Sister Elaine MacInnes Community Impact Award

The establishment of the “Sister Elaine MacInnes Award” is to honor the memory of Sister Elaine MacInnes and recognize outstanding yoga and meditation instructors in Canada.

A Remarkable Legacy

Sister Elaine MacInnes (1924-2022), born in New Brunswick, attended MTA and later Juilliard for the violin, joined Our Lady’s Missionaries in 1953. She was a remarkable Catholic nun and Zen master whose life was marked by an unwavering commitment to helping others. After becoming a Zen teacher in Japan, she introduced meditation to prisoners in the Philippines and later directed the Prison Phoenix Trust in the UK. Her innovative work in prisons transformed countless lives, demonstrating the profound impact of yoga and meditation in rehabilitative settings. She continued her mission in Canada by founding Freeing the Human Spirit in 2003 and providing inmates with tools for self-discovery and healing.

Freeing the Human Spirit wants to honour the legacy of this remarkable woman. This award will recognize outstanding yoga and meditation instructors across Canada who continue Sister Elaine’s healing, hope, and transformation mission.

Award Highlights

The Sister Elaine MacInnes Community Impact Award honors the founder of Freeing the Human Spirit (FTHS) and supports our work with inmates. The award will help FTHS raise awareness, recruit volunteers, and secure funding, keeping her legacy alive.

By highlighting the achievements of award recipients and the benefits of yoga and meditation, FTHS aims to promote these practices, especially to vulnerable populations. This will help attract more volunteers and donors to support our mission.

Fundraising

In our inaugural year, the recipient will receive $500 and in-kind goods. Next year, we plan to award multiple recipients. Part of the award’s proceeds will go to the Sister Elaine Fund, with the rest supporting FTHS’s initiatives and expansion efforts.

Award Values

This award honours outstanding individuals and changemakers who share the tools of yoga and meditation in impactful ways. Those who are innovative community leaders are dedicated to breaking down barriers, regardless of societal status, to ensure that everyone can benefit from these practices.

Criteria

  • Demonstrated excellence and innovation in yoga and meditation instruction.
  • A person in the yoga/meditation community (teacher, leader, organizer).
  • A proven track record of positively impacting individuals or communities within Canada and breaking down systemic, socio-economic barriers.
  • Commitment to the values and mission of Freeing the Human Spirit.

Nominations

Nominations are open from June 21st to September 11th and the WINNER will be announced on September 19th.

The winner will receive acknowledgement on social media and in a press release for their exceptional work, $500 in cash to support the work they are doing and bonus items.

Nominate A Leader Today!

Become A Sponsor

Why Sponsor the Sister Elaine MacInnes Award?

Position your brand as a champion of social justice and community support by sponsoring the Sister Elaine MacInnes Award.  You’ll elevate your Corporate Social Responsibility profile and build a positive reputation with stakeholders, customers, and employees. Plus, your sponsorship guarantees significant visibility through press releases, social media, and event promotions, providing valuable exposure to a broad, engaged audience.

Join us in making a difference and watch your brand shine!

Become a Sponsor Today!