Well-deserved recognition for an inspiring young woman

Youth in Mind Foundation is immensely proud to highlight the recognition given to Émilie Bédard, co-winner of the 2025 Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Quebec) on November 12, alongside fellow recipient Marie-Fée Pellerin. 

This award honours young philanthropists (age 25 and under) who, through their commitment, leadership, and generosity, have made an outstanding contribution to advancing a cause. In Émilie’s case, her commitment was a deeply personal one: to support the mental health of young people. 

From Thetford Mines to Ottawa: One step at a time

In 2024, at just 16 years old, Émilie took on her One Step at a Time challenge: a 600 km–plus run between Thetford Mines and Ottawa, during which she would run a half-marathon (about 21 km) every day for a month. 

 Her goal? To raise money for Youth in Mind Foundation’s teen mental health initiatives while also raising public and political awareness of the importance of prevention from an early age. 

 Thanks to her determination and the support of her community, Émilie surpassed her goal of $10,000 and raised over $22,000! 

 Her journey ended in the most beautiful way: On August 2, 2024, after 600 km of running, Émilie crossed the finish line at Parliament in Ottawa, cheered on by her entire family. 

 It was an emotional moment for her—and for us! 

 A few weeks later, on September 17, Émilie and Youth in Mind Foundation were invited to the Quebec National Assembly, where her One Step at a Time campaign was publicly honoured in a statement by the Member for Lotbinière–Frontenac, Isabelle Lecours, formerly Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education. It was a memorable moment of recognition for this deserving young ambassador for mental health! 

A source of inspiration for thousands of youth

Émilie’s fundraiser was more than an impressive physical challenge; it also sparked a conversation about youth mental health in schools and in the media across the province. 

To date, her challenge has reached nearly five million people via more than 30 news reports on TV, radio, and in print. 

Émilie’s efforts also inspired her own high school, Polyvalente de Thetford Mines, to hold Youth in Mind workshops for its students, providing them with concrete tools to better understand and support their mental well-being. 

A hope-filled and heartfelt speech 

During the ceremony, Émilie delivered a deeply moving speech, filled with sincerity and gratitude: 

“Good evening everyone, 

First of all, I’d like to thank the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the members of the jury for this tremendous honour. I never thought that One Step at a Time would lead me here tonight. Thank you for believing in my project and in the importance of youth mental health. 

I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Youth in Mind Foundation. Their dynamic team supported me through every step of the project, from communications to fundraising. I feel so fortunate to be part of the big Youth in Mind family. I would also like to thank the Foundation for its unwavering dedication to young people and their mental health. It’s an incredible support organization for Quebec teens, offering free workshops in schools, turnkey toolkits, and a website full of resources and touching testimonials that help parents and kids feel less alone in the face of psychological distress. On behalf of Quebec’s youth, thank you. 

I share this award with my family, because One Step at a Time is as much their project as it is mine. They were there for me when I was struggling with my mental health. And my family continued to be there for me when, once I’d recovered, I came up with the idea to launch One Step at a Time, because youth mental health is as important to them as it is to me. Today, my family continues to support me in my dream of helping young people who are suffering psychologically. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 

I’ll end by saying this: for those of you struggling to cope with a mental health problem, you’re not alone. I know this battle seems endless and exhausting, but I promise you, you can come out the other side, one step at a time. 

Thank you.” 

Her words authentically embody the values of courage, empathy, and mutual aid that drive the Foundation and inspire young people across Quebec. 

Leadership that shines through

Émilie’s journey is a source of inspiration and a striking reminder that young people have the power to make a real difference. Her fundraiser has had a tangible impact on the Foundation: 

• $22,302 raised for youth mental health 

• Increased media coverage and political awareness of our mission 

• Above all, a renewed discussion on the prevention of psychological distress across Quebec 

Thank you, Émilie 💙 

Émilie’s story is a perfect illustration of the Foundation’s mission: to prevent psychological distress in 11- to 18-year-olds and equip the next generation with tools that support their mental health. 

Her courage, authenticity, and determination inspire thousands of youth to believe that it is possible to move forward, one step at a time. 

Congratulations, Émilie, and thank you for shining a spotlight on the civic engagement of Quebec’s youth! 

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Would you like to organize a fundraiser with Youth in Mind Foundation’s community? Make a positive difference in the lives of teens by contacting us today: [email protected]  

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Discover Émilie’s story in our feature article: One Step at a Time with Émilie Bédard