Transform your next event
Watch as Tom captivates audiences and brings them with him on his journey of inspiration, mentorship and hope.
Tom’s awards & recognition
2x recipient for the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian award
The Power of Humanity Awards celebrate volunteerism, advocacy and philanthropy, and honour those whose leadership inspires others to pursue humanitarian goals. Each year, the Red Cross presents the Humanitarian Award and the Young Humanitarian Award in each of the four Atlantic provinces based on nominations from the general public.
Inaugural SOS Children’s Village International award by Mike “Pinball” Clemons
The SOS International Foster Awards Gala recognizes leadership and success in foster care, celebrates inspiring former foster children who have triumphed over adversity, and raises money for programs that prevent further deaths of foster children.The proven SOS Children’s Village model of care, with 572 villages in 134 countries, is based on SOS International founder Hermann Gmeiner’s belief that a consistent professional caregiver, family atmosphere, home, and supportive community create a circle of healing, belonging, and growth for a child in need.
Peter Legge Philanthropist Of The Year award
The Peter Legge Philanthropic Of The Year award is given to an individual who demonstrates the principles of philanthropy and stewardship through their actions and outcomes, serves as a role model for others in giving for the sake of giving without expecting anything in return, and demonstrates professionalism and ethical behavior that is consistent with the values of CAPS and the CAPS Foundation.
Business Excellence award
The Business Excellence award publicly recognizes outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals that demonstrate excellence in business, showcase a passion for the community, and service the business-to-consumer sector. It is presented with distinguished recognition of leaders who are consistently demonstrating an exemplary level of excellence in customer service and a commitment to their communities at large, while adhering to a strong code of business ethics.
Surviving Trauma
Using Personal Choice to Move Forward
Tom Watson | TEDxChilliwack
As a very young child, Tom Watson was taken from neglectful parents and placed into foster care. Tom journeyed through multiple foster homes and unfortunately endured appalling abuse along the way.
How did this traumatized child grow up to be a loving husband and father, a respected businessman, and noted author? Tom’s personal and deeply moving story illustrates how his philosophy of putting others first has the power to transform lives on a daily basis.
Tom’s bestselling book
Man Shoes
The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband & Father
The Inspiring, true story of one man’s journey through loss and love, told with humor and heroism. A survivor of child abuse, upheaval and 13 foster homes, Tom Watson learned at an early age to overcome adversity.
Rescued at the age of five by the Watson family, he found new hope and love that helped to heal his deep physical and emotional wounds. Encouraged by a community of supporters, Tom learned vital lessons in patience, perseverance, laughter and tradition.
Years later, these lessons would be put to the ultimate test as Tom faced heartbreaking losses that threatened to destroy him. A stunning revelation of one man’s determination to live life to its fullest, Man Shoes demonstrates that new beginnings are possible at any age and at any stage of life, no matter what obstacles get in the way.
This story is an important reminder that we can live a better life and influence others to do the same! A must read for men of all ages, and for the women who love them.
“Man Shoes” is on the Publishers Best Sellers List.
Book interviews
I needed a miracle… “Man Shoes” Tom Watson 1/2
I needed a miracle… “Man Shoes” Tom Watson 2/2
Tom Watson author of Man Shoes interviewed on Good Day Oregon
Tom’s philanthropic work
Tom is an active member of many philanthropic and service organizations, and serves as a board member and team leader for several of them. His commitment to helping people live a better life has led to:
- Helping governments in Zambia, Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda establish sport and recreation systems and networks with Athletes in Action
- Fundraising and financing the construction of 56 homes in Zambia with his employees
- Sponsoring well-digging projects in Kenya
- Distributing more than 5,000 pairs of eyeglasses to Haiti
- Building homes in Mexico with Homes of Hope
- Building homes in Costa Rica with Habitat for Humanity
- Being a top fundraiser in the Ride to Conquer Cancer
- Supporting nonprofit and sport organizations like: Alberta Association of Aquatic Professionals, Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel, BC Recreation Foundation, BCRPA, Canadian Red Cross, Lifesaving Society
