Meet Our Nominees (Part 2): Organization of the Year

Get to know our nominees for Organization of the Year, one of several Simcoe County Pride Awards.

The Borden Pride Network (BPN) was formed in the summer of 2016, under the direction of Brigadier-General Liam McGarry, Commander of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden. The Committee was established to provide support for those military members and civilians who live and/or work at CFB Borden. Chaired and Co-Chaired by Captain John Niles and Sergeant Shannon Vickery, the Committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss upcoming events and to address any concerns the members may have. In collaboration with Fierté Simcoe Pride (FSP), the first official Pride Flag Raising at CFB Borden took place during FSP in 2016.

Since then, BPN has had representatives speak on diversity on the CFB Borden Positive Space Ambassador Course with the mission of creating a positive and safe place for LGBTQ2SA military members. In order to build a cohesive and unified relationship with the local communities, the Committee has worked diligently to leave their mark by volunteering alongside 519 Toronto, a non-profit organization by collaborating with local Pride organizations in Simcoe County and by participating in local Pride Events such as Barrie Pride, Clearview Pride and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

To foster a more effective means of communication and passage of information, the BPN was recently approved to create a generic e-mail inbox in which members may communicate any concerns that will be dealt with in a time sensitive manner. The Committee is also designing a support web page that will be accessible to all Canadian Armed Forces members with the goal of increasing their visibility, advertising local events, as well as offering resources available to support all Defence Team members.

Since its inception, the Committee’s growth has been exponential and the support from the Chief of Defence Staff has been second to none. Diversity is our strength!

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) inspires and empowers learning for life. Our vision is a community of learners achieving full potential. Our priorities are to ensure, enhance, foster and promote excellence in teaching and learning; equity, diversity and inclusion; well-being; and community. Our school board consists of 87 elementary schools, 14 secondary schools and seven Learning Centres throughout Simcoe County. 

​The SCDSB is committed to an equitable education system that upholds and reflects the principles of fair and inclusive education. We continue to grow partnerships with community organizations such as COPA, Egale, Harmony Movement, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Roots of Empathy, The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and The Gilbert Centre.

Find bios for all categories and nominees here.  Don't forget to get your tickets to our Pride Awards Gala, a fundraiser and celebration happening August 11! ​