Step Up Kids Awards

Do you know a young person who’s making a difference? NOMINATE them for the 2026 Step Up Kids Awards!

What is a Step Up Kid?

A Step Up Kid is someone who’s making the community around them better in their own awesome way! Whether they’re helping friends, being kind, showing off their cool talents, sharing their culture, or doing something amazing in their community, a Step Up Kid goes above and beyond!

From JK to Grade 10, kids can be recognized as:

• Helpers: Kids who lend a hand, stand up for friends, or volunteer in their community.
• Leaders: Kids who guide others, whether in school, sports, or cultural activities.
• Dreamers: Kids who take on new challenges, creative projects, or excel academically.
• Changemakers: Kids who make a difference, raise awareness, or bring positive change to their communities.

NOMINATIONS are open until October 23rd. Ten kids will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony in November. Each award recipient receives:

• Step Up Prize Pack (FULL of local gift cards, swag and prizes)
• Step Up Photo Shoot & Customized Poster
• Attending the 2026 Step Up Kids Awards with a guest

Dress Purple Day – Friday, October 29th, 2026

We encourage everyone to wear purple and stand together to show support for children and youth. Schools, businesses, and organizations across Ontario will participate, raising awareness about the importance of community involvement in supporting kids.

How You Can Participate:

1. Wear purple (get creative!)
2. Share your purple on socials with #StepUp2026 and tag Dilico.
3. Organize a purple inspired event at your school or workplace: bake sales, art walls, or fundraisers for the Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation. 

Why Purple?

Purple symbolizes unity, care, and the commitment to ensuring children and youth feel supported by their communities. By wearing purple, you’re showing that you’re part of a collective effort to make a difference in the lives of children and families. 

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered, and every community member has a role to play. Step Up 2026 is your opportunity to take action, recognize the incredible contributions of young people, and build stronger, more caring communities.

If something doesn’t seem right, follow your feet to a trusted adult.

Adults need to know when a child wants to share something with you, stop what you’re doing and listen. That moment might be the bravest thing they’ve ever done and how we respond is so important. Sometimes children are trying to tell us something for a while, before we even understand what it is. Tune in to the children around you.