Vimy Foundation accepting application for Vimy Pilgrimage Award

The Vimy Foundation announced applications are now open for the Vimy Pilgrimage Award, sponsored by Scotiabank and Air Canada.

The Vimy Pilgrimage Award was created by The Vimy Foundation to recognize young people’s actions who are dedicated to demonstrating an outstanding commitment to volunteer work through positive contributions, notable deeds, or bravery that benefits their peers, school, community, province, or country.

Alicia Dotiwalla, Education Lead, The Vimy Foundation says, “The Vimy Foundation created the Vimy Pilgrimage Award to recognize the actions of young people who are dedicated to the betterment of society.”

The first program took place in 2013.

She further explained that the award consists of a fully funded week-long educational program in Belgium and France to study Canada’s tremendous First World War contribution.

The Vimy Foundation offers the program and features daily visits to important First World War sites, including museums, cemeteries, and historic battlefields. The 2021 program is scheduled to take place in November 2021 but is subject to change due to the pandemic.

Scotiabank sponsors the Vimy Pilgrimage Award. Air Travel for the program is sponsored by Air Canada.

In terms of the pandemic, Dotiwalla says they cannot confirm, at this point, any program changes, as the situation changes frequently. Still, they will keep the winners and their parents/guardians updated if there are changes.

“The value is learning, and that value will be there in whatever form the program takes,” she added.

Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay describing their volunteer work, a 500-word essay on a specific question or subject posted in the application form, a personal statement video, a resume detailing achievements, awards, and notable activities, and a reference letter from a teacher, guidance counselor or principal, service club or volunteer organization.

In choosing award winners, the Award Committee will take into consideration all elements submitted for the application, with a particular emphasis placed on the applicant’s volunteer work and service to their communities.

The Award is open to all Canadian students. Applicants must be 14 to 17 years of age for the entire duration of the Awarded program. You can view the terms and conditions for full information here.

Applications will be reviewed by an Awards Committee, which will select the award recipients.

Applicants must apply online on the Vimy Foundation website here. The deadline for applications is February 15th, 2021.