The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) annual National Philanthropy Day awards program recognizes outstanding achievement by individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists and fundraising volunteers. In professional fundraising, such individuals and organizations form a vital partnership with charities and the nonprofit sector to ensure that the needs of all citizens are met.
National Philanthropy Day publicly pays tribute to the many contributions that philanthropy – and the individuals and groups who are active in the philanthropic community have made to our lives and our community. This year’s group of extraordinary recipients will join a long list of generous Canadians. These winners make Windsor, Essex County and Chatham-Kent a better place to live, work and play!
The Outstanding Fundraising Innovation award honours a not-for-profit organization who has created an innovative fundraising campaign or initiative that achieved or exceeded its target. This new award celebrates the challenges faced by the charitable sector to think outside the box by creating something new, or breathing new life into an old campaign or initiative to increase funds and awareness. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch was honoured to be the recipient of this inaugural award.
This year’s event honoured the following local recipients:
- WindsorEssex Community Foundation Award for Spirit of Philanthropy – Fo Abiad
- Habitat for Humanity Windsor Essex Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Maya Mikhael
- AFP Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional – Pat Valleau
- United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Award for Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer – Jeff Casey
- University of Windsor Award for Outstanding Business or Corporation – The Garage Gym
- Caesars Windsor Cares Award for Outstanding Fundraising Innovation – Canadian Mental Health Association – Sole Focus Project
- Outstanding Community Champion – Chris Caruana