2024 Yannies Winner!

When Talk Overdose evolved from a student project to an ongoing initiative, we were grateful to have received a microgrant from Youth Action Now. Founded in 2018 by late Member of Parliament and teacher, Paul Dewar, YAN has continued to fulfill Paul’s vision for an organization led by and for youth, since his passing.

In celebration of their 6th year anniversary on November 30th, 2024, YAN hosted a gala they described as “a red-carpet awards ceremony meets networking meets celebration event.” Fourteen awards were given to youth in the Ottawa region that were recipients of Youth Action Now’s microgrants over their history.

25th Annual RBC Spirit of the Capital Award Recipient

Left to Right: Ayla Martin (she/her), Sarina Lyons (she/her), Zara Lyons (she/her), Taliah Lyons (she/her) NOTE: Talk Overdose is a project of Youth4Youth Canada

Take a Stand Award

Sponsored by Carleton University

Youth4Youth Canada (group)

Founded and overseen by female Indigenous youth, Youth4Youth is the umbrella grassroots organization under which youth create and manage projects to improve the lives of youth in Canada through arts, culture and health education. Group members are Taliah Lyons (Carleton University), Zara Lyons (Lycee Claudel), Ayla Martin (Carine Wilson Secondary School), and Sarina Lyons (Lycee Claudel).