Grants and Awards

AAFRE is proud to honour those member organizations and individulas who prove exceptional efforts in the field of philanthropy and fund development with a prestigious selection of awards. To encourage professionalism and growth in the fundraising industry, we also offer financial assistance to those interested in furthering their fundraising education and expertise. The following is a description of the grants and awards accorded to AAFRE members.

GRANTS

Professional Development Assistance Grant

AAFRE recognizes the financial limitations of fundraising organizations and works hard to help their members overcome obstacles to fund development education. To alleviate pressures, The Professional Development Assistance Grant was created to provide financial aid for members wishing to attend educational conferences or workshops for the purpose of improving their fundraising skills.

AAFRE members may apply once a year for financial support that goes towards registration fees. Up to $500 per member organization is available. Members that are approved for financial assistance must provide a written report within 30 days of completing the professional development program.

Please see the application form and report guideline for more details about the available financial support.

Download the Professional Development Assistance Grant application form

Download the Professional Development Assistance Reporting guidelines

AWARDS

AAFRE annually recognizes and honours various individuals and organizations who enhance the field of fundraising, volunteering, and the not-for-profit sector.

1. AAFRE Roll of Honour

On behalf of its members, AAFRE recognizes volunteers that have made a significant contribution to the fundraising efforts of our member organizations. This non-competitive award celebrates excellence among the many outstanding supporters of charitable bodies.

Any AAFRE member in good standing is invited to nominate no more than one volunteer, donor, association, or business for remarkable commitment made to their organization. Each nomination must be supported and signed by a senior staff member from the nominating party. Reasons outlined in this written nomination must illustrate why the nominee deserves to receive this award.

After all the submissions are received, The AAFRE Celebrate Excellence Committee will review each candidate and recommend the recipient to the AAFRE Board of Directors. This committee is appointed annually and consists of at least three 3 AAFRE members in good standing. No committee member shall be eligible for the award and the chairperson of the committee is a member of the AAFRE Board of Directors.

Individuals, associations, or businesses awarded the Roll of Honour will receive a special certificate and have their names included on AAFRE's Roll of Honour award plaque. They will also have their names acknowledged in the Edmonton Journal, the AAFRE website, and the AAFRE newsletter.

Download the 2010 Roll of Honour Criteria and Nomination Form

2010 Recipients

Bessie Goldstick

Nominated by E4C Bessie has supported the E4C's School Lunch Program for many years with her passion and positive energy through the REALTORS Community Foundation, Edmonton (Host) Lions Club and The Prudential Insurance Company.

Bessie has made a personal commitment to improve the lives of all the children in our 12 high-need schools. She is invaluable with her professional drive for the program. She is never to shy to tackle a challenge. We will never forget the time she was in the hospital, lying in bed sick and still making calls to receive pleadges for the Road Race.

Bessie continues to volunteer with the program, giving generously of her time, expertise and financial resoruces. Bessie's efforts have been multi faceted in making a difference in the lives of many children and increasing the awareness of hunger in Edmonton. She has been able to touch and improve the lives of many children, providing opportunities for learning and growth.

Bonnie Jamha

Nominated by CKUA Radio Network. Bonnie has been a supporter of CKUA since 1996 and has a passion for music and spends a great deal of her volunteer time in the vinyl library and working as a library runner during the on air campaigns, going all over the building to find the musical request made by a donor. She has taken numerous other volunteers under wing and taught them the ropes of CKUA's complex music library.

When getting to know Bonnie it is evident that she lived a life centered on others. She takes care to explain things kindly and is the first to celebrate a success. Bonnie's passion for music has lead her to be a consistent and reliable volunteer and a generous donor. CKUA is truly grateful for all Bonnie has done and continues to do for the station.

Dr. John T. Lilley

Nominated by YMCA. Dr. Lilley has played an integral role in the development of the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign at the Board of Directors level and at the Jamie Platz YMCA Centre. He is a current YMCA board member that has evolved from participating as an Advisory Committee Member for the Jamie Platz YMCA Centre for a combined role of over 10 years of volunteer involvement. John is the type of volunteer that regularly takes initiative whenever there is a need, and he has developed into a fund raising volunteer and an excellent board member and current chair of the Board.

John has experienced the personal motivation to get involved in every aspect of the YMCA and to learn as much as possible in support of philanthropic development. He truly cares about the people in our community and wants to make a difference in the lives of others. John is a role model for active living by participating in his own health by swimming regularly and he builds relationships with fellow members while enjoying his time at the YMCA.

