AROUND TOWN WITH BILL BROOKS

Shining a spotlight on the city

There was a time our beloved city was ranked the most philanthropic metropolis in North America (on a per-capita basis).

We’ve lost those bragging rights, but make no mistake: Calgarians are still among the most generous citizens on the planet.

One need look no further for evidence than those individuals and organizations honoured with the Generosity of Spirit Awards at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 15 in the BMO Centre at Stampede Park. Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Calgary and Area Chapter, the inspirational event has been saluting those who give of their time, talent and treasure for 21 years.

This year’s 2017 Generosity of Spirit honourees included: Shell Canada (Corporate Philanthropist); Something2 Wear (Small Business Philanthropist); Kinsmen Club of the Stampede City (Philanthropic Group); Jay Westman (Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist); Sutton Olivia Garner ( Youth Philanthropist); Fran and Andy Porter (Philanthropic Family); and, Jim Gray (Lifetime Achievement Philanthropist).

Other honourees included: Krista Moroz, who was presented with the Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award; Tina Overwater, who was honoured with the Outstanding New Fundraising Professional Award; and, Kathleen MacPherson, winner of the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.

This select group of individuals and organizations have changed the landscape of our city for generations to come.

Shell Canada, for example, has contributed a staggering $100 million in social investment and sponsorships for communities across Canada over the past 10 years.

Something2 Wear owners Debbie Patrick and Melanie LaBlanc created Fashion With Compassion, a fashion show and silent auction fundraiser that brings in as much as $100,000 annually for the Breast Cancer Supportive Care Foundation.

Kinsmen Club of the Stampede City has supported myriad organizations since 1964 with one of its main recipients being the Association for the Rehabilitation for the Brain Injured (ARBI).

Jayman BUILT chairman and CEO Jay Westman has given of his treasure, time and talent to organizations as varied as RESOLVE and the Mustard Seed to MS research, SAIT and the Haskayne School of Business, to name but a few.

Sutton Garner created the I Can for Kids Foundation at the age of 11, thereby ensuring Calgary children get the food they need during July and August.

Fran and Andy Porter turned tragedy into triumph by sharing their incredibly difficult journey after their daughter Colleen died of a drug overdose in June 2010. The Porters channelled their grief into helping others in similar situations.

And Jim Gray’s philanthropic spirit dates back to the 1950s when he moved to Calgary and stayed at the YMCA. Gray has spent a lifetime giving back to the community.

Heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients.

PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS Pictured at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon are co-chair Sherry Dahl, left, AFP Calgary and Area Chapter president Stu Reid and co-chair Heidi Lambie.

Fran and Andy Porter were the winners of this year’s Outstanding Philanthropic Family Award at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon, held Nov. 15 at the BMO Centre.

Legendary Calgary businessman Jim Gray was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Philanthropist Award at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon. Pictured with Gray is his proud daughter Christine Shields.

Thirteen-year-old Sutton Garner was the recipient of this year’s Youth Philanthropist Award at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon. Joining the dynamic teen are her proud parents Bobbi Turko and Mike Garner.

Something 2 Wear co-owners Melanie LaBlanc and Debbie Patrick received the Small Business Philanthropist Award at this year’s National Philanthropy Day luncheon, held Nov. 15 at the BMO Centre. The dynamic duo created Fashion With Compassion, a fashion...

Kinsmen Club of the Stampede City was honoured with the Philanthropic Group Award for its phenomenal support of myriad charities. Pictured are Kyle Crawford, left, Steve Havill, Mike Elphicke and club president Tom Maclean.

The National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 15 was all about honouring individuals and organizations that give much of their time, treasure and talent. Pictured are co-emcees Angela Knight and Dave Kelly.

A city is made great by the contributions of its citizens. Topping the list is Jayman BUILT chairman and CEO Jay Westman, who was presented with the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropist Award.

Shell Canada was presented with this year’s Corporate Philanthropist Award at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon. Pictured are United Way co-chair Mathieu Rae with Shell Canada president and Canada Country Chairman Michael Crothers.