Scholarships

Your support helps our youth continue their post-secondary goals.

On September 1, 2020 the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation gave out 70 scholarships to youth who grow up in extended society care. These scholarships will help our youth to succeed to continue their post-secondary education.

We need your help to ensure youth can get the support they need to succeed in life. We need funds to help keep up with the demand of young people in search of a better future. Together we are partnering with youth to recognize their educational dreams. Please consider donating any amount towards a scholarship and assist us in creating a brighter future for youth

The scholarship criteria are acceptance in a college, university, or job training program, and a recommendation from the youth’s caseworker. Scholarships are distributed once a year at our annual scholarship evening. If you would like to set up a named or endowment scholarship award, please contact infoccaf@torontoccas.org.

Matthew O’Brien Educational Fund was a wonderful way for the O’Brien Family to work through their grief when Matthew passed away suddenly. The O’Brien Family has strong ties to CCAS, Mary Catherine (mom) retired employee of CCAS and member of Hope for Children Fund and Erin (sister) has been on the CCAS Board for ten (10) years, she is Past Board Chair and currently the Board President for the Catholic Children Aid Foundation.
Marcia Balbino is currently an employee with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. Marcia and her husband Guy are passionate about supporting our youth in pursuing a post-secondary education and accomplishing their dreams.
Nelson Mandela Scholarship Fund was established in May of 1994, by a donation to the Society in celebration of the end of apartheid in South Africa. The donor wanted the money to be awarded to a youth of African heritage who was in the care of the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) and who would use the financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education.
Nyron Sookraj was created to provide funds to a young male in an apprenticeship program. Nyron was a former employee of CCAS and his family created this scholarship in his memory and to help continue his work he was so proud of.
Dr. Mary Grogan Endowment provides two (2) youth with a scholarship to pursue studies to become a teacher or provide counselling to children and youth.
Ellen Anne Leon Scholarship was established in 1993 and her children continue her legacy to provide scholarships.
Catholic Women’s League of Canada contribute annually to provide a scholarship to one of our youth.
Hugh Sidall Scholarship Founder
The Dr. Hugh Siddall Scholarship Endowment was created by Dr. Siddall , who has been a long-time Medical Examiner for CCAS Toronto. He has worked with many of the Scholarship Recipients, and is delighted to support CCAS Youth through their post secondary education goals, while creating a living memorial, in gratitude to his parents, Ruth and Ronald Siddall. Dr Siddall welcomes and greatly appreciates donations from friends and all who wish to support this worthwhile endeavour.
John Bright Scholarship Founder

John Bright (1922-2013)

John Bright was born in London, England on February 6, 1922. At a very young age John was orphaned. This early life experience resulted in an impoverished childhood and laid the responsibilities of his upbringing almost solely on his own shoulders. As John was growing up he was able to adapt many of the early life lessons as a child and develop important qualities that would prove to benefit him throughout the rest of his life. John had great strength of character, determination and a drive to succeed. He was truly a self-made man.

During the Second World War John joined the British Royal Air Force. His military training was held in Canada, the country he would later choose to call home. His time served in the British Royal Air Force saw him serve in the Middle East and in’India and provided John with stories that he loved to share with friends.

After serving out his military duties he returned to London and begun a career in insurance. After living in London he decided in 1951 that he would pack up and move to Canada. When he arrived in Montreal he had only just a few English Pounds to his name. He continued his insurance career in Newfoundland and Montreal but decided to take up supplementary employment selling suits at Morgan’s Department Store, currently The Bay. John eventually moved to Toronto to further his career. Once in Toronto he began to invest his savings he had earned from his two jobs into the real estate and stock markets. He discovered that he had a true passion for investing and this developed into somewhat of a hobby for him.

John loved to travel something he had begun during his military service; this was another demonstration of how he was able to take positives from his experiences. During his lifetime he saw much of the world. He was very well read and could recite Robert Service’s poems upon request. He was also a great sportsman playing both tennis and badminton.

John had a great many friends and was happiest when he could talk about his theory on finances, investing and share his expertise with his friends. His advice often brought good results for his friends.

John incorporated the John Bright Foundation as he wanted to help children who were experiencing a similar childhood to his. He believed that education was the key, along with motivation and some hard work. He believed that if given the opportunity and support, children would succeed and he wanted to provide them that opportunity.

John passed away in his 92″ year, successful and well loved. His was a life well lived.

CUPE Local 2190 created two (2) scholarships in memory of Rita Manna & Myron Klymko.
Dr. F. Joan O’Reilly was established by Hugh O’Reilly in memory of his mom.
Dr. Hugh Siddall name may sound familiar to some of our youth as a physician to many of our children and youth. Dr. Siddall created an endowment to provide scholarships. Dr. Siddall also asks his friends and family to contribute to his endowment as well.
Ellen Anne Leon Scholarship was established in 1993 and her children continue her legacy to provide scholarships.
Enid McDiarmid Scholarship was created by Anne Creighton, Past Board Chair for CCAS.
Maurice Conway Scholarship has a partnership George Brown College and offers one (1) of our youth a scholarship.
Marcia Balbino is currently an employee with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and it is important to her and her husband to help our youth continue their post-secondary education.
Nelson Mandela Scholarship Fund was established in May of 1994, by a donation to the Society in celebration of the end of apartheid in South Africa. The donor wanted the money to be awarded to a youth of African heritage who was in the care of the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) and who would use the financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education.
Matthew O’Brien Educational Fund was a wonderful way for the O’Brien Family to work through their grief when Matthew passed away suddenly. The O’Brien Family has strong ties to CCAS, Mary Catherine (mom) retired employee of CCAS and member of Hope for Children Fund and Erin (sister) has been on the CCAS Board for ten (10) years, she is Past Board Chair and currently the Board President for the Catholic Children Aid Foundation.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto annually funds two (2) scholarships to the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto scholarship program. These scholarships are for youth who will be continuing their post-secondary education in the Child, Youth, Social Services programs.
Dr. Hugh Siddall name may sound familiar to some of our youth as a physician to many of our children and youth. Dr. Siddall created an endowment to provide scholarships. Dr. Siddall also asks his friends and family to contribute to his endowment as well.
Nyron Sookraj was created to provide funds to a young male in an apprenticeship program. Nyron was a former employee of CCAS and his family created this scholarship in his memory and to help continue his work he was so proud of.
Sisters of Service provide two (2) scholarships annually to our youth.
John Bright Foundation is an amazing supporter to provide scholarships to youth Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto serves.
Marianna Korman has supported youth of Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto for over 30 years. In 2006, the Korman Catholic Children’s Aid Bursary was created and a scholarship has been given every year since!
Dr. Mary Grogan Endowment provides two (2) youth with a scholarship to pursue studies to become a teacher or provide counselling to children and youth.
Orest John and Justina Derewlany continue to be amazing friends to our youth and annually support several scholarships for our youth.
Polaris Realty Inc. and their team provide a scholarship annually for a youth.
Rudy and Rita Koehler contribute generously through their endowment with Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.
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