John Makanyshyn

Nominated by Children's Ability Fund. John leads a successful company, Double Diamond Electronics Ltd., one of Canada's most innovative and reliable home electronics outlets. John and his big heart makes sure that the Children's Ability Fund gets what they need to help make our pledge driven events a success.

John has been involved with the Children's Ability Fund since Telerama days, first with Philips Electronics that supplied all of the TVs for the event. "I do it for the kids, I have always worked with kids. I have children and my son had children and they are important to all of us." For over 10 years, John has donated the grand prize to both the Children's Ability Fund's Wing Ding and Bowl for Children events. The value of his donation is well over $16,000! That $16,000 in prizes has increased ten fold - as incentive for our participants that have raised pledges in excess of $160,000!

Margaret Mills

Nominated by Canadian Liver Foundation. Margaret answered a call made in May of 2009 when staff was reduced. The goal; to ensure that all programs and services were sufficiently funded to continue. Now if you phone the office you may be greeted by Margaret, our part time office manager.

Margaret may only work 2 days a week but she is an integral part of our team. She is able to sell the Foundation as she is dealing with liver problems. She can see the value of our programs and articulates that well to everyone. Margaret is a dedicated member of the fundraising and volunteer departments, ensuring that we are prepared to meet with funders. She also helps us to steward our donors, volunteers and clients as only a peer in the community can.

Jim and Sandra Mones

Nominated by Kids Kottage Foundation. For the past 10 years Jim and Sandra Mones have displayed incredible passion for the work of the Kids Kottage and its many programs keeping children safe and strengthening families. Following a tour of our crisis nursery Jim saw the many technical needs of our program and went to work to ensure that the crisis nursery had the most up to date technology including computers, website creation/hosting and building of servers. He called in some assistance from his business partner and the two embarked on the task of re-wiring our facility to accommodate the technology upgrade.

Jim heads the volunteer Kids Kottage Golf Classic committee, filling the tournament with sponsors and golfers for 6 straight years. Jim and Sandra have made generous financial donations, participated in annual fund raising events and gifting Kids Kottage with personal time by volunteering at our annual Radiothon, answering pledge lines and helping to raise more money. They involve their whole family in the fundraising efforts, while using their circle of influence to bring many of their business partners and associates on-side to support our work in the community.

Bernice Sweet

Nominated by Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association. Bernice Sweet began volunteering with Little Bits in the fall of 2007. During her first session, she logged an incredible 91.25 hours! Bernice is described as a reliable and dedicated volunteer who helps out in all aspects of the program and has been very flexible and hardworking. She volunteers at Little Bits two to three days a week and the riders that she works with are always happy to see her. Her pleasant nature enables her to interact well with the riders, the horses, fellow volunteers and staff. Her commitment to the program has been ongoing and this past year Bernice took it to a whole new level.

In her professional life, Bernice is a bookkeeper for a local businessman who owns three companies. In a selfless act of kindness, Bernice approached her employer with a request that would enable her to provide her bookkeeping services pro bono in return for a monthly donation to Little Bits from each of the three companies. This type of generosity is difficult for most of us to fathom. There are very few individuals who would be willing to make this type of sacrifice in order to support a cause they believe in.

Honourable Marguerite Trussler and Sir Francis Price

Nominated by Edmonton Community Foundation. We celebrate the enthusiasm and leadership that Hon. Marguerite Trussler and Sir Francis Price have provided to the arts in Edmonton both as a couple and individually. Although their generosity overlaps, we identify Hon. Marguerite Trussler most closely with the growth and development of the endowment and scholarship programs for the Victoria School Foundation for the Arts (VSFA) and Sir Francis Price as the driving force behind the Edmonton Opera Association's (EOA) Aria Legacy endowment program. The Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) is honoured to be involved in both endowment programs.

In the very few short years EOA has participated in the Legacy Partnership Program with ECF, EOA supporters have created or added to at least 10 endowment funds at ECF to provide permanent ongoing support for the excellence in artistic experience EOA delivers. The VSFA Endowment Fund has grown to over $1M through the generosity of many donors - and through the long-term dedicated efforts of the Hon. Marguerite Trussler.

Kiwanis Club of Edmonton (Downtown)

Nominated by Camp He Ho Ha. The Kiwanis Club of Edmonton (Downtown) recently celebrated its 90th Anniversary. Always looking for ways to improve the lives of children, a number of charities received surprise donations to mark the event. Camp He Ho Ha was one such charity and they feel very blessed to have benefited from the ongoing support and encouragement we have received from the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton (Downtown). From 2003 to 2010 this club has donated an incredible $124,358 to support our outdoor adapted recreational programs which promote independence and integration for people living with every type and degree of disability.

