We are proud to introduce Tessa as the first ever recipient of the Mel Cooper Scholarship, awarded by CFAX Santas Anonymous Society in honour of the man who helped transform a simple act of kindness into one of Greater Victoria’s most beloved charitable organizations.

In the 1970s, Marilyn Cann began collecting toys in her basement to support families in her community during the holiday season. Her quiet act of generosity reflected a deep care for those around her and brought joy to many local families. But as word spread, so did the realization that the need extended far beyond her neighbourhood.

Recognizing the growing demand, Marilyn reached out to Mel Cooper, then owner and general manager of CFAX 1070 radio, to help expand the effort. Mel was moved by her initiative and immediately offered his support, with one important condition: that Marilyn join the Board of Directors. This reflected his belief in inclusive leadership and in giving community members a voice in shaping the work they help inspire.

A firm believer in the responsibility of media to serve the community and give voice to those in need, Mel transformed the grassroots effort into a station-wide campaign. Under his leadership, CFAX Santas Anonymous was born. What began as a simple, selfless act in one woman’s basement has, because of Mel’s passion and leadership, grown into a vital part of the Greater Victoria community, delivering joy, connection, and support to families in need. Though Mel passed away earlier this year, his legacy lives on in the countless lives his compassion has touched and in the ongoing mission of CFAX Santas Anonymous, which remains grounded in his belief in selfless acts, volunteerism, and community connection.

The Mel Cooper Scholarship was created to carry that legacy forward by recognizing a young person who leads with compassion, initiative, and a genuine commitment to helping those in need and giving back to their community.

Tessa embodies that same spirit.

Tessa’s journey into volunteerism began with a powerful experience in Grade 9 that challenged her to reflect on privilege, inequality, and what it means to be an ally. Since then, she has become a force for inclusion and advocacy in her school and across Greater Victoria, contributing hundreds of hours to initiatives that support equity, access, and meaningful community connection.

A passionate athlete, Tessa has used sport as a powerful tool for building community and creating safe, inclusive spaces for others. She has designed and led free volleyball clinics for middle school students who face barriers to participation, partnering with youth workers, anti-racism advocates, and Indigenous support staff to reach young people often excluded from sport. She continues to run weekly sessions specifically for Indigenous youth, fostering both skill development and a strong sense of belonging.

Tessa has also shared her love of sport through volunteer coaching in swimming, basketball, water polo, and volleyball, working with both school teams and local clubs. As the head coach of Keating Elementary’s swim team, she has built an encouraging and inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. Across each sport and setting, she leads with empathy, patience, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.

One of Tessa’s most meaningful contributions, one that speaks profoundly to her character, compassion, and initiative, was her one-on-one mentorship of an at-risk youth. After learning about a young student who was struggling to attend school and engage with her community, Tessa took it upon herself to find a solution. She arranged for the student to join a local volleyball program, secured fee waivers, and committed to mentoring her every week throughout the course. By the end of the program, the student was not only engaged but thriving—reconnected with her school, her peers, and a renewed sense of confidence. This self-started, deeply personal act of support reflects the same spirit that defined Mel Cooper’s legacy: seeing where help is needed, stepping in with care, and creating real, lasting impact in the lives of others.

The Mel Cooper Scholarship honours a legacy of giving, of recognizing need, and responding with action and care. In Tessa, we saw not just potential but proof that the next generation of changemakers is already here. Her compassion, initiative, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and community service make her the ideal recipient of this award.

Congratulations, Tessa. We are proud to support you as you carry forward a legacy of compassion and service in our community, just as Mel did.