Since 1986, ever since President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed November 15th as National Philanthropy Day, communities around the world have celebrated the “love of humankind” and general acts of kindness and generosity. This year is no different.
Canada can be especially proud, as we are the only country in the world to have officially passed a legal act dedicating The 15th of November as National Philanthropy Day. The Queen of England is even on board. You can read the official act here.
Now is the time to start thinking about how your organization will celebrate National Philanthropy day with your donors. One way might be to invite your most loyal and dedicated volunteers and donors to a local event that marks the day. Many Association of Fundraising Professionals chapters around the world will be hosting luncheons and other events to recognize generosity in the community.
In Toronto the AFP Toronto Chapter recently announced the winners of their 2015 Philanthropy Awards. We join AFP Toronto in congratulating the 2015 honourees:
"Philanthropy is the collective soul of our community. It enriches our lives and creates meaningful opportunities to make a tangible and profound difference to so many inspiring causes and issues. This year's award recipients stand as an example of the generosity and dedication of donors, volunteers and leaders in the charitable sector," said Susan Storey, CFRE, Chair AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards Selection Committee. "Our award recipients are innovators and trailblazers who have inspired us through their impact. They have selflessly contributed their passion, strategic skills and outstanding commitment to our community and they have energized and empowered others to do the same."
If you are in the Greater Toronto Area on November 15th perhaps you can invite your board members to join the Toronto Chapter and celebrate the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support of a special group of Canadians who set new benchmarks of excellence in the acts of giving and volunteering.
The 2015 recipients will be honoured at the Philanthropy Awards Luncheon from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, as part of Congress 2015, the Greater Toronto Chapter's annual conference. Please visit the Philanthropy Awards website to view award categories and past recipients. Tickets can be ordered online.
Thank you to the generous sponsors of each these awards:
CIBC, CharityVillage, Great West Life, London Life, Canada Life, Hal Jackman Foundation, KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.), Loblaw Companies Limited, TD Bank Group.
For more information contact: Cynthia Quigley at 416-941-9212 or cquigley@afptoronto.org.