Millwoods Care Centre Volunteers

Nominated by Shepherd's Care Foundation. In 2009, the Millwoods Care Centre Volunteers as a group accumulated over 3,850 hours of volunteer service time at the Shepherd's Care Millwoods site. This time commitment includes helping porter our residents to and from meals 3 x per day and meal time assistance. Assisting our recreation department with games and activities for the residents. Assisting our nursing staff by helping porter the residents to and from physiotherapy appointments, assisting at all fundraising events and activities, and most importantly visiting the residents one on one, just to talk or read to them, as for some residents these amazing volunteers are the only visitors they receive. In 2009, the Shepherd's Caring Friends Auxiliary and Millwoods Care Centre Volunteers were vital in helping to raise over $25,000 for the Long Term Care unit and Recreation Department.

REALTORS Community Foundation

Nominated by Terra Centre for pregnant and parenting teens. The REALTORS Community Foundation chose Terra - Centre for pregnant and parenting teens three years ago as one of the charities they support. In 2007, the REALTORS donated $9,600 allowing Terra to re-open "Opportunity House", a short term emergency apartment option for clients in a housing crisis.

The REALTORS supported the Terra Youth Leadership Ambassador program in 2008 with a $7,000 donation. Teen parent ambassadors in this program gain confidence and develop leadership skills when they represent Terra at public speaking engagements and other events in the community. In 2009 the REALTORS donated $15,000 for the Terra Family Housing Support Program. This program ensures young parents' smooth transition into semi independent living, assists them with goal planning and budgeting, organizes social activities for Hope Terrace tenants and advocates for support from the food bank and similar agencies.

Terra launched Baby Heroes, a multi-year social awareness campaign on October 7, 2009. The goal of this three week diaper drive was to support young parents and raise awareness in the community about the challenges teen parents face daily. The REALTORS issued a challenge on Capital FM radio for other realtors to match their 10,000 diaper collection goal. The REALTORS surpassed their initial goal and dropped off an amazing 22,544 diapers.

Society of the Friends of the YWCA in Edmonton

Nominated by YWCA Edmonton. The Society have been a driving force behind the many achievements of YWCA Edmonton through their on going and unwavering fundraising support for over 20 years.

This outstanding fundraising group volunteers on a regular basis to raise funds specificially and only for YWCA Edmonton and for this we are most grateful. To date, through their volunteer efforts they have raised in excess of more than $500,000. In 2008 the group raised $80,000 in which YWCA Edmonton was able to purchase a much needed new septic system for our YWCA YoWoChAs Outdoor Education Centre in Fallis Alberta. This is quite the achievement as it is often hard to find grants that will support needs that are not mainstream or as appealing as programs and services.

Funds raised also made it possible for YWCA Edmonton to purchase our first professional fund development management database which is also a much needed and valuable tool to have that helps us to be more proactive in our fund development initiatives. This is an amazing group that has demonstrated commitment.

Cash Store Financial

Nominated by Alberta Diabetes Research. Cash Store Financial is a deserving recipient of the Roll of Honour Award because of the commitment to ADF - Diabetes Research. They have committed to give 7.5 million dollars to diabetes research at the Alberta Diabetes Institute on the University of Alberta campus over the next 7 years. Cash Store plans to meet their goals through initiating their employee deduction program and selling diabetes merchandise in their branches. The largest project is hosting a series of Freedom Runs which occur throughout Canada during the summer months. In 2009 they hosted 21 charity runs across our country with 100% of the proceeds coming to ADF. Employees can participate in Freedom Fridays where they are allowed to dress casual for a donation. Through the dedication of their employees and their devotion to the cause, Cash Store Financial is demonstrating just what it takes to be a Champion for Diabetes.

Servus Credit Union

Nominated by The Good Samaritan Society. Servus Credit Union invest significant time, energy and money to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the communities where they live and work. Embracing the philosophy of "people helping people". Servus Credit Union strives to make a significant, positive impact through strategic sponsorships, thoughtful donations and targeted fundraising. They will lend a helping hand, where one is needed and become your closest friends, not just your financial advisor.

Partnering with The Good Samaritan Society in 1994 for our "Spirit of Caring" Golf Tournament, Servus Credit Union has been a faithful supporter and loyal partner truly embracing the philosophy that "charity begins at home". Year over year they have increased their commitment in both time and money, and today remain the title sponsor. They have become more than just our financial advisor and mortgage provider. they are a committed member of our mission, vision and values and a dedicated supporter in ensuring our continued success in providing quality care within a home-like environment.

