Latest news with #InternationalAchievementAward
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Changemaker Tad Milmine: Pushing back against bullying in Calgary and beyond
It's the kind of childhood so many don't survive: being relentlessly bullied at school, only to return at the end of each day to a home of abuse and neglect. 'Because I had no friends, I had no one to talk to,' Tad Milmine says of his agonizing adolescent years. 'I didn't realize until later how bad it was at home, how I was so different.' Yet, the now 51-year-old not only survived, he thrived — and has spent the past 14 years helping others avoid his early torment. The founder of has now spoken about his experiences to hundreds of thousands of teens both at home and abroad, forcing out of the shadows an increasingly growing societal problem that brings so much human misery, sometimes resulting in self-harm, suicide and even the rare violent acting out on the part of its victims. For his efforts, Milmine has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for exceptional leadership, citizenship and community service; the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, given out by the Governor General of Canada; the City of Calgary's International Achievement Award; and the Alberta Individual Award for Leadership. It's a life transformation that Milmine, a constable with the Calgary Police Service for the past dozen years, could never have imagined when he was that scared boy growing up in Cambridge, Ont. Living with his alcoholic father and stepmother, he was relegated to a dank, dark basement each day after school, his meals delivered to him by his stepmother by a knock on the door. 'I knew it was mealtime when I heard the thud' of his food tray hitting the floor, he says. While his father ignored the situation, Milmine was so scared of his stepmother that he would urinate in the laundry wash basin rather than ask her to be let out to use the bathroom. 'She absolutely terrified me,' he says of the woman he refers to in his speeches as The Devil. 'I would do anything not to interact with her.' School offered no reprieve. The constant teasing often went on at lunch in the school cafeteria, where the cruelty would get so bad it brought on tears running down his face. 'That only made it worse,' he says of the bullying. By adolescence, Milmine also realized he was gay, a fact he feared his tormentors would suss out. He knew his nickname 'Crybaby' was mild compared to what they would do if they knew about his sexual orientation. 'Back then, there weren't role models for gay kids like there are in 2025,' he says, adding it's nevertheless still a factor in bullying in schools today. 'I didn't know what to do with these feelings, other than tell no one.' In Grade 10, he ran away from home and, with the help of government funding, got his own place. He managed to graduate high school while holding down two part-time jobs. He did attempt suicide once, at age 21. The very next day, he vowed to himself he'd get the help he needed. 'I realized that reaching out was a sign of strength, not weakness,' he says. After travelling throughout Europe in his early 20s, he came to terms with his sexuality. He called his biological mother — it was during this period that he reconciled with his mom, who he says was barely a kid when she had him — to tell her he was gay. His confession was met with little surprise, but much support. At age 32, Milmine realized his longtime dream of becoming a police officer, joining the RCMP in Surrey, B.C. A few years into his job, he made a pledge to help other bullied kids after reading an article about Ottawa's Jamie Hubley, a gay teen who had died by suicide after years of bullying. 'It lit a fire in me, and I knew then I had to do something,' says Milmine. 'If you had asked me if I was going to tell people about my past, let alone become a public speaker, I would have said, 'no way.' ' At first, his RCMP superiors were supportive of his totally volunteer off-hours vocation, as he began receiving more invitations to talk to teens at schools around the province of B.C. With a change in supervisors, though, came a change in attitude toward his extracurricular activities. 'Politics started coming into play,' he says of a growing list of demands that included emails sent to him in his volunteer capacity instead coming into an RCMP website. 'My options were to continue to be a police officer but not do my charity work, or do my charity work and no longer be an RCMP officer,' he says. An appearance in 2014 at Calgary's Weber Academy, where he spoke to a crowd of more than 700 teens, sealed his new direction. After making acquaintance with Calgary Const. Andy Buck — who would later join his charity team — Milmine accepted an offer to join the local force. His work in law enforcement has garnered him several accolades, including the CPS' Community Policing Award and The Governor General of Canada's Order of Merit of the Police Forces. Milmine calls working for the CPS nothing short of a blessing. 'They've supported me in both roles,' he says, noting that he loves both his 'big boy time driving a police car,' and his work helping kids and families in the fight against bullying. 'When you have a voice, it's important to use it in a responsible way,' he says of his powerful talks that include no technology, just him talking for about 90 minutes to his enraptured audiences. 'If people are listening to you, that's power. If you're spreading a positive, accurate message, you can get that positive powerful response back.' Some of the teens he's helped have even been inspired to pay it forward, forming their own school clubs to help get the word out. Recently, Milmine took his first steps to realizing another lifelong dream, buying a cottage in Nova Scotia with plans to restore it and eventually live there full-time. 'For the past five years I've been searching real estate listings, hoping one day to live on the East Coast by the ocean,' he says of his new home-away-from-home, where he is currently spending time while on leave from the CPS, dealing with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. 