Merit Award Bursary Program

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Merit Award Bursary Program

The award criteria are based on each students’ commitment to education and contribution to school, family and community.

Merit is committed to empowering youth of all abilities to pursue advancement through education and to contribute to their communities, through equitable access for those who do not have the required emotional and financial supports to succeed. Established in 1995, directed by a volunteer board of 12, and supported by a volunteer community of over 150 active individuals, the Merit Award Bursary Program is a leading contributor of recognition and financial awards to senior secondary school students in high-needs Greater Toronto Area schools. This award is more than a one-time financial bursary; recipients become part of a powerful support network. Through our recipient mentorship and volunteer programs, recipients have the opportunity to learn and refine future-ready skills and networking opportunities.

10/08/2026

What a Ride!

On a beautiful Sunday morning, riders came together for the Opportunity Road Ride to pedal for a purpose; raising funds to provide Merit Bursaries and help students pursue their post-secondary education.

From the first pedal to the final finish, it was an incredible day filled with community, determination, and generosity. We are so grateful to everyone who rode, donated, volunteered, sponsored, and helped make the event a success.

Together, we’re creating opportunities and helping students build a brighter future. Thank you for riding with us!

09/18/2026

Good luck to all of our Opportunity Road Ride riders!

The big day is almost here! We’re wishing all of our riders a safe, fun, and inspiring ride this Sunday. Thank you for coming together to pedal for opportunity, community, and the students we support.

There’s still time to make a difference! If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to support a team or rider and help us reach our fundraising goal. Every donation helps provide Merit Bursaries to students across the GTA: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

One Ride. One Community. Let’s Ride!

09/16/2026

4 DAYS TO GO!

The countdown is on! This Sunday, September 20th, we’re hitting the road for the Opportunity Road Ride in support of the Merit Award Bursary Program.

Choose your challenge: 25 km or 75 km, and ride with us to help create opportunities for students to achieve their goals. There’s still time to join the ride or make a donation: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

Who’s joining us on the road this Sunday?

09/14/2026

It’s almost time!

This Sunday, September 20th, we’re hitting the road for the Opportunity Road Ride in support of the Merit Award! Whether you’re riding 25 km or 80 km, every kilometre helps create opportunities for students to pursue their goals and build their futures. There’s still time to join us. Who’s riding with us this Sunday?

Sign up to ride or make a donation and help us make a difference: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

08/26/2026

The countdown is on! Only a few weeks until the Opportunity Road Ride on September 20th!

There’s still time to join us, but don’t wait until the last minute! Grab your cycling crew, sign up, and get ready to hit the road in support of deserving students and their educational journeys.

Register before September 20th and be part of the ride! Can’t join us? You can still support the cause by making a donation.

Learn more, register, or donate: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

08/19/2026

What will you ride for?

For some, it’s the challenge. For others, it’s the community, the open road, or simply the chance to do something meaningful. Whatever gets you on your bike, this ride can help create a brighter future for students pursuing their education.

Choose your distance, bring your people, and ride with purpose. Sign up today for the Opportunity Road Ride, happening on September 20th, or donate if you can’t join us on the road.

Learn more, register, or donate: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

08/05/2026

One ride. One community. So many opportunities.

The Opportunity Road Ride is more than a day on the bike. It’s a chance to come together and help make a difference in the lives of students across the GTA. Bring your friends, challenge yourself, enjoy the ride, and support a cause that helps students pursue their educational dreams.

Be part of the ride! Register today, or if you can’t join us on the road, make a donation and help us keep the momentum going.

Learn more, register, or donate: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

07/29/2026

Ready to ride for a great cause?

The Opportunity Road Ride brings together cyclists, supporters, and community members for a day of riding, connection, and giving back. Your participation helps support the next generation of students as they work toward their educational goals.

Grab your bike, rally your friends, and ride with us! Sign up as a rider today. Can’t make it out? You can still make an impact by donating to support this important cause.

Learn more, register, or donate: https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

07/06/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Merit Award recipients!

To our incredible Grade 11 and Grade 12 recipients; your hard work, determination, leadership, and dedication have earned you this well-deserved recognition. Keep believing in yourselves, continue making a difference, and never stop reaching for your dreams.

Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you. Congratulations!

04/24/2026

Shoutout to our incredible volunteers who helped us deliver a fantastic Bowling for Bursaries event April 22 🎉

As we close out Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to say a sincere thank you to all of our Merit Award volunteers.

Your dedication, compassion, and generosity make this work possible. Because of you, our community continues to grow, and more young people feel supported in reaching their goals.

We appreciate you not just this week, but all year long.🙌

Address

333 Bay Street, Suite 2400 Bay Adelaide Centre, Box 20
Toronto, ON
M5H2T6

Telephone

+14163249000

Website

http://meritaward.ca/, https://opportunity-road-ride-2026.raiselysite.com/

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