Bonnie McLaren Award

Are you a young woman aged 14 to 17, actively volunteering in your community or school?

If you embrace challenges, see hope where others see despair, and believe in the impact of volunteerism, you could qualify for the Soroptimist Bonnie McLaren Award! This accolade honours young women making a positive difference in the world through their volunteer endeavours.

Applications will be accepted between February 15 and March 31 of each year and the successful recipient will be notified by the end of April.

To Apply for the Bonnie McLaren Award:

• Read information & eligibility criteria in the Award Info Sheet
• Download the Application Form and email it with any supporting materials to soroptimist@shaw.ca

After we receive applications,  a panel of judges will determine the award recipients. All decisions are final.

A total of $6,000 will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and includes a monetary donation made to the charitable organization of your choosing.

Funding for this event is generously provided by The Bonnie J. McLaren Memorial Fund held at The West Vancouver Foundation

Who is eligible for the Bonnie  Award?

This recognition is for young women aged 14 to 17 residing in the North Shore. If you’ve showcased notable volunteer accomplishments, tackled challenges with a positive spirit, and contributed to improving the community and world–especially in areas like homelessness, teen challenges, violence, drug abuse, discrimination, and environmental concerns – you’re eligible! Projects benefiting women or girls are particularly valued.

The award is focused solely on your volunteer work and leadership qualities, providing an opportunity to celebrate a girl dedicated to making a positive impact, regardless of academic, athletic, or popularity standings. The award is not open to Soroptimist members, SIA employees and their immediate families.

For more information, download the Award Info Sheet online

About the Bonnie McLaren Award

The Bonnie McLaren Award recognizes young women who make service to the community an important part of their education, identified social or economic issues that are important to them in their community, and taken positive action to address these issues through volunteer efforts.

Soroptimist believes that by acknowledging young women's volunteer involvement now, they will grow up to be vital active members of the community.

Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in Alameda County in 1921 believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It's what you do that counts”.  She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women.

The award is in honour of Bonnie McLaren, a member of Soroptimist International of North and West Vancouver (from 2001 until her passing in 2010) who believed in the same principles.

Bonnie exemplified what Soroptimists strive for. Her indomitable spirit, sense of personal responsibility, and commitment to making the world a better place was evident in everything she did. She worked tirelessly without fanfare to truly make a difference.

Bonnie’s legacy lives on with the Bonnie McLaren Award established by the Soroptimists of North and West Vancouver.

With the award, we honour her cherished memory by recognizing young women on the North Shore in their pursuit of leadership aspirations through volunteer service in the community.