FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, ON, April 10, 2026 – Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Spirit of Barbra Schlifer Award: Shirin Ariff. This esteemed award recognizes the individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to supporting women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing violence.
Shirin Ariff, B.A. (Eng. Hons.), B. Ed., OOT, ICF-CAA, OLCM-L, has dedicated over 22 years to the field of education and established herself as a 6-time international best-selling author and an international speaker. As an award-winning Life Transformation Coach, she equips her clients with practical tools while fostering authenticity, joy, freedom, and dignity. As a mother of four, Shirin has navigated facial paralysis, survived cancer, and endured two dysfunctional and abusive marriages; experiences that form the foundation of her international best-selling memoir, “The Second Wife.” Her compelling story has been featured in the Dream Big docuseries and showcased at international film festivals. Beyond her personal achievements, she shares her community through coaching, workshops, and initiatives such as National Cancer Hero Dar, inspiring hope and transformation.
The Spirit of Schlifer Campaign, dedicated to supporting survivors of violence, continues to be a crucial source of funding for the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our loyal supporters, the Campaign successfully raises essential funds that sustain our operations, programs, and services. In 2025, the Spirit of Schlifer Campaign raised an impressive $120,000, helping the Clinic to provide services to over 18,600 survivors of violence.
Providing trauma-informed services to those in need remains a priority for the Clinic. While we have made tremendous strides over the years, the reality is that we have a long way to go. With the support of generous sponsors, donors, and community members, the Campaign strives to reach its goal of $200,000 to sustain and expand its operations – and we can only do it with your support.
Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, extends her sincere congratulations to Shirin Ariff for her outstanding contributions to ending gender-based violence. She commends her remarkable commitment to empower and support survivors. Deepa acknowledges and values Shirin’s demonstration of professional excellence, integrity and compassion through her work, which not only improves the lives of survivors but also reinforces the strength and resilience of the community. She expresses her deep appreciation for the passion and dedication which embody the spirit of Barbra Sclifer and continue to inspire the Clinic.
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is a specialized clinic for women and gender-diverse people experiencing violence, established in memory of Barbra Teena Schlifer, who was an idealistic young lawyer who was murdered in Toronto on the day of her call to the Bar of Ontario, April 11, 1980. The Clinic offers trauma-informed legal services and representation, counselling and multilingual interpretation, and drives system transformation to support women and gender diverse people who have experienced violence. Rooted in the foundations of intersectionality, innovation, and a client-centred approach, we foster the skills and resilience of the people we serve and amplify their voices to create individual and collective change.
Together, we can make a difference and provide the necessary support to those affected by violence. To learn more about the 2026 Spirit of Schlifer Campaign and how to get involved, please visit our campaign website at https://spiritofschlifer.com/
For additional information, media inquiries or questions, please contact Esther Ndiwaita at [email protected] +1 289-497-1048.