Awards of Excellence 2026

Criteria

Click here to download the Awards of Excellence selection criteria.

The following criteria must be considered when submitting your nomination:

• Nominees should be members of the Children’s community.
• Nominees must have made an outstanding contribution to the Children’s and to the health and well-being of young patients and their families.
• Nominations may be made across all disciplines.
• Nominations received in the previous edition are automatically eligible for the current Awards of Excellence.
  
  
• Select your nomination from the category descriptions. The Foundation reserves the right to transfer the nominee to a category it deems more appropriate.
• Please include all pertinent documents including the completed nomination form and two additional endorsements (name and contact information) by peers or Hospital staff. You may also include the nominee’s CV or a short bio, should you feel it would strengthen the nomination.
  
  

Categories

ADMINISTRATIVE, CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF:

Awarded to a member of the administrative, clinical or technical support staff who has demonstrated remarkable initiative in improving the well-being of patients and/or in enhancing the quality of life at work.

MEDICAL:

Awarded to a physician whose exceptional patient care, superior knowledge, teaching skills and accessibility to the Hospital community are an inspiration to others.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF:

Awarded to a manager and/or professional staff member whose knowledge and devotion have significantly improved the quality of life and/or quality of care for the children and families that the Hospital serves.

RESEARCH:

Awarded to a researcher from our Hospital community whose initiatives have made a unique and significant contribution to pediatric care.

NURSING:

Awarded to a nurse whose dedication to the pediatric mission serves as a model. This recipient has provided outstanding care to children and their families with exceptional knowledge coupled with unique teaching and mentoring abilities.

TEAMWORK:

Awarded to the group who exemplifies teamwork and whose knowledge and devotion have significantly improved the quality of life and/or quality of care for the children and families that the Hospital serves.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEER:

Awarded to an influential volunteer in the community who has advocated for our Hospital and whose contribution to the Children’s has been marked by exceptional leadership and service.

NICOLAS W. MATOSSIAN JUNIOR COMMUNITY:

Awarded to a child or adolescent whose exemplary initiative has made a significant difference to the well-being of his/her peers. The award is named in honour of Nicolas W. Matossian, whose courageous battle with his illness inspired other children to give back.

For more information, please contact us here.

Awards

Awards are in the amount of $25,000 and will be disbursed as follows:

• Each recipient will receive up to $1,000* to use at his/her discretion.
• A $9,000 prize will be awarded for a hospital-approved project of the winner's choice.
• The remaining $15,000 will be used to help the Hospital meet its most urgent priorities.
  
  

* With the exception of the Teamwork Award winners, where the $1,000 individual award will automatically be added to the $9,000.

You can be part of an exclusive group of sponsors for the Awards of Excellence, intended to recognize the outstanding work being done at the Children’s.

You will have a unique opportunity to directly deliver the prize to your recipient and meet the most influential members of the Children's community.

Funds raised through the Awards of Excellence go to the Healthy Kids Fund, which supports research, teaching and clinical care.

Seize this wonderful opportunity to invest in the health of children and promote your corporate image.

To sponsor an Award of Excellence or to receive the sponsorship package, please contact Daniel Porter.

Awards of Excellence Sponsors 2026

American Iron & Metal Teamwork Award of Excellence: Hemodialysis Team

In hemodialysis, children and adolescents spend long hours connected to a machine, several times a week. At The Children’s, each treatment becomes a more humane experience thanks to a close-knit, self-reliant team that prioritizes patience, active listening, and creativity. The nursing staff transforms this demanding daily routine into moments of care and tailored activities. Personalized care plans, family support, and constant presence are part of their daily reality. For their dedication, collaboration, and passion, these six nurses are receiving the American Iron & Metal Teamwork Award of Excellence.

BMO Financial Group Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence: Catherine “Kat” Demes Family

After the loss of Catherine “Kat” Demes at the age of 5, her family chose to channel their grief into a deeply hopeful cause. With the support of the Kat D Foundation and a broad community effort, the family raised $3 million for research into diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and for the operations of the Kat Demes Pavilion. More than just a place to stay, the Pavilion offers comfort, support, and compassion to families facing their child’s illness and living outside of Montreal. Supported by a true “village,” this vibrant and compassionate commitment is honored by the BMO Financial Group Community Leadership and Volunteer Award of Excellence.