'My life is an open book, and there should be no shame in talking about dealing with mental-health issues,' he says of an issue that affects many on the front lines of law enforcement. He also recently took another trip, this one to Cambridge, to see the old house that has frequently visited him in his nightmares. 'The woman who lived there let me in and I told her my story,' he says, noting he paid a visit to the basement, as dark and dank as ever. 'It was hard to go in there, but I wanted to own it,' he says, noting in the end it was a 'liberating' experience. 'By going back, you're conquering the fear,' he says, adding that on that same trip, he spoke to students in the very school cafeteria where he was bullied nearly four decades earlier, his mission even more important in this new, highly troubling era of online bullying and harassment. It's a poetic demonstration of how his life has come full circle — Milmine well aware of the positive impact his story could have on a troubled kid like he once was. 'It's amazing to me that to this day, kids still keep listening,' he says modestly of his powerful, life-changing charity work that makes him a worthy Calgary Herald Changemaker. 'There's still a lot of work to do, so I can't imagine ever stopping.' Changemakers, a regular series in the Calgary Herald, started Feb. 25, 2025. Read more at Who are the changemakers you know? If you're aware of someone making a difference — big or small — in our community, send us a couple of sentences, along with that person's name, describing why they deserve a public nod. We'll publish their name, along with your description of why they are a changemaker, at Feel free to send along a photo, too, to feedback@
CBC
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Charlotte Cardin, Kaytranada to be honoured at francophone SOCAN gala
Charlotte Cardin, Kaytranada, Banx & Ranx and Richard Séguin are among the music stars getting awards at a gala for Canada's francophone music creators and publishers. Gala SOCAN says a glitzy bash set for May 4 in Montreal will present songwriting awards to Cardin and her writing partner Jason Brando, as well as producers Banx & Ranx, while Kaytranada is in line for the International Achievement Award. WATCH | The official music video for Kaytranada's track Witchy feat. Childish Gambino: Séguin will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame for "his immense contribution to 'la chanson québécoise,'" while songwriter Diane Juster is getting the Lifetime Achievement Award. The White Lotus composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer will receive the award for screen composer of the year, and rap group Muzion will get the award for cultural impact for its anthem La vi ti nèg, the first hip-hop song to get this prize in the gala's 34-year history. More than 100 trophies in 29 categories will be awarded for achievements over the past two years. The gala is the francophone equivalent of the SOCAN Awards, set for later this fall in Toronto to honour music creators and publishers working primarily in English. Other categories presented May 4 will celebrate genres including country, electronic, hip-hop, jazz and R&B. Special achievement award winners will receive "The SOCAN" — a trophy that is also a musical instrument made up of five tuned metal disks known as crotales. In this edition, the crotales will be tuned to play the first five notes of Muzion's La vi ti nèg melody. WATCH | The official video for La vi ti nèg by Muzion:
Miami Herald
04-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Party for a cause with American Friends of Jamaica, prime minister at Miami charity gala
For over 40 years, it has been one of Jamaica's leading charities, investing in the Caribbean nation's healthcare, economic development and education. And for 20 of those years, American Friends of Jamaica have celebrated its charitable works — and the philanthropists who make them possible through their generous giving, here in Miami after years of doing so only in New York. On Saturday, the charity is back with its annual Jamaica Charity Gala where it will be honoring brothers Elias 'Lee' Issa with the International Achievement Award and Paul Issa with the International Humanitarian Award. The keynote address will be given by Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who recently issued an appeal to his nationals to come home and invest. 'We are incredibly excited to gather with our supporters to celebrate the achievements of those who have made a significant impact in the development of Jamaica,' executive director Caron Chung said. Outside of New York, Florida has the second-highest concentration of Jamaicans with more than 311,000 residing primarily in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The group's interest in their homeland and its economic prowess is shown in its support for a number of events connected to their homeland with the annual charity ball, being one of them. A U.S. based organization, American Friends of Jamaica is known not just for its charitable endeavors but also its diplomatic star power. Among those who have sat on its board have been former U.S. ambassadors to Jamaica. READ MORE: Rubio to engage with Jamaica, other Caribbean leaders over Cuba doctors, other concerns Both Issas are in the hotel business and have been instrumental in helping Jamaica be a leading destination for U.S. tourists with approximately 3. 5 million stopover and cruise visitors last year. In the mid-80s, 'Lee' Issa became an owner of Couples Tower Isle Hotel and in 2002, he acquired majority ownership of the parent company, the House of Issa Ltd. Since then, he has led the expansion of Couples Resorts from a single property with 150 rooms to four properties with over 900 rooms and more than 1,600 employees. Couples today is the second largest locally-owned all-inclusive tourist venture in Jamaica and a key player in the Caribbean tourism market. Paul is an equally prominent businessman in Jamaica and currently serves as a director of House of Issa, and its subsidiary Issa Hotels & Resorts Ltd. which owns and operates Couples Resorts. He serves as chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, a 501(c)3 U.S.