Photo Above: Governor General of Canada Mary Simon (middle) with Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington after the award ceremony at Rideau Hall.

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On February 20, 2025, Jack.org founders Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington were presented with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for their outstanding contributions to youth mental health. 

“You are building bridges in our society so that we can all join forces to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Gov. Gen. Mary Simon in her speech at the award ceremony. 

This award celebrates Canadians whose dedication and achievements have strengthened the well-being of Canadian society. Eric and Sandra were recognized for their leadership in establishing programs and services that educate, engage, and empower youth as key partners in mental health conversations nationwide. 

“We’re so proud of the progress we’ve made in the youth mental health sector,” say Eric and Sandra. “We are grateful for the work of the Jack.org staff team, Board of Directors, and the thousands of young people who volunteer in Jack.org’s peer-to-peer mental health education programs all across Canada.”

Since the loss of their dear son Jack to suicide in 2010, Eric and Sandra have been unwavering in their work to end the youth mental health crisis in Canada. Through Jack.org, they have championed young people and worked to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills, and support to navigate mental health struggles and support one another. 

Their vision continues to come to life through the work Jack.org does today. Since its founding, Jack.org has reached over a million youth across Canada with critical mental health education and support skills – equipping them with life-saving knowledge, building peer support networks, and driving meaningful change in youth mental health nationwide. 

To learn more about the King Charles III Coronation Medal for 2025 and other recipients, visit the Governor General of Canada website.