AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards Luncheon

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter is presenting their Philanthropy Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Room 105.

After inviting nominations from our 1,200 members, the chapter is set to celebrate the accomplishments of a remarkable group of philanthropic leaders by presenting awards for this year’s outstanding philanthropist, volunteer, fundraising professional, corporation, foundation, and youth in philanthropy.  

Determination, commitment, insight hallmark characteristics

of 2009 Philanthropy Award recipients

TORONTO (August 7, 2009) - The Greater Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) announced the winners of the 2009 Philanthropy Awards today. Recipients for this year include Joseph and Sandra Rotman (Outstanding Philanthropists), John Hunkin (Outstanding Volunteer), CIBC (Outstanding Corporation), The Counselling Foundation of Canada (Outstanding Foundation), Shawn St. Michael (Outstanding Fundraising Professional), Bilaal Rajan (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy), and The Redwood and Station Gallery (co-recipients of the Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising).

The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards are a celebration of the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support made by organizations and individuals, who have set excellence benchmarks in encouraging the spirit of giving.

"In view of the current economic uncertainty, it is of utmost importance that we recognize and honour those individuals and organizations, who exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy by giving, as well as encouraging others to give," said Karen Willson, CFRE, Chapter President. "By putting their creative ingenuity, powers of persuasion, strategic skills and generosity to work, this year's AFP award recipients have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our community and empowered others to meet challenges and overcome obstacles."

The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards are a celebration of the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support made by organizations and individuals, who have demonstrated excellence and best practice in achieving high-quality fundraising through either their own efforts or their vision and strategy. Recipients are chosen by the AFP Award Selection committee and include individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists, civic and service philanthropic organizations, professional fundraising executives, and non-profits. 

"We received a very healthy submission of nominations this year, all of which deserve appreciation for the fine example they set," said Mark Climie-Elliott, CFRE, Philanthropy Awards Selection Chair. "Philanthropy plays a key role in connecting our community and making it a vibrant and thriving place to live. As a leader in the promotion of philanthropy, AFP is delighted to recognize the outstanding achievements of this years' recipients, all of whom have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ethical fundraising and transformational leadership."

The 2009 AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards recipients will be honoured at a special luncheon on Wednesday, December 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre as a part of Congress 2009.

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 AFP Greater Toronto Chapter’s Philanthropy Awards Luncheon to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. For more information please contact Cynthia Quigley AFP Greater Toronto Chapter at 416-941-9212 or  

cquigley@afptoronto.org or visit www.afptoronto.org.

About AFP

Association of Fundraising Professionals (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 1,200 members, the Greater Toronto Chapter is the largest of the 200 AFP chapters throughout the world.

Media contact: Cynthia Quigley at 416-941-9212 or cquigley@afptoronto.org