2025 National Philanthropy Day®

In honour of National Philanthropy Day (NPD) on November 15, 2024, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of South Eastern Ontario (AFPSEO) was honoured to recognize the following inspirational people and organizations that have positively impacted our community in immeasurable ways.

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.

Receiving a NPD Award is an incredible honour for organizations, philanthropists, fundraisers and volunteers to be recognized for the incredible impact they have on our community. Congratulations to our 2024 National Philanthropy Day Award Honourees:

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

Patricia Guernsey

Outstanding Philanthropist

Bernie Robinson

Youth in Philanthropy

St. Paul Catholic Secondary School - Leadership Class

Outstanding Corporation/Service Club

Rotary Club of Belleville

Thank you to our leading sponsor, Global Philanthropic Canada, and our Presenting Sponsor, Huff Estates Winery, for helping us to shine a spotlight on those who are making a difference.

LEADING SPONSOR:	PRESENTING SPONSOR:

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

______________________________

Patricia Guernsey

Her personal style of giving is just as impactful—whether she’s making caesars for golfers at charity tournaments or driving around in her personalized golf cart selling 50/50 tickets, Patricia brings warmth, energy, and results to every event she touches. Across more than 30 years of community fundraising, Patricia Guernsey has become a “go-to” leader for anyone needing help to raise funds. She has a rare and remarkable gift: the ability to mobilize people, inspire generosity, and deliver results. Her dedication is not only inspiring but truly transformative for the organizations and individuals she supports. Patricia is a shining example of what National Philanthropy Day represents, and her nomination is a celebration of her exceptional and enduring impact on our community.

______________________________

Bernie Robinson

Bernie Robinson is a humble man that grew an international business from literally a "mom and pop" business run out of their home. He doesn't take his success lightly but rather is always thinking about how his prosperity can help others. He cares deeply about the Kingston community he calls home and is deeply saddened by his fellow Kingstonians who are struggling, particularly with health issues and lack of food. Bernie feels it is his duty to give back and do whatever he can to help those in need, be it students who need help with tuition or access to state-of-the-art equipment, children who are hungry, or others fighting diseases. Through his financial and gift-in-kind donations, along with rallying his networks to also participate in these causes, Bernie is well known in the Kingston area for being someone you can count on to step up and take action against issues we face every day.

______________________________

St. Paul Catholic Secondary School - Leadership Class

We are proud to nominate the St. Paul Catholic Secondary School - Leadership Class for sustained, youth-led philanthropy benefiting Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation. Since 2019, these students have conceived, organized, and grown the Chalk Colour Run‚ an inclusive community event that has cumulatively raised over $40,000 to support patient care at Trenton Memorial Hospital.

Their impact is both practical and cultural. The funds help purchase vital equipment and keep excellent care close to home for families in Quinte West and Brighton. Just as importantly, the students have brought new donors and volunteers into the fold by making giving joyful, accessible, and family-friendly. Each year, they manage the full cycle of a professional fundraiser: planning, sponsor outreach, participant recruitment, day-of logistics, gratitude, and reporting back on results. They model transparency and accountability, and they thank supporters promptly and sincerely.

This is leadership in action. The class intentionally hands down a simple, replicable playbook to the next cohort, ensuring continuity and growth. Their work builds confidence, teamwork, and civic pride among students while strengthening trust in local healthcare. The Colour Run has become a template other schools can utilize to build wellness with philanthropy and proving that young people are powerful change-makers right now.

In short, the St. Paul Leadership Class hasn't just raised money; they've cultivated a durable culture of generosity and engagement that makes South Eastern Ontario healthier and more connected. Their creativity, integrity, and measurable results embody AFP values and merit recognition.

______________________________

The Rotary Club of Belleville

Rotarians don’t just fund projects — they connect people, organizations, and ideas to make meaningful change happen. Their approach to collaboration, as demonstrated in their partnerships with both The Children’s Foundation and the YMCA, shows how community leadership can create collective success.

The Rotary Club of Belleville exemplifies both organizations’ guiding values — reflecting The Children’s Foundation’s mission to ensure all children and youth have opportunities to explore, learn, play, and thrive, and the YMCA’s vision of building strong kids, healthy families, and inclusive communities.

On behalf of The Children’s Foundation and the YMCA of Central East Ontario, we are proud to jointly nominate the Rotary Club of Belleville for this recognition. Their steadfast commitment, generosity, and leadership continue to strengthen our community and inspire others to give back.

A group of people standing in front of a statue

Description automatically generated