National Philanthropy Day®

2023 National Philanthropy Day Award Recipients

In honour of National Philanthropy Day, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of South Eastern Ontario (AFPSEO) is honoured to recognize a group of inspirational people and organizations that have positively impacted our community in immeasurable ways:

Congratulations to Awesome Kingston, the William James Henderson Foundation, Bill and Nancy Gray, and John Armitage of Kingston, and David Clegg and Dianne Spencer of Belleville, for being selected to receive a National Philanthropy Day (NPD) Award from AFPSEO.

“This year's honourees embody the vibrant tapestry of tireless dedication unfolding daily in championing our charitable causes. They serve as a powerful testament to the profound impact inherent in every endeavour, highlighting the collective force for good. Through their unwavering commitment, they elevate South Eastern Ontario, transforming it into an inspiring place to live, work, and play.” - Marie Miller, President of AFPSEO.  

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is recognized worldwide on November 15 as a celebration of philanthropy. It is a time to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. The most cherished assets of our non-profits and charities are the philanthropists, volunteers, and fundraisers who understand that good work requires a commitment, through financial and/or human resources, and they go above and beyond in support of the organizations and causes they care about. 

AFPSEO is honoured to recognize the people who make our communities better and were proud to celebrate this year’s NPD Awards recipients on Thursday, December 7th at St. Lawrence College.

AFP South Eastern Ontario Chapter National Philanthropy Day® Awards Past Recipients

The National Philanthropy Day® Awards celebration is offered with the support of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy - Canada. 

2023 National Philanthropy Day Award Recipients:

Awesome Kingston is a part of the world-wide Awesome Foundation, groups of 10 people in their community who fund micro-grants ($1,000 each) to make their community a better place. The Kingston branch has been in place since 2011 and has handed out over $100,000 during that time. They have funded a wide range of activities over the years. As a group of 10 individuals (Trustees), led by Matt Dubblestein (the Dean of Awesome), they invite project pitches 10 times per year and chose one recipient at each "Pitch Party". Recipients receive the $1,000 in cash for their project at the end of the evening and are able to spend it immediately, with no reporting or other requirements. They engage with all aspects of Kingston community, from students at school, to individuals, to those working with underserved populations, the list is long over the years! In many cases, while the amount of $1,000 may seem small, it makes the entire project feasible and takes someone's dream and turns it into reality.

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The William James Henderson Foundation was established in 1992 to continue Judge Henderson’s good work in support of charities within Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, and Leeds Counties.  A bequest in his will enabled his legacy of giving to health care, social services, education, and those with special needs to continue. The Foundation is a champion of health care in our region and one of the largest contributors to St. Lawrence College (SLC), Queen's University, and the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation UHKF.  Under the leadership of Trustees David Pattenden and Michael Hickey, Judge Henderson's legacy of supporting health care in Kingston has been truly transformational.  From supporting student bursaries to the Centre for Behavioural Studies and, most recently, the development of a Specialty Nursing Lab, the Henderson Foundation has invested close to $750,000 in SLC students.  At UHKF, this investment is close to $3.4 million, creating a Research Institute at Kingston General Hospital (KGH), and also supporting breast and prostate cancer clinical care, as well as seniors care for those living with dementia.  Queen's University has been the beneficiary of over $2.8 million with Judge Henderson's legacy supporting interventional cardiology research, the Centre for Health Innovation, the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME), and the Queen's Health Sciences Simulation Fund.  It also established the Ruth Pattenden Fellowship in Interstitial Lung Disease, in memory of David Pattenden's late wife.

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Bill and Nancy Gray's unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Southeastern Ontario is an exemplary testament to their dedication and ability to inspire and motivate the community. They have created a profound impact through diverse projects, always approaching them with genuine enthusiasm and meaningful engagement. Bill and Nany Gray's unique approach to philanthropy, driven by their connections with others and the establishment of trust-based relationships, has significantly enhanced the quality of life for equity-deserving groups in Southeastern Ontario and beyond. Their inspirational work has motivated the community to actively participate in humanitarian efforts and has set a remarkable example for others to follow. Through genuine engagement and meaningful contributions, they have left an enduring legacy of positive change in the region.

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David Clegg is an alumnus, parent, generous donor and member of the Board of Governors at Albert College in Belleville. His connection to Albert is long-standing as David attended Albert as a day student from 1981 to 1986. Following his graduation, he has since been an active alumnus assisting with events, reunions, fundraisers and campaigns, and giving back to the school in whatever way he can. As both an alumnus and a current parent at Albert College, he possesses a unique perspective that allows him to appreciate the profound impact that Albert College has on its students year after year. David is driven by a desire to share this experience and continue to endorse the wonderful things that are happening at Albert College for both local and international students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. David's unwavering dedication and support have been instrumental in the success of Albert College and numerous other not-for-profit organizations in the Belleville community and his generosity is making a difference.

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In Dianne Spencer’s role as Executive Director of College Advancement & External Relations at Loyalist College in Belleville, she focused on securing funding for programs and projects that supported student and graduate success. Dianne played a lead role in College capital campaigns for projects and programs, including the building of The Parrott Centre and The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre, and the establishment of Weston Family Scholarship program in the skilled trades. The Scholarship Program began as a pilot project in 2013 and grew to support more than 150 students entering skilled trades programs by 2018, taught in the Bay of Quinte Skills Centre. This pilot project at Loyalist led to the expansion of the program to a number of other colleges across the country, through the Weston Family Scholarship program, supporting students in skilled trades. In addition to her work at Loyalist College, since her retirement, Dianne has continued to be an active member of AFP and supported the members of the South Eastern Ontario Chapter (AFPSEO).

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For over three decades, John Armitage has volunteered with the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) as an advocate for health care and raising significant funds for the needs of our Hospitals. John has received excellent healthcare over the years and appreciates the hospitals' role in making Kingston and the surrounding area a great place to live and work for professionals, families and retirees. He is generous with his knowledge and network, opening doors and creating new health care champions in the construction sector and beyond. John has also undertaken mini-campaigns to help secure support to purchase vital equipment for specific departments within the hospitals. John has been at the heart of the success of prior fundraising campaigns, and UHKF continues to benefit from John's willingness to share his personal health care experiences with potential donors, inspiring them to join him in supporting UHKF.

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