2024 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:

AFP South Eastern Ontario Chapter 2024 National Philanthropy Day Award Recipients

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Wendy Warner

Wendy’s distinguished career of over 25 years in hospital fundraising can be characterized by her passion for people, relationships and encouraging philanthropy in her community. Wendy has been instrumental in raising more than $41 million for medical equipment, redevelopment and education for the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation in addition to playing a vital role in many other initiatives. She is recognized as having the most direct and positive impact on local healthcare over the past two decades in the Quinte Region. 

Wendy has been a mentor to many, but especially to her team who she inspires to put care in healthcare for the patients, staff, donors and volunteers that they serve. Few can match Wendy’s integrity, dedication, and leadership for healthcare in her community.

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Ian and Jessica Smylie

Ian and Jessica Smylie, owners of Smylie's Your Independent Grocer in Quinte West, are dedicated community leaders known for their remarkable generosity and support of local causes—all while raising a young family. They proudly carry on the Smylie family legacy. The Smylie's are deeply involved in supporting the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation (TMHF) playing a major role as title sponsors of the John Smylie Memorial Golf Classic, which raised over $106,000 net for the Emergency Room expansion at Trenton Memorial Hospital.

Jessica and Ian are passionate about supporting those in need through initiatives like food hampers for local families and partnering with organizations such as food banks and the Military Family Resource Centre at CFB Trenton​. Their commitment to carrying on the Smylie family legacy and continuously going above and beyond for local organizations makes them an invaluable asset to the region.

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Hospice Kingston Campaign Cabinet

Hospice Kingston's Campaign Cabinet members are compassionate leaders who have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds to build Kingston's first hospice residence. 

Since 2014, Peter Kington, John Gerretsen, Marjorie Cooke, Peggy Geracimo, Walter Viner, Joanne Langlois, Deborah Pichora, David Ibbott, Rob Wood, and Peter Radley have worked tirelessly to raise over $14 million for the project. Campaign Cabinet members have passionately shared their stories and advocated for quality end-of-life care in our community, inspiring widespread support. They have also shown their own significant philanthropic dedication, leaving a lasting legacy for Kingston's hospice residence.

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Tom Mawhinney

Tom Mawhinney is a versatile individual with a rich history in outdoor adventures, music, psychology, and community service. His achievements span hitchhiking across North America, earning a bronze medal in the Canadian Ski Marathon, releasing eight albums, busking and leading various choral and fundraising projects. Tom’s philanthropy spans across his volunteerism, advocacy work and direct funding commitments to local organizations, the Dan School of Music’s choral groups and the local food bank.

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David and Anne Beatty

David and Anne Beatty embody the spirit of philanthropy and the impact of their philanthropy can be felt in their home community of Brockville and throughout the Eastern Ontario region, from Prince Edward County to Cornwall.

The Beattys are key supporters for the Brockville General Hospital, Kingston General Hospital, YMCA of Eastern Ontario, United Way of Leeds and Grenville, St. Lawrence College, Brockville Community Foundation, the Aquatarium, and many other local charities and non-profits who benefit from their belief in a strong and vibrant community. They are always the first to say “yes” when it comes to supporting initiatives that benefit our communities and their generosity is creating lasting change.

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Cassandra Bonn 

Cassandra Bonn is an incredibly dedicated member of the Belleville community, who is always willing to roll up her sleeves to improve her city.  She is the current board chair of The Children's Foundation, as well as chairing two of its biggest fundraising events.  She is also a dedicated Rotarian, as well as serving on the Capital Campaign to build a new YMCA in her community

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The Dr. Samuel S. Robinson Charitable Foundation

The Dr. Samuel S. Robinson Charitable Foundation has contributed millions of dollars over four decades to support health and wellness projects and initiatives in the Kingston community.
The impact throughout our community includes St. Lawrence College, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, the Alzheimer Society, Breast Cancer Action (BCA) Kingston, CNIB Kingston, the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area, Family & Children Services, the Food Sharing Project, Girls Inc Limestone, Interval House, Kingston Home Based Housing, Kingston Writersfest, Kingston Youth Shelter, Martha’s Table, Partners in Mission Food Bank, Pathways to Education, Queen’s University, Trellis HIV & Community Care, and the United Way.

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