
Katimavik, a national charitable organization founded in 1977 that works to empower diverse youth as engaged, active and caring citizens, capable contributors and leaders for a better Canada, is pleased to announce the appointment of John-Frederick Cameron as its Chief Executive Officer.
John-Frederick joins Katimavik with a wealth of experience in the Canadian charitable and not-for-profit sectors. Previously he held senior leadership roles with organizations like Youth Employment Services YES, Canadian Crossroads International, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and The Healing Cycle Foundation for Palliative Care, to name a few. Among John-Frederick’s objectives as Chief Executive Officer are to broaden Katimavik’s mandate, diversify programs and funding, and maintain its role as Canada’s leading youth organization.
“John-Frederick’s skilled leadership, combined with the dedication of the members of our Board and the hard work and passion of our incredible staff team, position Katimavik well to successfully chart the next chapter of its proud history,” Katimavik Co-Chairs Emma Fineblit and David Newhouse said.
“I’m thrilled to join Katimavik at such an exciting and optimistic time in its history,” John-Frederick said. “The organization is an important Canadian institution and continues to play a vital role in building
tolerance and understanding among Canada’s diverse communities while providing youth an opportunity to experience our great country and help build communities.”
Katimavik is in the midst of an exciting period of growth and renewal. The acclaimed National Experience, which has over 35,000 alumni, continues to send youth volunteers between the ages of 17 and 25 across Canada.. In early January 2020, the latest group of Katimavik participants will travel to the following communities:
-Calgary, Alberta;
-Moncton, New Brunswick;
-Nanaimo, British Columbia;
-Peterborough Ontario;
-Quebec City, Quebec; and
-St. Boniface, Manitoba
For any media questions or requests for Katimavik, please contact Communications Coordinator Salim Valji at svalji@katimavik.org or 514-913-6325.
Katimavik offers young adults opportunities to gain life skills and work experience while contributing to community development through volunteerism. The word ‘Katimavik’ originates from the Inuktitut language, meaning ‘meeting place’. Since 1977, Katimavik has brought young Canadians together to learn, to exchange culture and language, and to help build stronger communities across Canada. Katimavik aims to help youth become engaged, caring citizens and capable contributors and leaders for a better Canada. We do this through the development of 21st century skills, experiential learning, and civic engagement.