapult Leadership Society' which runs ‘Catapult’, a free leadership camp for Nova Scotian youth who have natural leadership qualities but limited opportunities.
The camp began in 2009 and has hosted 50 teenagers each summer who are nominated by their school, with more than 450 young people in total having gone through the programme. Under the guidance of trained instructors, participants learn how to become more self-confident, develop teamwork skills and improve their ability to communicate and solve problems. Jane has expanded the programme with a new component called ‘Catapult Plus’ that provides the students with further support and development through high school, such as public speaking, conflict resolution, and time management skills. It includes a community ‘pay-it- forward’ project as well as a four-day conference focused on post-secondary planning.
The award for Jane Roy will be presented on Tuesday, April 3 at Government House by Nova Scotia Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc and British High Commissioner to Canada Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque.
Watch the live video of Jane receiving her Points of Light award:
Jane said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award. ‘Catapult’ has been an incredibly rewarding experience – I’ve met so many inspiring people, grown as a person, and have had a ton of fun. Most of all, I feel privileged to have worked with some of Nova Scotia’s most promising youth.”
The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, ONS, QC, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, said:
“Today’s ceremony recognizes the inspirational volunteer from Canada, and I am proud to say that the inspirational volunteer chosen for our nation – Jane Roy – is from Nova Scotia. Jane Roy, through her founding of ‘Camp Catapult’ and her continued stewardship of the program, is changing lives and making a difference. She is indeed an excellent choice for the Commonwealth Points of Light Award.”
Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque CMG, UK High Commissioner to Canada, said:
“It is a great honour to present this award to Jane in recognition of her extraordinary work with youth across Nova Scotia. ‘Camp Catapult’ has clearly touched the lives of many young people by providing them with the opportunities and encouragement they need to become future leaders in their communities. It is an example I hope will inspire others here in Canada, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.”
Watch Jane discuss her work with ‘Catapult’: