2007 Philanthropy Award Recipients

2007 Philanthropy Awards Recipients Raise the Yardstick For Commitment, Creativity and Community Involvement

TORONTO (October 11, 2007) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter is proud to announce the recipients of the 2007 Philanthropy Awards.

“We’re here to shine a light on the passion of giving and to encourage our communities to continue doing amazing things,” says Mark Climie, Chapter President, “The Association of Fundraising Professionals Awards give us an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations.”

Presented each year by AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, these awards are an opportunity to honour individuals and organizations that lead by example to improve the lives of others by donating their time, talent and financial resources to not-for-profit organizations in the GTA.

Presented each year by AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, these awards are an opportunity to honour individuals and organizations that lead by example to improve the lives of others by donating their time, talent and financial resources to not-for-profit organizations in the GTA.

Recipients this year include Arthur and Sonia Labatt (Outstanding Philanthropist), Barbara Stymiest (Outstanding Volunteer), BMO Financial Group (Outstanding Corporation), Donner Canadian Foundation (Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation), Sanjay and Sofia Sugumar (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy), Susan McIsaac (Outstanding Fundraising Professional), Camp Oochigeas and Community Matters Toronto (co-winners in the Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising).

“Every year we are amazed not only by the dedication of the people and organizations nominated but also by the quality of work of all nominees,” says Yves Gadler, Awards Selection Committee Chair. “AFP is honoured to be part of our recipients’ significant achievements.”

Nominations are submitted by AFP Greater Toronto Chapter members on behalf of the organization where nominees have made a difference through their volunteer or philanthropic efforts. Recipients will be recognized at the annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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, North Building, Thursday, November 15, 2007. For more information please contact the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter at 416-941-9212, or visit www.afptoronto.org.

About National Philanthropy Day

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 more than 190 AFP chapters throughout the world.

For more information contact:

Sandra Cruickshanks/Kyra Aylsworth

Thornley Fallis Communications

416-515-7517

BACKGROUND

Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter 2007 Philanthropy Awards Recipients

Outstanding Philanthropists – Arthur and Sonia Labatt

Arthur and Sonia Labatt have demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to their community and an unwavering support of paediatric health care and research. In February 2007, the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) received a pledge of $30 million from the Labatts – the largest gift in the history of the hospital, and the largest private investment in children’s cardiac medicine and research in North America. This was their second important gift to the hospital. Beyond their significant and ongoing financial contributions to various organizations both the Labatts are active volunteers and community leaders.

Outstanding Volunteer – Barbara Stymiest

Barbara Stymiest, Chief Operating Officer RBC Financial Group, brings global perspective, leadership and business acumen to her position as Chair of “Everything Humanly Possible: The Campaign for Toronto Rehab”. As one of Canada’s most influential financial executives, she also brings the insight and compassion of a patient and family member to her current role. Ms. Stymiest caps 25 stellar years of volunteer service with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the campaign, upon its completion, will set a fundraising record in the rehabilitation sector in Ontario.

Outstanding Corporation – BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group provides a model of corporate philanthropy, supports important health care initiatives and helps the fundraising industry flourish for the ultimate benefit of those who need help the most. BMO Financial Group is taking a lead in inner city health research as a long-time partner with the Centre for Research on Inner City Health at St. Michael’s Hospital. In addition to supporting the important research taking place within this centre, this concerned business is making sure the community is aware of the work being done to raise the profile of philanthropic successes. BMO Financial Group is also a long-time sponsor of the Association of Fundraising (AFP) Professionals.

Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation – Donner Canadian Foundation

The Donner Canadian Foundation is one of Canada’s largest, and oldest, private foundations dedicated to supporting projects that emphasize self-reliance, individual initiative and independence. Since 2002, the Donner Canadian Foundation has provided $957,176 in support of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), sharing in their vision: “Healthier Children. A better world.” Thanks to the Donner Canadian Foundation, SickKids has been able to increase its activity and broaden its impact internationally, helping improve the health and smiles of thousands of children around the world.

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Sanjay and Sofia Sugumar

Sanjay and Sofia Sugumar demonstrate qualities that make them wonderful philanthropic models for other young people. In October 2006, Sanjay and Sofia, then aged 11 and 9, donated their life savings - $2,033.05 in small change - to the Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital; where they had been born. Their gift was given to support the hospital’s “Labour of Love Campaign” to build a birthing and newborn centre. The new birthing and newborn centre will provide culturally sensitive, family-centred care to the half million people who live in Eastern Scarborough and West Durham.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional – Susan McIsaac

Susan McIsaac is the Vice President, Resource Development of United Way of Greater Toronto and a passionate leader in the charitable sector. She believes the challenge for a fundraiser is to educate and connect donors to the potential in their community. Under her leadership, the United Way team has done just that. Almost a half billion dollars has been raised in five years to support vital programs in the communities across Toronto. Ms. McIsaac now oversees an annual campaign of more than $100-million, an Endowment of more than $50-million and a Special Gifts program for key donors that raised more than $10-million last year.

Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising – Camp Oochigeas

Camp Oochigeas is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides year-round programs for children affected by childhood cancer at their site in Muskoka, at the Hospital for Sick Children and in the community. This year, a record-breaking $276,941 was raised in support of Camp Oochigeas by applying some new, innovative on-line marketing strategies and by integrating a new community, a new strategy and a new system to promote participation in the annual Sporting Life 10K fundraising event. Camp Oochigeas increased the amount raised by more than eleven times from the previous year and more than triple the 2007 target – making this the most successful year to date by far.

Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising – Community Matters Toronto

Community Matters Toronto is the only grassroots multicultural organization in St. James Town that addresses barriers faced by newcomers as they seek to realize their full potential as individuals and Canadian citizens. Community Matters Toronto responds to needs identified in the community through literacy programs, nutrition workshops, citizenship classes, parenting courses and childcare resources for the community. The past four years have seen improvements made to the fundraising infrastructure at Community Matters Toronto, most notably their efforts to encourage inter-organizational cooperation with neighbourhood groups facing similar challenges.