2016 Award Recipients
Outstanding Philanthropist: Peter and Melanie Munk
Peter and Melanie Munk are two of Canada’s leading philanthropists. Their vision, leadership and exceptional generosity have led to significant advancements in health care, higher education and public-policy research and discussion.
The Peter and Melanie Munk Charitable Foundation has contributed over $65 million towards the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and its award-winning staff at University Health Network (UHN). With more than 1,600 cardiovascular and vascular surgeries, over 1,700 interventional procedures and 41 heart transplants performed annually, it is one of the largest multidisciplinary programs of its kind in the world.
The Munks’ support of the University of Toronto exceeds $51 million—including a landmark gift of $35 million to create the Munk School of Global Affairs. At the Munk School, students learn from the very best scholars and policy experts how to shape and strengthen Canada’s unique role in the world. The Munk School’s cutting-edge research helps Canadians navigate the global issues that affect our lives—from innovation policy to cyber security to the role of global cities.
Through the Aurea Foundation, the Munks have championed the study and development of public policy. Supported by a $25-million endowment, Aurea promotes the investigation of critical issues such as the political and economic foundations of freedom and the role of responsible citizenship. The foundation is a driving force behind the Munk Debates—one of the world’s most prestigious public debating forums.
The Peter and Melanie Munk Foundation is also a longstanding supporter of the Technion’s Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology, based in Haifa, Israel. The school’s 400-strong faculty includes three Nobel Laureates in chemistry.
Outstanding Volunteer: Andy and Valerie Pringle
Andy and Valerie Pringle are genuinely committed to the long-term success of each organization to which they give their time, having taken on a variety of volunteer leadership roles for almost 40 years. They bring unparalleled enthusiasm and leadership to everything they do and are serious about making a contribution and doing whatever is necessary.
In collaborating for this nomination, Trans Canada Trail, CAMH, Ryerson University, CANFAR and the Shaw Festival expressed how clear it is that the Pringles’ commitment, philanthropic support and dedication to improving Canada’s communities, extends to all of the causes with which they volunteer.
Andy and Valerie generously share their expertise and advice, always with the intent of raising the profile and success of the cause. The Pringles have been instrumental to each of organizations they have given their time to. They have led and supported hugely successful fundraising campaigns and initiatives, and have also developed collaborative partnerships across every sector in Canada.
They are consistent and generous top-level philanthropic supporters and shamelessly promote the causes they believe in. In their various roles, Valerie and Andy, together and individually, always introduce friends and associates to their causes, and have brought so many new supporters, mentors and leaders to Trans Canada Trail, CAMH, Ryerson University, CANFAR and the Shaw Festival
Outstanding Corporation: HSBC Bank Canada
At HSBC, how they do business is as important as what they do. They believe that sustainability means building their business for the long-term by balancing social, environmental and economic considerations in the decisions they make. Like its business, HSBC’s charitable investment efforts are focused on the long-term to build trust and promote sustainable change. In 2015, HSBC invested more than $7.1 million in 81 Canadian charities, supporting over 180,000 children and youth to access programs in the areas of education and the environment.
Building on its partnerships with Children’s Aid Foundation (CAF) and Pathways to Education Canada, HSBC is continuing to invest in support for Canada’s most vulnerable children and youth. It is expected that by 2018, HSBC, CAF and Pathways to Education Canada will help to transform the lives of 3,700 of Canada’s most vulnerable children and youth through programs that provide educational, emotional and financial supports.
HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, is the leading international bank in the country. HSBC helps companies and individuals across Canada to do business and manage their finances internationally through three global business lines: Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Retail Banking and Wealth Management.
Outstanding Group or Foundation: Movember Foundation
The Movember Foundation is the leading global organization committed to changing the face of men’s health. The Foundation had innovatively funded programs that deliver breakthrough research and support programs that allow men to live happier, healthier lives.
