Who is Sima Acan?
Sima Acan is a dedicated community leader with a deep commitment to public service and a strong connection to her roots in Oakville West.
She is an Electronics Engineer and runs a small business in Burlington. Serving as a director at the Oakville Liberal Party, VP of the Burlington Provincial Liberal Party, and the President of the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, Sima has been at the forefront of advocating for her community and fostering strong relationships with key political figures across Canada.
Her commitment to community service extends beyond her professional life, as evidenced by her extensive volunteer work. She has served on her kids' school's Parent-School Associations Board and School Councils.
Sima’s dedication extends to her involvement with the Oakville Lions Club, where she has contributed to numerous community initiatives, such as leading the District Childhood Cancer Committee, covering over 80 Service Clubs, and being the Region Chair for Lions International. Her commitment to service is further reflected in her personal life.
These leadership roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of local issues, the ability to forge meaningful relationships with diverse community groups, and the skill to drive initiatives that address residents' unique needs. Her leadership style is characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to achieving tangible results with unwavering integrity.
As a devoted mother of two, Sima spends quality time with her family and explores new destinations. With a vision for the future of Oakville West, Sima is deeply invested in the community she calls home.
Lions Clubs International and Oakville Lions Club
Sima’s volunteer service extends significantly within the Lions Clubs International and Oakville Lions Club. She has held numerous positions, each demonstrating her leadership and commitment to community service:
- Region Chair 6 (as of July 2024)
- Childhood Cancer Chair District A-711 (Jul 2023 - Present)
- Zone Chair 6B and Immediate Past President (Jul 2022 - Jul 2023)
- President (Jul 2021 - Jul 2022)
- Vice President - Oakville Lions Club (Jul 2020 - Jul 2021)
- 2nd Vice President - Oakville Lions Club (Jul 2019 - Jul 2020)
- Senior Director - Oakville Lions Club (Jul 2018 - Jul 2019)
- Junior Director - Oakville Lions Club (Jul 2017 - Jul 2018)
During these roles, Sima has led initiatives addressing various social issues, demonstrating her ability to mobilize resources and people for the greater good. Her focus on childhood cancer highlights her dedication to critical health causes. Her passion for social causes is evident in her extensive work with the Lions Clubs. For example, her current project aims to raise a staggering $360,000 for Camp Circle Fire, directly impacting the lives of children battling cancer.
Sima took part in committees for annual fundraisers, such as the Oakville Lions Club yearly golf tournament, British Car Day, Oakville Ribfest, and Cruze Nights (from May to the end of October each year). Additionally, these committees volunteer for the Veteran’s Fishing Derby, Bingo shifts, and Oakville Dog Guides Walk. Raised funds donated to organizations such as Kerr Street Mission, Safety Net, Fareshare Food Bank, Oakville Park Food Bank, Salvation Army, Food 4 Kids, Meals on Wheels, Lighthouse for Grieving Kids, Radius Child and Youth Services, Buying Blankets for the poor, Burloak Canoe Club, Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Heart and Stroke of Halton, Peewee Baseball, ILC Chronic Pain, Acclaim Health, Oakville Community Living, Shifra Homes, Halton Down Syndrome Association, Oakville Chamber Orchestra, Lion’s Camp Dorset, True North Aid, Wellspring Cancer Support, 540 Golden Hawks Air Cadets, Adults in Motion-Oakville, Halton Environmental Network, Oakville Green, Sai Dham Food Bank, Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre, Literacy North Halton, Community Living Oakville, Halton Food for Thought, Heartache2Hope, Poppy Fund Royal Legion, SAVIS, Lions Foundation Dog Guides, Lions Foundation for International Disaster Relief Funds, and supporting any individual in need in the community.
VIWO – Voice of Immigrant Women
Sima is one of the three directors of VIWO, a nonprofit organization helping immigrant women of Turkish origin in Canada. VIWO organizes events to help improve the lives of immigrant women, supporting them with workshops on resume writing, interview skills, language support, mental health support groups, and seminars. Recently, they had a fundraiser to raise funds to create projects to help immigrant women who are survivors of the 2023 Earthquake Disaster in Türkiye, for their integration to Canada.
Brookdale Public School, Home and School Association, and School Council in Oakville
Sima has also dedicated her time to Brookdale Public School, Home and School Association (non-for-profit), and School Council in Oakville, serving as:
- School Council Treasurer, B.D Public School (Oct 2017 - Sep 2020; Oct 2015 - Oct 2016)
- School Council Vice President, B.D Public School (Oct 2016 - Oct 2017)
During her years of service, she worked in various fundraisers throughout the year to help the kids in different areas and contribute to school funding such as for Chromebooks, furniture, play area, outdoor classroom, books, teachers’ wish lists, musical instruments, school team uniforms, supporting breakfast programs, and helping kids in need. Her contributions here have been vital in supporting educational initiatives and ensuring effective governance and resource management within the school community.