There was a dramatic distinction to this year’s National Philanthropy Awards presentation at the Empress Hotel.
It became more than the formal recognition of philanthropic individuals and organizations that make a difference in the lives of others.
Judging from recurring comments Tuesday evening, the Paris terrorist attacks were still on many people’s minds, and an appreciation of how lucky we are to live in a country that embraces compassion.
“The present state of unrest in the world today with deadly terrorist attacks can create fear and distrust that spreads like any epidemic,” said Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, who emphasized that “a deep capacity for compassion” will mean the difference between civilization and barbarism.
“There is no better way to inoculate our society against that type of over-reaction than to continue the spread of generosity and love that is represented by all those in this room today,” she said in her opening remarks to the sold-out crowd of 320 in the Crystal Ballroom.
Michael O’Connor, the Victoria lawyer and prolific philanthropist whose firm was a sponsor, was no less passionate.
“When you look around the world and see the disruption we’ve seen over the last few days, it’s important that Canadians are strong, and that they give back to their community, and that we are all vigilant, because we live in a free country and we are very fortunate,” he said.
“I believe very strongly that it’s important for our country to join with our allies and take a very strong stand about what has happened.”
Diane Lloyd, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Vancouver Island, said it felt amazing having so many outstanding community contributors in one room.
“It’s the one time of year where we pause and celebrate not just the people who give money, but people who give their time and volunteer,” she said.
“It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about committing to being of service and giving back to your community, and it also uncovers those quiet philanthropists in town.”
This year’s honourees included entrepreneur Rob Reid, who won the United Way of Greater Victoria’s Generosity of Spirit Award. He was nominated by the Victoria Cool Aid Society for his work with Every Step Counts, the program that helps people struggling with mental illness, addictions and homelessness.
Tanya Smith, the Victoria Festival of Trees chairwoman, was honoured for her Swab Drive for One Match campaign inspired by young cancer patient Hannah Day, and received the Coast Capital Savings’ Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award.
The Rotary Club of Victoria was honoured with Camosun College’s Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club Award for its many contributions, including to the Rainbow Kitchen Society and Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Country Grocer received the University of Victoria’s Corporate Citizenship Award for its significant support of organizations including Lifetime Networks, the Prostate Centre, the MS Society, Our Place Society, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Tour de Rock and Help Fill a Dream Foundation.
Children’s Health Foundation Vancouver Island’s Youth in Philanthropy Award went to École Victor-Brodeur’s Club des Joujuox, made up of five girls from a Grade 2 class who initiated a toy sale, raising $400 for Our Place Society.
The Youth in Philanthropy Award presented by Telus went to Reynolds Secondary School’s Cops for Cancer organizing committee, which raised $108,000 last year.
“The best part is the youth categories, the ones that are growing,” Lloyd said. “Kids today are far more tuned into philanthropy than I was as a kid, for sure.”
