Honouring the Youth Leaders of Today: The J. Allyn Taylor Community Service Award

Honouring the Youth Leaders of Today

The J. Allyn Taylor Community Service Award

While living in Winnipeg, J. Allyn Taylor witnessed firsthand the ability of a community foundation to nimbly respond to its community’s needs, especially during trying times like the Winnipeg flood and the Great Depression. When he moved to London, he saw the need for a community foundation in his new home and in 1954, the act to incorporate the London Community Foundation had passed. The foundation would lay dormant for a number of years however, until 1974 when J. Allyn Taylor made its reactivation his primary retirement project.

The J. Allyn Taylor Community Service Award was established in the early ‘80s to recognize youth leadership in our community while honouring the man who gave so much to London and the Foundation.

“My father was a man who cared a lot about his community and knew how to get people to work together,” says Ann Fleming. “Personal recognition was never a priority for him, but he was extremely pleased to have had this award named after him.”

The J. Allyn Taylor Community Service Award is presented to a grade 10 or 11 student in London and Middlesex County who exhibits outstanding dedication to the community. This year’s recipient, Jennifer Lee, is a grade 11 student currently attending London Central Secondary School. As the founder of her school’s Social Justice Club and an active volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, Jennifer is a strong leader who demonstrates a desire to leave nobody behind at every turn and a deep care for her community.

Jennifer Lee

Humbly, like her award’s namesake, she credits her parents with shaping who she is.

“My main motivation comes from my parents. As newcomers to Canada, life was not always easy, and though they didn't always have much, they would always give back to the community,” says Jennifer. “They helped me understand that having a truly rich life isn't always about having a lot of money, but having the ability to share with others.”

As part of the award, Jennifer will receive $2,000 to go towards the post-secondary institution of her choice. In addition, she will receive $500 to be granted to an organization of her choice. With a passion for science, healthcare, and working with children, Jennifer decided to make her grant to the Children’s Health Foundation (CHF).

”The CHF helps raise money so that kids can receive the best care and treatments in London possible,” says Jennifer. “Through volunteering with the CHF, I was able to see firsthand how kids were impacted by the wonderful donations and kindness displayed by the community. With my donation, I want to support young kids receiving treatment and help allow them to pursue their dreams!”

Young London, an organization dedicated to ensuring London’s youth have decision-making power in public processes, ultimately decides who receives the J. Allyn Taylor Award through the Youth in Philanthropy Committee.

“Jennifer was the only applicant this year where a peer took an active role in recognizing her eligibility for this award,” says Jayme Archibald, Executive Director of Young London. “This says so much about how her leadership and ambition to help others has impacted those around her.”

Ann Fleming – who is actively involved with LCF, along with her sister Lynn Graham – knows her father would be proud.

“They choose wonderful young people who are setting a really good example for the community,” says Ann. “If I could give one piece of advice to Jennifer, it’s to never stop. What you’re starting now, you should do for the rest of your life.”

Jennifer’s own advice for young people wanting to make a difference is simple:

“Take risks, accept failures, and step out of your comfort zone! Creating and leading a social justice club at my school seemed like a daunting idea, but I knew it was important for my school to have a club where students could give back to the community,” says Jennifer. “By taking this risk, I was able to become a leader in my school and make new friends who shared the same passion as me!”