Paige Roper of Pitt Meadows was one of five finalists at this year’s Canada’s Top Teen Philanthropist award.

This is the fifth year for the contest, which recognizes teens who have made the biggest difference in Canada with their charitable work. As a finalist, 17-year-old Paige receives $500 in cash and $500 that will be directed in her name to the charity of her choice.

Paige’s journey to becoming a finalist in this contest and a spokesperson for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation was filled with challenges. At 10 she was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. While being treated at BC Children’s Hospital, Paige encountered enormous pain and suffering, and as a result, was motivated to become a spokesperson for the foundation.

Paige speaks at many fundraising events and writes a blog for the foundation, motivating many people to provide financial and emotional support to this worthy cause.

The judging panel was comprised of high-profile individuals with expert knowledge of philanthropy and children’s issues. The judges were Danielle Bedasse, executive director, Jays Care Foundation; Carlos Bustamante, host, YTV’s The Zone; Craig Kielburger, founder, Free The Children; Brad Offman, vice-president, strategic philanthropy, Mackenzie Investments; and Jane Wu, 2008 winner of Canada’s Top Teen Philanthropist.

With hundreds of applications to consider, the panel judged the candidates on a number of factors, including: the breadth of their volunteering and fundraising efforts; leadership and creativity; hands-on involvement in their philanthropic pursuits; length and level of their involvement; and impact on their community and their charity.