2009 Award Recipients

Sharon Brietkreuz Nominated by Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association

Dr. Lorne Tyrrell Nominated by Canadian Liver Foundation

Mike & Debbie Diakiw Nominated by The Good Samaritan Society

Ed & Karen Titanich Nominated by CKUA Radio Network

Thomas (Ted) & Joyce Chorley Nominated by STARS

Lori Claxton & Jeff Wilson Nominated by Uncles & Aunts at Large

Pat Wiun Nominated by Camp He Ho Ha

Central Agenices Inc, Camrose Association For Community Living

Vinay Aggarwal Nominated by Children's Ability Fund

15 Service Battalion Nominated by Capital Care Kipnes Centre for Veterans

Lynda Steele Nominated by Alberta Council of Women's Shelters

James H. Brown of James H. Brown & Associates Nominated by the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta)

Union 52 Benevolent Society Nominated by P.A.L.S. - Project Adults Literacy Society

2008 Award Recipients

Don Campbell
Dr. Dan Ryan
EPCOR
ESI Financial
Fraternal Order of Eagles #4241
Jack Broadfoot
Jody & Laurie Lindstrand
Margaret A. McDonald
Stan Moskal
Val Boisvert

2007 Award Recipients

Donna Suchan nominated by Northern Alberta International Children's Festival
Douglas Printing nominated by Kids with Cancer Society
Earl Knutson nominated by The Capital Care Group
Jim Taylor nominated by United Way of Alberta Capital Region
Ken Gulevich nominated by Children's Ability Fund
Kyla Meinczinger nominated by Kids Kottage Foundation
Quadra Chemical nominated by Uncles & Aunts at Large
Edmonton Royal Purple #22 nominated by Camp Health Hope & Happiness

2006 Award Recipients:

Carolyn & Craig O’Callaghan nominated by Alberta Cancer Foundation
Bill Tardiff nominated by Uncles & Aunts at Large
Choice Office Personnel Ltd. nominated by Alberta Easter Seals
Priority Printing Ltd. nominated by Camp Health Hope and Happiness
Audrey's Books Ltd. nominated by P.A.L.S. Project Adult Literacy Society
All Weather Windows nominated by Kids with Cancer Society of Northern Alberta

2005 Award Recipients:

Rae & Carol Allen nominated by Fort Edmonton Foundation
Associated Canadian Travellers (Edmonton) Club (ACT) nominated by Camp Health Hope & Happiness
Rashelle Babij nominated Lurana Shelter and Franciscan Sisters Benevolent Society
Ali Maher Shawwa nominated by Winnifred Steward Society
Dr. Dianne & Irving Kipnes nominated by Capital Care Group
Mr. Paul Mennier, A-Channel nominated by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

2004 Award Recipients:

Kiwanis Club of South Edmonton nominated by Camp He Ho Ha
John Rudolph owner of Page the Cleaner, nominated by United Way
Heritage IGA nominated by Terra's Child & Family Support
K. Michael Ludwig nominated by Alberta Diabetes Foundation
Karl Gregory nominated by Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation
Edmonton Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women's League nominated by Foundation of Newman Theological Foundation and St. Joseph Seminary
Doug Warren nominated by Fort Edmonton Historical Foundation

2003 Award Recipients:

Glen Semenchuk nominated by The Provincial Museum of Alberta
Canadian Progress Clubs (Alberta North Zone) nominated by Uncles & Aunts at Large
Imperial Parking nominated by Youth Emergency Shelter Society
CJ Woods, FCA nominated by EmployAbilities
John Stepanko nominated by Leduc/Devon Oilfield Historical Society
Maryetta Harper and Gus Buysen nominated by Fort Edmonton Historical Society

2002 Award Recipients:

Donald Hunter nominated by Leduc/Devon Oilfiled Historical Society
George Blondeau nominated by Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Christian Credit Union nominated by Rehoboth Christian Ministries
Leah Dunford nominated by Valley Zoo
Dr. Will Reese nominated by Community Options
Sam Abouhassan nominated by Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation
Greg Cameron nominated by Alberta Cancer Foundation/Cross Cancer Institute

2001 Award Recipients:

Atco Electric nominated by CAREERS: The Next Generation
Debbie Boyd nominated by Edmonton YMCA
John Howard nominated by Fort Edmonton Historical Foundation
Warna Moore nominated by Catholic Social Services
Kathy Pavelich nominated by Alberta Foundation for Diabetes Research
Winalta Inc nominated by EmployAbilities

1997 Award Recipients:

Barney Baker nominated by Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Darlene Bend nominated by Scouts Canada Regional Council
Cops for Cancer nominated by Canadian Cancer Society AB & NWT
David Keindel nominated by Fort Edmonton Historical Foundation
Garth Thomas nominated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton

1996 Award Recipients:

Terry Kilburn nominated by Edmonton YMCA
Sheila Lee nominated by Goodwill Industries of Alberta
John Ramsey nominated by Grant MacEwan Community College and College Foundation
Kary Hargreaves nominated by Catholic Social Services
Jake Thygesen nominated by Foundation of Newman Theological College & St. Joseph Seminary
Cindy Karaim nominated by Canadian Cancer Society
Robert Lavellee nominated Alberta Foundation for Diabetes
Tony Thibaudeau nominated by Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Iris Saunders nominated by Board of EmployAbilities
Canadian Western Natural Gas and Northwestern Utilities Ltd nominated by Alberta Lung Association
Edmonton Police Service nominated by Alberta Special Olympics

1995 Award Recipients:

Larry Villneff nominated by the Alberta Lung Association
Tim Melton nominated by Edmonton YMCA
Eaton Centre nominated by Canadian Cancer Society
Sherwin Cholak nominated by Alberta Foundation for Diabetes Research
Edmonton Journal nominated by Grant MacEwan Community College Foundation
Douglas Haydock nominated by Catholic Social Services
Lois & Ted Hole nominated by Edmonton Symphony
Lynn Mandel nominated by The Support Network
RCMP K Division nominated by Alberta Special Olympics

1994 Award Recipients:

Louise Campbell nominated by Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
Dr. Rupert Clare nominated by Catholic Social Services
Thomas Graham nominated by Grant McEwan Community College Foundation
Kathleen Rowlands nominated by Big Sisters Big Brothers Society of Edmonton
Russ Joseph & the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta nominated by Alberta Special Olympics
Robert Wyatt nominated by Alberta Association of Fund Raising Executives

2. Outstanding Service Award

This award is presented annually to an active individual member of AAFRE who has shown leadership and professional ability in the field of fundraising. Nominate a fellow AAFRE member for their outstanding service to AAFRE. Download the 2010 Outstanding Service Award Criteria and Nomination Form.

2010 Award Recipient

Carmen Boyko

Carmen Boyko has been an active member of AAFRE since 2002 and joined the board as Executive Secretary in 2006 and is currently the Vice President of AAFRE. Many AAFRE committees have benefited from her talents including professional development and Celebrate Excellence. She has chaired two very successful Trade Shows and was both the creator and co-star of the very funny vignette "24/7 Life of a Fund Raiser".

Carmen has been involved with non-profit organizations for over 15 years, working with various charities and is currently the Manager for Fund Development for the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF). With her role at the CLF she sits as regional chair for Healthpartners (for the Alberta Capital Region), a coalition of national health charities engaged in work place campaigns.

In addition to her professional work Carmen has demonstrated her commitment to supporting other outstanding organizations over the years helping organizations like Easter Seals, Rainbow Society and STARS.

As a dedicated mom and role model Carmen has encouraged and supported philanthropy by youth and is pleased to say her daughter Taylor is following in her footsteps and was named one of Alberta's Great Kids in 2009 at the age of 11.

2009 Award Recipient

Dianne Johnson

2010 Presidents Award Recipient

Pam Miller

Pam Miller began her career in fund development in 1996 with Kids Kottage and is still there today ensuring the funds are there to support Edmonton's only crisis nursery.

Working diligently with the volunteers of Kids Kottage Pam has enhanced the profile and raised funds through events such as golf tournaments, galas, telethons and lotteries.

Pam has served on the AAFRE Board for many years. She has worked in areas such as programming, professional development and is past president of AAFRE. She is also actively involved in her church community using her talents in dance and drama to good effect.

2009 Award Recipient

Sharron Batsch

2008 Award Recipients

Bonnie Yaskiw

Cindy Wilson

2007 Award Recipient
Scott Hood

2006 Award Recipient:
Bill Rees

2005 Award Recipient:
Resource Centre for Voluntary Organizations (RCVO) - Vicki Van Vliet Vaitkunas

Previous Recipients

2003 - Ron Coulombe
2001 - Marc Barylo
1999 - Tim Haak
1996 - Barry Runnalls
1995 - Donna Lemieux
1994 - Joan Laurie

3. Awards from Other Organizations

AFP Heart & Soul Awards

The Heart & Soul Awards are bestowed in celebration of donors, volunteers, and organizations who have chosen to donate in the spirit of philanthropy, thereby making our communities more healthy, vibrant, and caring. The nomination deadline is June 30th.

Download the nomination form

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