2005 Award Recipients

The awards are chosen based on submissions from chapter members. “We are always overwhelmed by the incredible commitment and effort of the nominees,” says Susan Mullin, CFRE, Chair of the Awards Selection Committee. “The real winners are the organizations and individuals that benefit from the incredible dedication demonstrated by every nominee.” Award winners will be recognized the AFP National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon, November 15, 2005.

Outstanding Philanthropists

This year, multiple recipients are recognized for their significant and varied contributions to cultural, health care and community organizations across Canada.

Michael Lee-Chin

With a background that embraces three different cultures, Michael Lee-Chin (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AIC Limited) has a distinct perspective on life, one that is shared by many newcomers to Canada. His $30-million gift to the Royal Ontario Museum, $5-million donation to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and the $10-million commitment to the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto have been instrumental in creating invaluable cultural and educational legacies.

Isadore (Issy) and Rosalie Sharp

Isadore and Rosalie Sharp are committed to improving the community through their contributions and active involvement in community, cultural, research and health care organizations across Canada. Their gifts include $5-million to Mount Sinai Hospital and $5-million to the Ontario College of Art & Design. Mr. Sharp has also facilitated the gift of $20-million to the Toronto Opera House through his company, Four Seasons Hotels. He was part of the team that founded the Annual Terry Fox Run 25 years ago an event which has raised more than $350-million for cancer research in more than 50 countries.

Outstanding Volunteer

Respected businessman Anthony (Tony) Fell is a leading volunteer, advocate and philanthropist who has the ability to engage and motivate others to support the organizations and causes he believes in. Other volunteers, potential donors, government and the staff of organizations he supports have all been influenced by his passion and dedication. He and his family have reached out and helped countless individuals and organizations across Canada and around the world. Most recently Mr. Fell served on the board of the University Health Network and was an integral part of the success of its $400-million fundraising campaign. He also played a leading role in the “Give-in-a-Heartbeat Capital Campaign” for the West Parry Sound Health Centre.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional

Alayne Metrick, FAHP, President of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation since 1995, has been responsible for raising approximately $120-million during her career always meeting or exceeding campaign revenue targets in four capital campaigns as well as ongoing annual campaigns. One of her remarkable achievements, a fundraising first in North America in 1998, was to secure the participation of 100 per cent of the St. Michael’s Hospital physicians in the “Urban Angel Campaign”. She continues to initiate new approaches that ensure high participation rates of physicians in all fundraising activities. She understands the importance of nurturing relationships keeping 30 percent of the original group of volunteers involved in raising funds for the hospital. She has contributed to the profession as a board member of the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter and as a director of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy Canada. She has brought her commitment to high ethical and business practices to her professional role by implementing a “Framework for Philanthropy” for the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation.

Youth in Philanthropy

When 5 students of the 2004 Grade Five Class at Havergal College Junior School heard about the needs of the children at the “Get Ahead Project (GAP) School” in Whittlesea Township, South Africa, they decided to put together a program to raise $2,000. By involving classmates throughout the school in a “Fit-a-Thon” they raised almost $13,000 which was sent to the GAP School by the Stephen Leacock Foundation for Children. Not only did the students learn leadership skills in developing and implementing the fundraising program, their efforts have made a significant and long-term impact on the GAP School.

Outstanding Corporation

The TD Bank Financial Group focuses on three key areas in an effort to build brighter futures for Canadians: children’s health and education, social services agencies and medical research and training programs. In 2004 TD Bank Financial Group donated almost $25-million to more than 1,000 charitable and non-profit organizations in Canada. Employees of the TD Bank Financial Group are encouraged to support and participate in community organizations. In the Toronto area, this has included $900,000 to Providence Healthcare and West Park Healthcare Centre.

Outstanding Foundation or Philanthropy Group

For more than 22 years The Grocery Foundation has been a driving force in empowering organizations working to enable young people with disabilities to lead richer, more independent lives. The Grocery Foundation is the charitable foundation of the Ontario grocery industry. Since 1979 the Foundation has granted more than $35-million to a wide range of charities including 22 regional children’s hospitals and paediatric centres as well as programs such as Breakfast for Learning. In Toronto the Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre and Variety Village have received almost $10-million from The Grocery Foundation during the past several years.

These Award recipients join a distinguished list of individuals who have been celebrated in previous years.