Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic Honours Shirin Ariff with 2026 Spirit of Schlifer Award
Toronto, ON — April 10, 2026 — The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is proud to announce Shirin Ariff as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Barbra Schlifer Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting women and gender-diverse people experiencing violence.
Shirin Ariff, B.A. (Eng. Hons.), B.Ed., OOT, ICF-CAA, OLCM-L, brings more than two decades of experience in education and personal development. A six-time international best-selling author and global speaker, she is also an award-winning Life Transformation Coach known for equipping clients with practical tools to build lives rooted in authenticity, dignity, and freedom.
As a mother of four, Shirin’s personal journey reflects remarkable resilience. She has overcome facial paralysis, survived cancer, and navigated two abusive marriages—experiences she courageously shares in her international best-selling memoir, The Second Wife. Her story has also been featured in the Dream Big docuseries and presented at international film festivals, inspiring audiences around the world.
Beyond her personal achievements, Shirin continues to give back through coaching, workshops, and initiatives such as National Cancer Hero Day, empowering others to find hope, healing, and transformation.
The 2026 Spirit of Schlifer Campaign, which includes a digital campaign and live award celebration, plays a vital role in sustaining the Clinic’s work. As demand for services continues to rise, the Clinic remains committed to providing critical support to survivors facing complex and urgent challenges.
In 2025, the campaign raised $120,000, enabling the Clinic to serve more than 18,600 survivors of violence. However, the need continues to grow. Many clients face financial hardship, which increases vulnerability and makes it more difficult to leave unsafe situations. The Clinic is now working toward a $200,000 goal to expand capacity and ensure services remain accessible, responsive, and sustainable.
Funds raised through the campaign directly support the Clinic’s trauma-informed legal, counselling, and interpretation services—lifelines that empower survivors to rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and support.
The Board of Directors and staff of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic extend their heartfelt congratulations to Shirin Ariff. Her work exemplifies professional excellence, compassion, and integrity, and continues to strengthen individuals and communities affected by gender-based violence.
About the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is a specialized service provider for women and gender-diverse people experiencing violence. The Clinic was established in memory of Barbra Teena Schlifer, a young lawyer who was tragically murdered in Toronto on April 11, 1980—the day of her call to the Bar of Ontario.
The Clinic provides trauma-informed legal representation, counselling, and multilingual interpretation services. Through its work, it fosters safety, dignity, and equality while amplifying the voices of survivors to drive meaningful individual and systemic change.
To learn more about the 2026 Spirit of Schlifer Campaign or to support this important work, please visit:
https://spirit.schliferclinic.com/