The Foundation’s approach questions the status quo and values risk-taking. Their work has historically been funded through its annual awareness campaign – Movember. During the month of November, MoBros are asked to either GROW, MOVE or PARTÉ, all while becoming ambassadors for the cause and raising funds for the Foundation. What other charities besides Movember inspire supporters to change their appearance for a full month? This commitment to communication builds unusually personal, multi-channel relationships with Movember’s supporters.
What started as a one-month campaign has grown into a year-round organization operating in 21 countries and funding over 1,000 projects focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, testicular and prostate cancer world-wide. To date, the Foundation has raised over $685 million since the first Movember campaign in 2003, including $158 million in funding to men’s health-related programs in Canada alone.
Most importantly, the Foundation has chosen to use their tremendous global granting clout as a catalyst to unite research communities and get investigators working collaboratively to solve a problem, rather than in competition.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Aidan Aird
Aidan Aird is an exceptional 16 year old that became involved with 360°kids two years ago. After participating in a 360° Experience Young Leaders Event, Aidan became motivated to help high school students understand that youth homelessness is a big issue in York Region. He wants every student to see that someone in their class could be homeless, without even friends knowing.
Aidan has recruited students from schools all across York Region, actively inspiring them to raise funds to support at-risk youth, and increase understanding of homelessness. For the event, students raise a minimum of $1,000 and experience what it’s like to stay on the street on a cold night. Aidan’s work contributed to a highly successful 2016 event that exceeded fundraising goals by 53%, raising $23,000 and engaging students from over 15 schools.
Aidan is also the Founder of Developing Innovations, an organization that engages young students in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) and shares knowledge with the next generation of STEM leaders. He aspires to be an inventor, has created several innovative projects, and has an extensive knowledge of science and technology. Aidan has a bright future of exciting possibilities, that will surely include combining his passions for invention, poverty alleviation and philanthropy.
Mo Davies Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising: New Circles Community Services
New Circles Community Services is an innovative, grass‐roots charity offering free clothing, social programs and training opportunities for low‐income residents in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, Victoria Village and Taylor‐Massey. These are four of Toronto`s highest needs neighbourhoods where newcomer families comprise the majority of the population. They also offer city-wide emergency relief for anyone in need of clothing.
Core organizations values include: welcoming newcomers, serving them with dignity and offering opportunities to help them integrate into their community.
By delivering services that meet basic needs, alleviate poverty, improve economic outcomes, and are environmentally friendly, New Circles offers an authentic and strong case that has appeal for a wide range of funders. This model has been the driver for New Circles’ fundraising success. In the past three years revenue has increased by 22%, and net assets grew from $65,000 in 2013 to $425,000 in 2015.
New Circles’ GLOW program has reinvented the idea of a clothing bank as one that offers a dignified “retail experience” and integrates employment training and experience. GLOW now serves over 9,000 clients annually. GLOW also provides a learning platform for training in retail and customer service. The training programs are uniquely designed for newcomer women and youth, and will enrol 90 participants this year.
Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Susan Horvath, CFRE
President & CEO, ROM Governors
Susan Horvath is a passionate philanthropic leader with diverse experience. Susan’s 10-year academic career in textiles and historic costume was inspired by visits to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and sparked her love of teaching and motivating others. Susan’s 26 years of fundraising leadership is now helping to shape the next stage of philanthropy at the ROM.
Susan’s achievements are extensive in healthcare, education and social services. Highlights include mobilizing a national major gifts campaign for the Canadian Cancer Society; launching Campaign Western, a $270 million campaign and the largest in the University’s history; doubling the size of Robarts Research Institute through donor support for medical research and facilities; leading the completion of the $416 million The Best Medicine Campaign for Mount Sinai Hospital; and leading seven United Way Campaigns in London & Middlesex.
Susan regularly mentors young professionals, coaches CEOs and board members, and is frequently asked to speak on the best practices and principles of fundraising. Susan’s commitment to philanthropy is exemplified in her volunteer leadership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and recognition through numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Carmelle Murphy Alumnae Award of Distinction from Brescia University College.