Ruth Douglas wins Governor General’s Award for volunteer work

Charitable work is rewarding

Ruth Douglas, CEO of Fifth Story has been awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, a Governor General’s Award for charitable work. Douglas has been fundraising since 2007, bringing female executives to volunteer with her in Sub-Saharan Africa to help uplift girls through education.

Douglas just returned to Toronto from a fundraising trip in Uganda. She organized a 100 km hike with a team of 16 women along the Nile river. This trip should generate approximately $200K.

Douglas’ passion for this initiative stems from her understanding of the importance of scholarships and education for young girls and their impact on the broader community.

Approximately three years ago, Douglas joined the board of Beautiful World Canada (BWC), a global education organization that provides secondary and post-secondary comprehensive scholarships to girls living in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Uganda. Together, they have raised over $1 million for the cause.

Douglas will receive the Governor General’s Award in May

“I am honoured to be recognized by the Governor General with this award, however the biggest pleasure has been the privilege to be able to uplift these incredible young women in Africa.”

Fifth Story created and produced the video on a recent trip to Africa. The video features a scholarship recipient, (also named) Ruth. She explains what life was like before she received a BWC scholarship. Words on the screen summarize the key challenges your women face in Africa. Ruth also shares how the scholarship has positively impacted her life and given her hope. Her strength and resilience shine through.