2025 National Philanthropy Day
Renu and Don Kapoor
2025 Outstanding Philanthropist Award Recipient
Every year in November, the Association of Fundraising Professionals - South Saskatchewan Chapter joins charities, organizations, and citizens across Canada to celebrate National Philanthropy Day by recognizing the contributions of donors and volunteers. This year, we are pleased to announce Renu and Don Kapoor as our 2025 Outstanding Philanthropist award recipients.
Renu and Don Kapoor are recognizing more than 45 years of their shared philanthropic dedication to the community, with an unwavering focus on multiculturalism, diversity, and well-being. As recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the Kapoors have led numerous fundraising galas—including Champions for Mental Health, Moving Forward Together, India Night(hosted by Cultural Connections), and the RCMP Charity Ball—through which nearly $30,000 has been directed to the University of Regina in support of various causes. Among these is the establishment of two endowed student awards: the Dr. Don Kapoor Scholarship and the Dr. Don and Renu Kapoor Celebration Award, which provide lasting support to students in the Faculty of Education and participants in the Campus For All: Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program, respectively.
Together and individually, Renu and Don have made extraordinary contributions to Saskatchewan’s social fabric. Renu, in particular, has received numerous accolades for her exceptional service, including the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the University ofRegina President’s Community Award, the YWCA Volunteer of the Year Award, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Regina. Her extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse, the Regina Public Library, the Regina Housing Authority, SaskCulture, the Regina Chapter of Osteoporosis Canada, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Regina and Area), and the India Canada Association. She currently serves on the board of the Hopes and Dreams housing campaign with the North Central Family Center.
Renu and Don Kapoor exemplify the true spirit of philanthropy. They embody what it means to lead with compassion, to inspire hope, and to build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Congratulations, Don & Renu, on receiving the 2025 Outstanding Philanthropist Award!
2025 National Philanthropy Day
Young Fellows of Weyburn
2025 Outstanding Community Partner Award Recipient
The Young Fellows Club of Weyburn (YF) exemplifies the spirit of community partnership and grassroots philanthropy. Established in 1922, this all-volunteer service club has spent over a century living their motto, "We Serve."Their sustained commitment to the community of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, has resulted in more than $3 million reinvested locally, a truly remarkable achievement for a small-town organization (population 11,000).
What sets the YF apart is their consistent, hands-on approach to giving back. Their support spans generations and sectors: from youth sports teams and cultural programs to parks, playgrounds, local rinks, not-for-profit and charities, and The Legion. Their contributions aren't limited to writing cheques - they physically build the playgrounds they fund, staff the Christmas Tree Lot, run cabarets, and take on whatever role is needed to bring a project to life.
The club's roots in service go deep. During wartime, they funded and purchased an ambulance to support Canada’s war effort and provided holiday aid to local families. Following the war, they honored local heroes by erecting a monument to fallen soldiers, a testament to their enduring respect for those who served.
To fund their work, the YF organize a wide range of fundraising initiatives that have become beloved community traditions. Firewood sales, a bustling Christmas Tree Lot, catering and bartending services, online auctions, comedy and run by YF members, who volunteer countless hours of their time and energy—not for recognition, but because they believe deeply in strengthening their community. Their impact is visible not just in dollars raised, but in the fabric of the community itself. Their work builds safe places for children to play, sponsors youth sports, supports local veterans, and brings people together in joyful, inclusive ways. They are a trusted partner to numerous local non-profits, and a steady force in times of both celebration and need.
Perhaps most importantly, the YF lead by example. They embody what it means to be community builders: resourceful, humble, reliable, and entirely committed to service. Their legacy is not just the projects completed or the funds raised, but the generations of volunteers and citizens they have inspired to give back.
For their century-long dedication to community service, their innovative and consistent fundraising efforts, and their unwavering focus on keeping every dollar raised within Weyburn, the Young Fellows Club is more than deserving of recognition as an Outstanding Community Partner. They are the heartbeat of local philanthropy and a shining example of what can be achieved when service is a way of life.
Congratulations, Young Fellows, on receiving the 2025 Outstanding Community Partner Award!