The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter is proud to announce Kirstin Ling of Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation (TGWHF) as the recipient of the 2019 New Fundraising Professional Award.
Described by peers as a passionate and motivated young professional who is driven by the opportunity to serve her community, Kirstin has made an impact early on in her career. As a Principal Gift Manager at TGWHF, Kirstin is the campaign lead for Emergency, Nephrology, Hematology, Otolaryngology, Nursing and Health Professions portfolios. She is currently overseeing the Emergency Department’s campaign to raise $25M at the Toronto General Hospital to transform emergency care by providing a space focused on patient experience to provide exceptional and compassionate care.
Inspired by a personal experience as the primary caretaker for her father, Kirstin made the decision to transition from working in youth-focused international development organizations to healthcare. Born and raised in Toronto, within the Sunnybrook catchment area, she raised more than $2M for Sunnybrook Foundation prior to joining TGWHF. This includes the creation of funds for Brain Sciences Research Students and Complex Malignant Haematology.
Kirstin attributes many of her successes early on in her career to the mentors she has been fortunate to learn from. Building the capacity of future fundraisers and leaders within our industry is important – in 2018, she hosted groups of Humber Fundraising Management students at Sunnybrook Foundation for a day of job shadowing and hands-on learning in major gifts. Kirstin is an active supporter of the fundraising profession and has volunteered on AFP Toronto’s Fundraising Day and Congress bursary selection committees.
Kirstin believes in making this community of philanthropy more reflective of the communities we serve and is a Fellow in the 2018-19 AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada Diversity and Inclusion cohort. She is also committed to continuing her own learning and professional development and has demonstrated this by participating in AFP’s CFRE Refresher Course with the goal of completing her CFRE in 2019.
Prior to her time at Sunnybrook Foundation, Kirstin managed several campaigns within the Community Engagement portfolio at Right To Play Canada, including annual digital appeals, pilot monthly giving program and Play Your Part – a nationwide campaign in schools to support the organization’s highest priority needs.
Outside her work in the sector, Kirstin has contributed numerous volunteer hours to support initiatives and causes she believes in. She has been a long-time volunteer at Ronald McDonald House currently participating in the organization’s weekly Coffee Talk program – an opportunity for parents and families to connect over an activity while the children participate in their own programming. As a part of the Bishop Strachan School Old Girl Association, Kirstin has served on various committees including Mentorship & Young Alum and Governance with the goal of increasing alumni engagement through mentorship opportunities and events. This dedication to her community is a trait that weaves through all areas of Kirstin’s work and personal life. It drives her to innovate and push the boundaries whenever possible.
