Quinn Smith-Windsor. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Outstanding people

Carlton grad receives Terry Fox Humanitarian award

Jul 8, 2022 | 9:00 AM

A young woman who has worked hard to raise awareness for water security, made and distributed masks during the pandemic, and used her talents to help promote animal adoptions, is being recognized on the national level.

Prince Albert’s own Quinn Smith-Windsor has joined an elite group of students from Canada, in being named a recipient of the Terry Fox Humanitarian award. To be eligible, students must be graduating from high school or completing their first year of CÉGEP. They must also be involved in voluntary humanitarian activities, and planning to or are already studying towards their first university degree or diploma at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (quadriplegia), and scoliosis, Smith-Windsor has been a passionate advocate for accessibility. In a statement, she explained disabilities reveal barriers in communities, and she is motivated to help reduce barriers that people with disabilities face each day.

“Sometimes the world isn’t always built to include people with disabilities. I want to change that. I can be a strong advocate for equal treatment, for inclusion, for equal opportunities so that more people with disabilities can do ordinary things like complete school, get jobs, live in inclusive communities and be part of community life,” she said.

In addition to being a Youth Accessibility Leader in her community, Smith-Windsor has also empowered women and girls across the globe through water security projects.

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During the pandemic, Smith-Windsor organized and hosted Sew-in-Saturdays with volunteers across Saskatchewan to make and distribute thousands of masks in Prince Albert. She also contributed art and awareness for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and continues to advocate for the creation of a Canada Disability Benefit.

As an artist, she paints portraits of SPCA dogs in order to sponsor dog adoptions at the Prince Albert SPCA. A member of the Carlton Collection Builders, she works with other students who are passionate about art and social justice to create collections of art that convey the voices of youth on important issues.

A photo taken of Smith-Windsor at Carlton Comprehensive High School. (Facebook)

Smith-Windsor plans to further her work as a disability advocate by taking an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Disability Studies and working towards a career as an inclusion and accessibility consultant.

The maximum value of the humanitarian award is $28,000, dispersed over four years. A stipend of $7,000 is issued directly to the institution each year in two installments of $3,500, one in September and one in January.

For students who do not pay tuition fees, the award is $3,500 per year, issued directly to the institution in two installments of $1,750 each.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell