Who We Are
Ambassadors of Compassion Canada is an innovative emotional resiliency-building program that helps students work through real-life issues and equips them with the critical skills needed to navigate and succeed through life’s inevitable challenges.
The program is scientifically validated and proven to improve emotional health, academic performance, and social behavior, while reducing negative or destructive patterns.
Over 100,000 youth in the U.S. and previously in the pilot program in Canada have already completed the program and become Ambassadors of Compassion. In Canada, the program was first introduced through pilot projects between 2009 and 2015, producing measurable and impressive results in schools and youth organizations, by The Resiliency Institute in Calgary Canada by Dr. Wayne Hammond .
Now, with a national structure in place, Canada is ready to expand and deliver the program to youth across provinces and territories through schools, community partners, and youth-serving organizations.
The program brings together the collective wisdom and expertise of educators, mentors, and influencers from across Canada and around the world.
Partner with us to ensure each school or program — and every youth participant — is fully funded to experience the 12-week journey (customizable to suit each school or community need). Together, we can equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive — in school, in relationships, and in life.
How We Started – Our Canadian History and Measured Impact
Ambassadors of Compassion Canada began its Canadian journey in 2008 with the “Lift Up Vancouver” event, supported by iconic teams like the Canucks, BC Lions, and Whitecaps, alongside community and business leaders. From 2009 to 2015, pilot programs in Lower Mainland schools reached thousands of students, contributing to the 100,000+ youth across North America who have now completed the program.
Today, under the leadership of Canadian Executive Director Candace Newton Chaput—and with the support of the Lifted Foundation, Dallas Smith, and many other generous donors and partners—we’re bringing this fully sponsored, evidence-based program back to Canadian schools, equipping youth with the emotional resilience, leadership skills, and community connections they need to thrive.
Independent studies, including research from The Resiliency Institute in Calgary, show that 87% of participants significantly increase their emotional resilience, with measurable improvements in behaviour, attendance, grades, and self-confidence.
ONE OF THE FIRST PILOT PROGRAMS OF AMBASSADORS OF COMPASSION CANADA
On June 12, 2014, James Anderson Learning Centre became one of the first pilot schools in Canada to implement the Ambassadors of Compassion program. Twenty‑eight students completed the full AOCCS Journey—making them the first Canadian graduates of this transformative youth resilience and leadership curriculum.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Fraser Presentation Centre in Langley Township. Each student received their official Ambassadors of Compassion Certificate of Completion, and twenty graduates were awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Vancouver Career College, CDI College, or the College of Visual Art and Design.
Dr. Patrick Thomas, Principal of James Anderson Learning Centre, brought the program to the school because its values aligned with his vision for leadership development, emotional well‑being, and helping students build confidence and purpose. Students engaged with core themes such as setting goals, overcoming negative influences, developing personal responsibility, practicing forgiveness, and demonstrating compassion through action.
The celebration featured special guests including AOCCS Founder Eric Hannah and actor Noel G (Fast & Furious, Training Day, Bruce Almighty, The Dark Knight Rises, The Walking Dead), who joined the event via Skype to inspire students not to let others define their limits.
Students reflected on the program’s personal impact:
• “I learned to accept others and where they are coming from—and also to accept myself.” — Keegan Middleton
• “AOCCS helped me remove negative influences from my life and focus on the positives to become the best person I can be.” — Jessica Richard
• “I was shy before. AOC gave me confidence, helped me open up, meet new friends, and help others.” — Kelsey O’Hara
This early Canadian pilot set the foundation for Ambassadors of Compassion’s future expansion across the country. Its success demonstrated the program’s ability to build emotional resilience, leadership skills, and compassion in young people—strengthening communities and inspiring a model that continues to grow nationwide.
A Message From Our Founder - Eric Hannah
Charitable Impact Giving
Organization: Ambassadors of Compassion Canada Society
Address: #404 – 1688 152 Street, Surrey, BC V4A 4N2
Email: candace.chaput@aoclife.org
Phone: 604-560-8886
We acknowledge that Ambassadors of Compassion Canada operates on the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen Nations. We honour their enduring connection to the land, waters, and community