Vancouver Infant Advanced in Baby of the Year Contest

Jovie Esene has reached the final group stage of a fundraising competition benefitting Baby2Baby.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration of a single wooden toy block with a green sprout growing beside it on a soft blanket. — Vancouver infant Jovie Esene has reached the finals of the Baby of the Year competition, a fundraising event supporting the nonprofit Baby2Baby. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Vancouver resident Jovie Esene, who is under one year old, has advanced to the group finals of the Baby of the Year competition. The event, which is managed by Colossal, raises funds for the nonprofit organization Baby2Baby.

Why it matters

The competition serves as a charitable vehicle for Baby2Baby, with the winning family receiving $25,000 in prize money. The Esene family opted to enter the contest as a unique family activity.

The Baby of the Year competition offers a $25,000 prize for the winning family. Participants entered from an initial group size of 40 to 50 babies, and the process allows voters to cast one free daily vote or purchase additional votes for $1.

The players

Jovie Esene

Jovie Esene is an infant under one year old from Vancouver who is currently participating in the Baby of the Year competition.

Baby2Baby

Baby2Baby is a nonprofit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities.

Colossal

Colossal is the organization responsible for managing the Baby of the Year fundraising campaign.

The details

Voters support contestants by following a direct link to their profile or by donating to the nonprofit beneficiary. The overall event has attracted significant corporate backing, notably through a $17.7 million grant provided by DTCare to Baby2Baby in 2025.

DTCare provided a $17.7 million grant to Baby2Baby in 2025.
Voting for the 2026 Baby of the Year competition began in September.

Market Landscape

This competition reflects the broader trend of leveraging digital engagement and gamified fundraising to support the mission of Baby2Baby. By utilizing celebrity-style ad campaigns and media features, the event positions charitable giving within the competitive landscape of digital consumer activism.

Readers interested in supporting the initiative can cast a free daily vote or purchase additional votes at a cost of $1 each. This impacts daily participation habits for those supporting Jovie Esene, as the process requires active engagement through the official contest platform.

The takeaway

The competition highlights how families can utilize social platforms to participate in national charitable events. Beyond the prize, the champion will receive promotional opportunities including an ad campaign for the Honest Company and an advertorial in Variety magazine.