Broccolini Medical Award of Excellence: Dr. Karl Muchantef

Guided by the belief that the patient must always be at the center of care, Dr. Karl Muchantef uses his expertise to enable quicker, more accurate diagnoses, contributing to better treatments for the kids at The Children’s. As Director of the Division of Pediatric Medical Imaging, he stands out for his leadership, compassion, and ability to guide complex clinical decisions. Passionate about his work, he also plays a key role in training the next generation by creating a stimulating learning environment for radiology residents. His remarkable impact has earned him the Broccolini Medical Award of Excellence.

Fednav and Mavrik Corp. Nursing Award of Excellence: Soo-Lin Ng

For 27 years, Soo-Lin Ng has dedicated her energy and determination to serving children with complex medical needs. As an assistant head nurse, she ensures that every patient receives the care and resources they need, even if it means breaking new ground when solutions are hard to come by. She has also helped build a complex pediatric home care program that has become a model in Montreal. A true pillar of support for her team and an attentive mentor, Soo-Lin is present, committed, and deeply compassionate. She is receiving the Fednav – Mavrik Corp. Nursing Award of Excellence.

DGDM Family Foundation Nicolas W. Matossian Junior Community Award of Excellence: Grégoire Laroche

Despite being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia at just 8 years old, Grégoire Laroche faced the disease with extraordinary resilience and determination. He loved school so much that he turned a school project created as part of the School in the Hospital Program into a book titled Les Mystérieux Toutous, published with the help of 14 Quebec illustrators to benefit The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Leucan. Although he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 10, his courage and creativity left a deep impression on everyone who crossed his path. Posthumously, he is receiving the DGDM Family Foundation Nicolas W. Matossian Junior Community Award of Excellence. Thanks to the collective effort that brought his book to life, Grégoire’s memory continues to shine.

GardaWorld Administrative, Clinical and Technical Support Staff of Excellence: Isilda Nascimento

For nearly 20 years, Isilda Nascimento has been the reassuring voice supporting families receiving nephrology care at The Children’s. As a medical secretary essential to the coordination of care, she meticulously ensures that every appointment, every follow-up, and every stage of treatment is well organized. Her calm demeanor and compassion bring comfort during often difficult times. Discreet yet indispensable, she is a true pillar of support for her team and the families. She is receiving the GardaWorld Administrative, Clinical and Technical Support Staff Award of Excellence.

Pfizer Research Award of Excellence: Dr. Pia Wintermark

Driven by a desire to restore hope to the families of critically ill newborns, Dr. Pia Wintermark has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of neonatal brain health. An internationally renowned neonatologist and clinician-researcher, she is expanding our understanding of neonatal brain injury. Her innovative work is paving the way for treatments that have the potential to transform care worldwide. Her scientific rigor, creativity, and compassion make her a leading figure in her field. For her exceptional commitment to improving the future of the most vulnerable babies, she is receiving the Pfizer Research Award of Excellence.

Professional Staff Award of Excellence: Alessia Persechino

From a young age, Alessia Persechino developed a deep sense of dedication that now guides her work as a human relations officer at the SPOT, a clinic near the Hospital that specializes in adolescent mental health. Thanks to her empathy and creativity, she quickly builds trusting relationships with young people and helps them develop independence as they navigate the challenges they face. Committed to providing practical and tailored tools, she has enhanced several therapeutic approaches and reorganized the emergency plan to better support teens and their families during times of crisis. Her exceptional commitment, innovative spirit, and compassion make her a source of inspiration and a well-deserved recipient of the Professional Staff Award of Excellence.

Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation Award – Honorary Doctorate in Philanthropy: P.K. Subban

In 2015, P.K. Subban made history by announcing a $10 million philanthropic commitment to The Children’s, the largest ever made by a Canadian professional athlete to date. P.K. has kept his word. Thanks to his support and that of his foundation, numerous vital initiatives have been launched; more than 100,000 families have received tangible assistance. Each of his visits brings a smile to the faces of the children, families, and staff at the Hospital. His infectious energy, sincere generosity, and ability to restore hope leave a lasting impact on our entire community.