About Aprons in Action
Your Cooking Challenge Journey
Turn Up The Heat: Key Dates
March 18
Registration opens. Join early to get the most out of your Aprons in Action presented by Manulife cooking challenge journey.
March–September 1
Learn! From March to late-August, you’ll receive exclusive cooking tips, nutrition insights, and inspiration from our ambassador chefs and registered dietitians, delivered right to your inbox - plus sponsor features, fun contests, and expert guidance to help you perfect your original recipe.
August 15
Registration closes. Time to put your skills to the test and develop your original recipe. Don’t forget to raise a minimum of $300 to be eligible to enter your recipe for People’s Challenge voting.
September 2–16
People’s Challenge voting is open! Upload your recipe and share with your friends and family to get those votes.
September 17
The top 15 semi-finalists (5 appetizer, 5 main & 5 dessert) will be announced by email to all participants.
September 18–30
The top 15 recipe will be evaluated by registered dietitians and our ambassador chefs.
October 1
The top 6 finalists (2 appetizer, 2 main & 2 dessert) will be announced by email to all participants.
October 12
The top fundraiser will be identified as of 11:59 p.m.
October 13
Finalists (per category) choose their celebrity chef to cook with at the Aprons in Action Celebration Gala.
Top fundraiser wins a seat at the Aprons in Action Celebration Gala judging table.
Top fundraising corporate team wins a seat at the Aprons in Action Celebration Gala judging table.
October 14
Aprons in Action online silent auction opens (and runs until November 14).
November 14
Aprons in Action Celebration Gala takes place at The Carlu in Toronto.
Aprons in Action presented by Manulife officially launches March 18.
Aprons in Action presented by Manulife officially launches on March 18. Register early to be part of the excitement from day one, set up your personal fundraising page, and start planning your signature dish. Registration closes August 15, so don’t miss your opportunity to join the challenge from the very beginning.
From March through August, you’ll receive exclusive cooking tips, nutrition insights, and inspiration from our ambassador chefs and registered dietitians.
You’ll also enjoy sponsor features, fun contests, and expert guidance to help you perfect your original recipe — whether it’s an appetizer, main, or dessert.
Fundraise early to reach the $300 minimum and unlock your official Aprons in Action presented by Manulife apron from Chef Works, along with the code to upload your original recipe and dish photo to compete in the People’s Choice vote.
People’s Choice voting runs from September 2–16, 2026.
Once you’ve uploaded your recipe, share your personalized voting link with friends, family, and colleagues to build momentum and accumulate votes. The top 15 vote-getters — five in each category (appetizer, main, and dessert) will advance to the semi-final round.
From September 18–30, 2026, our ambassador chefs and registered dietitians will evaluate the top 15 recipes based on visual presentation and originality, nutritional analysis, and overall fundraising achievement.
The top six finalists (two per category - appetizer, main & dessert) from the semi-final round will be announced on October 1, 2026, earning their place at the Celebration Gala in Toronto.
On November 14, 2026 - World Diabetes Day, the six finalists will compete live in a mystery box challenge at the Celebration Gala.
The top competition dishes will be served to gala guests, who will cast a guest vote to select their favourite in each category and an overall winner. A panel of celebrity chefs and VIP judges will vote in the mystery box challenge. Once all votes are tabulated, one standout competitor will be crowned the Champion of the inaugural Aprons in Action presented by Manulife Cooking Challenge.
It’s an inspiring, delicious journey - and it all begins in your kitchen.
People’s Choice Voting
Get ready to see creativity, colour, and flavour come to life! Our People’s Choice gallery will feature dishes created by Aprons in Action participants who have each raised a minimum of $300 in support of Diabetes Canada.
Each participant will cook up something special, sharing a photo of their dish, a short caption, and a list of ingredients.
People’s Choice voting will take place September 2–16, 2026. Be sure to come back during that time to browse the gallery and cast your vote for your favourite recipe!
Cast Your Vote!
Your vote helps celebrate the home cooks who are making a difference one healthy, flavourful dish at a time!
As you review the recipes and images of each dish, consider the following criteria to guide your vote thoughtfully:
1. Visual Appeal
Does this dish look as good as it tastes? Check for colour, creativity, and presentation that make you want to dive in.
2. Variety
Variety makes a dish exciting! Look for different flavours, textures, and ingredients that complement each other and make every bite enjoyable.
3. Balanced Nutrition
This dish demonstrates thoughtful nutritional balance, incorporating wholesome ingredients, appropriate portioning, and mindful preparation techniques.
Ambassador Chefs
Chef Alvin Leung
With a fiery personality to match his unusual moniker “Demon Chef,” Alvin Leung was an engineer by trade when he decided to pack up at the age of 42 and pursue his culinary passion in Hong Kong. It was there he opened his critically acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant Bo Innovation. Now with multiple restaurants to his name, including Bo London, and R&D and aKin in Toronto, he is one of the few self-taught chefs in the world to hold multiple Michelin stars. Raised in the suburbs of Scarborough, Ont., Alvin has re-established his presence in Canada as a judge on CTV’s MasterChef Canada. He also lives with type 2 diabetes, bringing a personal connection to the importance of healthy cooking and balanced eating.
Chef Marissa Leon-John
Born and raised in Montreal, Chef Marissa Leon-John’s kitchen reflects the multicultural food haven she hails from. A proud MasterChef Canada alumna, Marissa uses her voice and platform to provide more visibility for other young, black LGBTQ+ members of the culinary community. With a focus on accessibility, Marissa channels her passion, expertise, and drive to create immersive full experiences through her brand, Elle Jays. In 2025, Marissa was a finalist on Flavour Network’s inaugural season of Big Burger Battle. She is very proud to be partnering once again with Diabetes Canada to shine a light on their work, which is personally very close to her.
Chef Malcolm Campbell
Chef Malcolm Campbell’s culinary journey began in Ontario and took him from Vancouver to London, where he trained under masters like John Williams at The Ritz and worked alongside Shay Cooper when The Bingham earned its first Michelin star. He refined his craft in renowned kitchens such as Gordon Ramsay’s Hospital Road and Auberge de l’Ile Barbe in Lyon. Returning to Canada, Malcolm worked at Canoe before becoming Chef de Cuisine at Auberge du Pommier, where he impressed diners with his elegant French cuisine. Now based in Nova Scotia, he brings his global experience to Mystic, showcasing the province’s land and sea through dishes that celebrate its rich culinary heritage. Living with type 1 diabetes, Malcolm is passionate about raising awareness and breaking stigma. He believes open, honest conversations can replace myths with understanding, and empower people with diabetes to live freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. About the Challenge
What is Aprons in Action?
Aprons in Action is Diabetes Canada’s national online cooking challenge-a fun and flavourful way to fundraise for a great cause, all from your own kitchen. It’s a cooking challenge, not a 10K-no running shoes required!
Who can participate?
Everyone! Whether you’re a home cook, a kitchen rookie, or a seasoned chef, this challenge is for you. You can participate solo, with friends or family, or as a corporate team.
Do I need to be a great cook?
Not at all. This challenge is about creativity and community-not perfection. If you can stir, chop, or taste, you’re ready to go.
Key Dates
March 18
Registration opens. Join early to get the most out of your Aprons in Action presented by Manulife cooking challenge journey.
March – September 1
Learn! Take part in program activities and build your skills throughout the challenge.
August 15
Registration closes. Time to put your skills to the test and develop your original recipe. Don’t forget to raise a minimum of $300 to be eligible to enter your recipe for People’s Challenge voting.
September 2 – 16
People’s Challenge voting is open! Upload your recipe and share with your friends and family to get those votes.
