Determination, commitment, insight hallmark characteristics of 2006 Philanthropy Award recipients

Toronto, Oct. 3, 2006 – The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Toronto Chapter, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2006 Philanthropy Awards.

Presented each year by AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, these awards are an opportunity to celebrate individuals and organizations that lead by example to give their time, talent and financial resources to make a meaningful contribution to the work of not-for-profit organizations in the GTA.

“Philanthropy Award recipients, whether individuals or organizations, set an example for the rest of us with their professionalism, commitment and passion,” says Yves Gadler, Chapter president. “They remind us that we can all make a difference in the lives of others, our community, our world.”

Recipients this year include Margaret N. McCain (Outstanding Philanthropist), Sally Horsfall Eaton and John Craig Eaton (Outstanding Volunteers), Jenna Lambert (Youth in Philanthropy), Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life (Outstanding Corporation), the Harbinger Foundation (Outstanding Foundation or Philanthropic Group) and Paul Marcus (Outstanding Fundraising Professional).

“I think I speak for each member of the committee overseeing the Philanthropy Awards in saying we are overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of every individual and organization nominated,” says Susan Mullin, Awards Selection Committee Chair. “The AFP is honoured to shine a light on the significant achievements of our award recipients.”

Nominations are submitted by AFP Greater Toronto Chapter members on behalf of their organization where nominees have made a difference through their volunteer or philanthropic efforts. Recipients will be recognized at a special National Philanthropy Day luncheon event Wednesday, November 15, 2006.

About outstanding corporation – Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
A strong endorsement of this organization’s exceptional approach, this recipient received two separate nominations for the Outstanding Corporation award. Robarts Research Institute and Heart and Stroke Foundation submitted one nomination; Frontier College Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Toronto submitted the other. Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are being recognized for their commitment and collaborative approach to supporting significant health care, arts, literacy and community-building projects. All three companies are recognized as leaders in the financial services industry and that recognition brings high expectations of leadership and innovation in the area of charitable giving.

The national program—the Key to Giving™—addresses community needs on a local, regional and national level. Staff volunteer efforts are encouraged through the Community Builders™ program where pledges are matched by the organization, and the Community Partners™ program where offices collaborate with local community organizations to realize their potential.

About the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards
The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter has been honouring leadership in philanthropy through its annual awards program since 1995. This year the Awards will be presented at the annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Wednesday, November 15, 2006. For more information please contact the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter at 416-941-9212, or visit www.afptoronto.org.

About National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day is recognized throughout North America as a celebration of philanthropy. Every year the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter honours individuals and groups who, through their hard work and dedication, have enhanced philanthropy in their communities and around the world. 

About AFP
AFP Greater Toronto Chapter is a recognized leader in promoting philanthropy and providing education, training and best practices for those in the fundraising profession. With more than 1,100 members, the Greater Toronto Chapter is the largest of the 180 AFP chapters throughout the world.

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