-based non-profit and the philanthropic arm of Couples Resorts. Through the foundation, Paul has made contributions to education and healthcare in Jamaica, partnering with nonprofits to contribute approximately $40 million in medical equipment, medication, training and supplies to the Jamaican public health sector. Though the 6 p.m. $550 gala is sold out, $150 tickets are still available for the popular 9 p.m. after party. Both event are at the Lowes Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Dr., Coral Gables Chung noted that the event not only honors remarkable individuals who have contributed to the betterment of Jamaican society, but it's also an opportunity to raise funds necessary for the charity to continue its work after 42 years. This is done through a silent auction that includes vacation getaways to a beaded purse in the green, yellow and black of the Jamaica flag to pledges and contributions individuals can make to support various initiatives that foster development. Two in particular the charity is seeking contributions for are, the Mary Issa Pediatric Healthcare Clinic in the Parish of St. Ann, named after the Issas' grandmother, and the AFJ Grant Fund, which provides funding for education, healthcare and economic development. 'With the support of our generous sponsors, partners, and attendees, we are able to create lasting change and provide opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities across the island,' Chung said. If You Go What: American Friends of Jamaica 2025 Jamaica Charity Gala Time: Sold-out dinner starts at 6 p.m. and after party dinner is at 9 p.m. Saturday April 5, 2025 Where: Lowes Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Dr., Coral Gables Tickets: Available for $150 for 9 p.m. after party More information: Email info@
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boi-1da Gives Drake Some Love in Acceptance Speech at 2025 Juno Awards
Drake has had a challenging year, due to being widely seen as the loser of a high-profile diss battle with Kendrick Lamar, but he got a strong show of support at the Juno Awards in his native Canada on Sunday (March 30). His friend and frequent collaborator Boi-1da (pronounced Boy Wonder) sang his praises in accepting an International Achievement Award. Drake wasn't present at the ceremony, which was held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. 'I'm extremely humbled by this award and just to be mentioned among the legendary names as well – man I can't even describe it,' the producer (who was born Matthew Jehu Samuels) began. 'I want to have a huge shout-out to my brother Drake, the greatest rapper of all time, the greatest artist of all time and he's from Canada – Drizzy Drake – that's my brother. More from Billboard Tate McRae Sweeps 2025 Juno Awards, But Isn't at the Ceremony to Accept: Full Winners List Morgan Wallen Abruptly Walks Off 'SNL' Stage Before Show's End, Posts Cryptic Message from Airplane Morgan Wallen Returns to 'SNL' With Performances of 'I'm the Problem' & 'Just in Case': Watch 'Listen…Drake, love you bro, we started this together, we did this together, I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Drake and all the sacrifices he made, all the doors he kicked down for a lot of people man, so shout-out to Drake. Thank you for life, man, I love that guy.' Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the future producer moved to Canada when he was three and grew up in Toronto. His first production work was at age 18, when he worked on two tracks on a Drake mixtape (Room for Improvement). Boi-1da won his only Grammy to date as the co-writer of Drake's 'God's Plan,' which was voted best rap song. The producer has been nominated for 19 Grammys, including six times for album of the year, for his work on Eminem's Recovery, Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Drake's Views, Kanye West's (now Ye's) Donda and Beyonce's Renaissance. Boi-1da has received two Grammy nods for record of the year, for 'God's Plan' and Rihanna's 'Work' (featuring Drake), and one song of the year nod, also for 'God's Plan.' He has been nominated twice for producer of the year, non-classical. This International Achievement Award was his first Juno Award or nomination. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Winners Announced for The 2025 JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada and 54th Annual JUNO Awards, live on CBC
Tate McRae takes home four awards for Single of the Year Presented by YouTube, Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada, Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada and Pop Album of the Year. Special honours were presented to Anne Murray, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by the National Arts Centre, and Sum 41, who delivered a historic final performance and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by Joel and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte. Their induction was presented by JUNOS' Premier Sponsor, TD. The evening also featured memorable sets from Aqyila, Josh Ross, Nemahsis, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Tia Wood, and more! The International Achievement Award was awarded to superstar producer Boi-1da, and singer-songwriter and environmental activist Sarah Harmer was honoured with the Humanitarian Award. VANCOUVER, BC, March 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC celebrated Canada's Biggest Night in Music this weekend at The 2025 JUNO Awards. Hosted by beloved, multi-Platinum Superstar and 15-Time JUNO Award Winner Michael Bublé, the Awards were broadcast from Rogers Arena in Vancouver on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at and CBC Music's YouTube page. The evening included the presentation of over 40 JUNO Awards. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS FROM THE 2025 JUNO AWARDS GALA PRESENTED BY MUSIC CANADA AND 2025 JUNO AWARDS, INCLUDING BIOS AND IMAGES, GO SOURCE CARAS View original content to download multimedia:
