By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Burlington non-profit Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network, through its 100 Seeds of Joy initiative, was recently named one of 2026’s Municipal Changemakers by Municipal World magazine.
The magazine, which describes itself on its website as “devoted to promoting effective municipal government,” honours five organizations from across Canada each year for the meaningful impact they make in their communities.
Municipal World said that the organization’s story “stood out to our distinguished panel of
judges,” and that they’re “excited to share it with all our readers across the country.”
The award will be formally announced in the magazine’s December issue.
Municipal World also previously honoured Burlington’s Marianne Meed Ward with their 2025 Mayor of the Year award.
This 2025 Mayor of the Year award was how Ioana Popa, founder of 100 Seeds of Joy, first heard about the magazine.
Popa said that she and other members of 100 Seeds of Joy attended the event at City Hall when Meed Ward accepted the award.
“We thought we’d be lost in the crowd,” she said. “I think we thought it would be full of people. But when we entered, I think we were the only ones who were not part of those who were invited. It was a very small group, but they were very welcoming.”
Popa said that later that month, 100 Seeds of Joy wrote about the event on its blog and received numerous emails about Municipal World’s Municipal Changemaker awards.
“I received the link [to apply], but I said, ‘Come on, it’s crazy. Who are we,’” she said. “I mean, there are so many other organizations that have very strong support. So we kind of submitted on a whim, because others see so much value in what we do, and because we are proud as well.”
100 Seeds of Joy announced the award at a new annual community event called Seeds of Joy, which also celebrated Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network’s 20th anniversary.
“That was the first time we broke the news,” Popa said. “Very few people from our team knew; we tried to keep it a secret, to make it a surprise for everyone. Then we went to a local restaurant to celebrate.”
She said that the festival was a unique event because the group doesn’t often celebrate themselves.
“We are very down to earth,” Popa said. “We celebrate a birthday sometimes, but not all the time. We don’t have time, and it’s not about celebrating us, but that was a very nice surprise for everyone.”
The festival was held at the Oakville Central Library and featured live musical performances and collective guided meditation.
The event also marked 10 years since the group started operating classes in Oakville. Popa said that the group wanted Oakville residents to have their own festival to attend instead of always travelling to Burlington.
Popa said that the recognition will hopefully showcase what a vibrant non-profit community Halton has.
