TORONTO (August 12, 2008) - The Greater Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) announced the Winners of the 2008 Philanthropy Awards today.

Recipients this year include Kelly Meighen and Senator Michael Meighen, along with Linda and Robert Krembil (co-winners in the Outstanding Philanthropist category), Ana Paula Lopes (Outstanding Volunteer), RBC Financial Group (Outstanding Corporation), Toskan-Casale Foundation (Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation), Tennys Hanson, (Outstanding Fundraising Professional), Amanda Belzowski (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy), and Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation (Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising).

"Real leadership in philanthropy seldom announces itself," said Mark Climie-Elliott, CFRE, Chapter President. "The individuals and organizations honoured this year have let their actions rather than their words speak volumes in our communities. Yet the Association of Fundraising Professionals feels their work has been truly inspirational, deserving of the highest accolades. These awards allow us to express our gratitude, to say a few words about a great many important deeds."

In the thirteen years since the inception of the annual Philanthropy Awards, the Association has played host to some of the most important contributors to Toronto's not-for-profit sector. All awards recipients are chosen by the AFP Awards Selection Committee. The committee reviews each application received by the stated deadline. All categories will be awarded having met the selection criteria and historical high standards pf achievement.

"When we first conceived of this event more than a decade ago, we had little idea of how much the real spirit of giving would grow in our communities, how many distinguished nominees we would invite to receive their awards," said Yves Gadler, CFRE, Awards Selection Committee Chair. "Now our list of winners truly tells a story of an era of giving, one which has transformed our city and the lives of those less fortunate in our communities."

Those selected each year include individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists, civic and service philanthropic organizations, professional fundraising executives and non-profit organizations. The winners will be honoured at a November 26th luncheon, held at the Metro Convention Centre as part of Congress 2008.