Honours & Awards

First Book’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and impact has been recognized by leading institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation and more.

We are proud to be the recipients of the following honours and awards:

Charity Village Most Outstand Impact Staff Award

2026 CharityVillage Most Outstanding Impact - Staff Award Finalist

First Book Canada Executive Director, Heather Farquharson, was recognized at the 2026 CharityVillage Awards & Sector Summit for her outstanding impact on the Non-Profit Sector through the achievements of the First Book Canada team.

2021 Top 10 Canadian Impact Charity and Top 5 Canadian Youth Impact Charity

2021 World Literacy Award: Significant Contribution to Literacy in response to the pandemic

The Read On Canada! Coalition was recognized for Significant Contribution to Literacy in response to the pandemic for getting 150,000 books to kids across Canada through Food Banks.

2020 Top 10 Canadian Impact Charity and Top 10 Canadian Youth Impact Charity

First Book Canada was recognized as a Top 10 Canadian Impact Charity and Top 10 Canadian Youth Impact Charity by Charity Intelligence Canada based on the impact made by the organization.

Sustainable Development Goal Recognition Award

First Book Canada received the United Nations Association’s Sustainable Development Goal Recognition Award for its outstanding work to increase equal access to quality education for children in need.

Salvation Army Hope Partnership Award

First Book Canada received the Salvation Army Hope Partnership award for their dedicated service of outstanding support for the 2017 CTV Toy Mountain Campaign.

2017 Partners in Education Award

First Book Canada received the 2017 Partners in Education Award from the Fort McMurray Public School District for its commitment to student excellence.

Applause! Recognition

First Book Canada received recognition form the York District School Board for its significant contributions to public education in York region.