September 17
Top 15 semi-finalists (5 appetizer, 5 main & 5 dessert) announced by email to all participants.
September 18 – 30
Top 15 recipe evaluation by registered dietitians and Ambassador chefs.
October 1
Top 6 finalists (2 appetizer, 2 main & 2 dessert) announced by email to all participants.
October 12
The top fundraiser will be identified as of 11:59pm.
October 13
Finalists (per category) choose their celebrity chef to cook with at the Aprons in Action Celebration Gala.
Top Fundraiser wins a seat at the Aprons in Action Celebration Gala judging table.
October 14
Aprons in Action online silent auction opens (and runs until November 14).
November 14
Aprons in Action Celebration Gala takes place at The Carlu in Toronto.
I've raised $300. When will I receive my official apron?
Aprons will be shipped as a one-time distribution to the first 900 participants who reach $300 in fundraising. We anticipate shipping in mid-August, or once all 900 aprons have been claimed - whichever comes first. You’ll receive an email notification in advance to let you know your apron is on its way!
2. Registration
How do I register?
Visit apronsinaction.ca and click “Register.” Set up your fundraising page, personalize your story, and you’re ready to start cooking for a cause.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. It’s $25 to join.
What happens after I register?
You’ll receive a welcome email with your fundraising toolkit, recipe inspiration, and step-by-step instructions for setting up your page and sharing your story.
Can I create or join a team?
Absolutely! Invite friends, family, or coworkers to cook alongside you. Corporate teams can even host internal cook-offs or “office bake battles” to boost engagement.
3. Cooking & Sharing
What kind of dish should I make?
Anything you love! Follow our recipe guidelines (provide link) and aim for something balanced, flavourful, and creative-a recipe that reflects you.
How do I share my dish?
Upload your photos and story directly to the People’s Choice voting page. Share your unique link on social media so friends and family can see (and support) your masterpiece.
Can I enter more than one dish?
Each participant may submit one dish. After raising a minimum of $300, you’ll unlock the ability to upload your official entry.
4. Voting & Finalists
How does voting work?
When voting opens, you’ll receive your personalized link. Share it widely-every vote counts! The top 15 vote-getters will become semi-finalists and have their dishes reviewed by our registered dietitians and ambassador chefs. From there, the top 6 participants with the most combined fundraising and scoring will be invited to Toronto for the Aprons in Action Celebration Gala.
When does voting start and end?
Voting will open on September 2 and will close on September 16, 2026. Reminders to get your recipe ready will be sent two weeks before voting opens.
What if I’m not a finalist?
Every dollar you raise and every dish you share moves us closer to better outcomes for people living with diabetes in Canada. That’s the real win.
5. The Celebration Gala
What is the Celebration Gala?
It’s the grand finale of Aprons in Action presented by Manulife-a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cook alongside celebrity chefs in Toronto. The event will celebrate our top fundraisers, finalists, and partners.
How are finalists chosen?
The six participants with the best combination of fundraising totals, votes, and creativity will be selected.
Do finalists receive travel or accommodations?
Yes. Finalists will receive travel and accommodation support and details from the Diabetes Canada team once selections are confirmed.
6. Impact & Support
Where do the funds go?
Proceeds support Diabetes Canada’s mission programs to improve the lives of people living with diabetes in Canada, sharing knowledge and resources, supporting healthcare professionals to improve patient care, advocating for change through policy, and funding research to advance treatments and discover a cure.
Can I volunteer or partner my company with Aprons in Action?
Absolutely! Corporate partners and volunteers can help make this event a success. Contact us at apronsinfo@diabetes.ca for opportunities.
Do I need to be a great cook?
Not at all. This challenge is about creativity and community, not perfection. If you can stir, chop, or taste, you’re ready to go.
Contact Us
Need help? Our team is here for you. Reach out anytime at apronsinfo@diabetes.ca.
National Office: 1000-170 University Ave. Toronto, ON M5H 3B3