Nada Abdallah - J. Allyn Taylor Award Winner 2024
Nada Abdallah - J. Allyn Taylor Award Winner 2024
Named in honour of London Community Foundation’s founder, the J. Allyn Taylor Community Service Award is presented to a grade 10-12 student who exhibits outstanding service to and is actively involved in leadership activities in their community. The recipient receives an award of $2,500 towards their post-secondary education and a $500 grant to a charity of their choice. This year, the award was given to Nada Abdallah, who shared more about her community work with us.
Q: Congratulations on receiving the J. Allyn Taylor Community Service Award! What was your reaction to finding out you’d won the award?
A: Upon hearing I won the scholarship, at first I was surprised, but then extremely grateful as I never thought I could win an award like this! Of course, I immediately wanted to go to my family and celebrate!
Q: Through your work in the Community, you’re involved with London Public Library, London Islamic School, Relay For Life, and many more groups. Of all the work you do to make London a better place, is there one thing that stands out to you that you’re particularly proud of?
A: One thing that stands out to me is my work with Raising the Roof, which is a national homeless prevention organization, where I had the opportunity to be an ambassador. Right now, Canada is facing record high levels of homelessness, and I’m really glad I was able to learn from others’ experiences and use that knowledge to raise awareness about the issue here in London, Ontario. It was inspiring to connect with people affected by homelessness and advocate for solutions that can genuinely make a difference in their lives. Knowing that my efforts contributed to a larger conversation about this critical issue is something I’m incredibly proud of.
Q: We know you’re Co-Founder and President of your school’s UNICEF Chapter. What inspired you to start that, and what have you taken from the experience of founding it?
A: My inspiration to help start my school’s UNICEF chapter mainly stemmed from my prior knowledge of UNICEF and its initiatives. With its focus on improving the lives of children globally, I was drawn to the idea of creating a platform within my school where we could actively contribute to such a meaningful cause and better the lives of children within our own community as well. I wanted to inspire other students to engage in global issues and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
From founding the chapter, I’ve gained invaluable leadership experience, from organizing events, mobilizing volunteers, and coordinating with external organizations to amplify our efforts. I've learned the importance of collaboration and resilience when facing challenges such as securing resources or generating awareness. Additionally, it's been fulfilling to see the impact we've had, not just in terms of fundraising, but also in raising awareness among the student body about global humanitarian issues. It’s taught me how grassroots efforts can lead to significant change, and it has fueled my passion for advocacy and social justice moving forward.
Q: Has your community work lead to any opportunities that you wouldn’t have otherwise had?
A: Absolutely. My community work has opened doors to opportunities I wouldn't have dreamed of encountering otherwise. Through my involvement, I've connected with local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and like-minded peers who share a passion for creating a social impact. For instance, I was invited to attend a regional youth leadership conference, where I was able to network with other young changemakers and gain insights from experts in the field of community development. Additionally, my experience in organizing events and managing teams has led to internships and leadership roles within other service-based initiatives. These opportunities have broadened my perspective and enhanced my skills in ways I never anticipated, solidifying my commitment to community service.
Q: As part of the award, you’ll receive $500 to donate to a charity of your choice. Which charity will you be donating that to, and why?
A: I am happy to say that I will be donating the money to Islamic Relief Canada. As a Muslim myself, I feel a deep connection to the values of compassion, charity, and helping those in need—principles that are central to my faith. Islamic Relief embodies these values through its humanitarian work, providing aid to vulnerable communities regardless of race or religion. By supporting initiatives such as emergency relief, orphan care, and sustainable development, I believe this donation will allow me to fulfill my religious obligation of giving zakat (charity) and contribute to a cause that reflects the spirit of Islam’s emphasis on empathy and global solidarity.
Q: You’ll also receive $2,500 towards your post-secondary education. Do you have any post-secondary plans, and if so, how does the work you’re doing now help you achieve them?
A: In the future, I hope to become a doctor, and so, in order to achieve that goal, I plan on first applying to do an undergraduate in Medical Sciences at Western University before pursuing their Medical program. In addition, I plan on also applying to science based undergraduate programs at both UofT and McMaster. During that time, I hope to do an internship abroad to gain hands-on experience in global healthcare settings, particularly in underserved communities.
The work I’m doing now, especially through community service and leadership roles, is helping me develop essential skills like empathy, communication, and teamwork—qualities that are crucial for a successful career in medicine. Engaging with diverse communities through my volunteer work has also deepened my understanding of healthcare inequities and strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate care to all, regardless of background. These experiences are not only shaping my passion for medicine but also preparing me for the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a doctor.
Q: What would your advice be to other young people who are thinking about getting involved in community projects or leadership in issue areas that they’re passionate about?
A: Always keep your head up, no matter what. Surround yourself with supportive people who share your passion, and don’t be afraid to take initiative. Remember that every small step counts—your efforts can make a real difference. Stay curious, keep learning, and be open to new ideas. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for help or mentorship; collaboration is key to creating lasting change.