Parachute Honoured Five Youth for Road Safety Work
The national organization awarded youth for championing road safety initiatives in their respective communities.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Youth
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Parachute selected five youth from Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia for the Youth as Changemakers award. The recipients each received a $1,000 honorarium for implementing evidence-based road safety solutions.
Why it matters
Injury is the number one cause of death for Canadians aged 1 to 44, and these community projects help to save lives. These initiatives provide practical solutions to road safety issues while inspiring lasting change across the country.
The award program, sponsored by Desjardins Insurance and the Honda Canada Foundation, recognizes youth who participated in the Snap for Change initiative. Injuries cost the Canadian economy $29.4 billion annually.
The players
Parachute
This national organization works to prevent injuries by advocating for evidence-based policies and community programs.
Aidan D'Souza
He is an award recipient who implemented a three-way stop in a Toronto neighbourhood and served as co-chair of the Canadian Youth Road Safety Council.
Felix Townsin
He is an award recipient who distributed 300 road safety starter kits and prompted intersection improvements in the District of Saanich.
Desjardins Insurance
This financial institution serves as a sponsor for the Youth as Changemakers award.
Honda Canada Foundation
This foundation supports the award program and invests in community programs that have reached 6.5 million Canadians.
The details
Award winners implemented various safety measures, including a three-way stop in a Toronto neighbourhood and a flashing pedestrian crossing signal in Edmonton. Additionally, Felix Townsin distributed more than 300 road safety starter kits in Victoria and successfully advocated for repainted lane markings in the District of Saanich.
Timeline
Award winners were announced on October 13, 2026.
Canadian Youth Road Safety Week takes place from October 19 to 25, 2026.
Culture Shift
These projects reflect a growing shift toward youth-led, evidence-based advocacy in Canadian road safety. By focusing on local intersection fixes and safety kits, these changemakers are addressing a portion of the $29.4 billion annual economic cost of injuries in Canada.
Residents in Toronto, Edmonton, and the District of Saanich may experience improved traffic flow and safety due to the newly installed signals and stop signs. Drivers should be aware of these local infrastructure updates and remain cautious in school zones.
The takeaway
Small-scale community safety projects can effectively reduce hazards and prevent injuries. Youth interested in road safety can document local issues and present solutions to community influencers to drive change.
What happens next
Canadian Youth Road Safety Week will be held from October 19 to 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on youth initiatives, visit Youth.
More information
To learn more or submit your own safety proposals, visit the Snap for Change submission form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Post.
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