AFP Nova Scotia Chapter

Quinpool Center - Box 33009
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3L 4T6

info@afpns.ca

17 year-old Matthew MacDonald of Sydney Mines among eight honourees at Maritime Philanthropy Awards

 Hundreds of volunteers and leaders in the charitable sector gathered to celebrate eight honoureees for their outstanding contributions to fundraising success across the Maritimes.

The honourees were selected by a jury of professional fundraisers, volunteers, and corporate sponsors, all members of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The jury evaluated many award applications before selecting the winners, and revealing them this evening.

“The award recipients are so impressive and inspirational and it is truly an honour for our association to recognize their outstanding contributions,” says Brad Jacobs, President of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the AFP. “We are very fortunate that the Maritime region is rich with strong, community-minded, and generous role models.”

Among the recipients was Matthew MacDonald, the youngest person to ever be named Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in this region. MacDonald is a seventeen year old from Sydney Mines who raises money for the IWK every year. He has Marfan Syndrome, a debilitating disease that has led to several heart surgeries and a life-long connection to the IWK. Matthew’s efforts started with a lemonade stand # years ago, and in time he has become a fundraising role model in his community and in the province raising thousands of dollars for the IWK every year.

Community leader and philanthropist Ruth Goldbloom, a past recipient in the same award category, presented the award to Matthew.

“It’s really an honour to be nominated. I’m pretty blown away right now,” says Matthew. “I raise money for the IWK because of everything the IWK has done for me. I couldn’t do any of it without my family and friends.”

All of the recipients demonstrate leadership and generosity. The Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist Award was given to Harold and Marnie Noyes, of Sun and Shade Campground in Prince Edward Island for their fundraising in support of the IWK. The Outstanding Partnership Award was presented to Halifax Seed for their work in support of Adsum House. The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group Award was presented to the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life “Dream Team”, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The Outstanding Special Event Award was given to IWK Telethon 25. The Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award was presented to Wendy Ackerley with Laing House. The Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award was presented to Halifax Metro Canadian Tire Dealers CTA# 465 for their support of Adsum House. The Outstanding Individual Philanthropist was presented to Wendy Black. The Rising Star Award was presented to Daphne Carter, Phoenix Youth Programs.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations. Founded in 1960, AFP advances philanthropy through its nearly 28,000 members in 185 chapters throughout the world. The Nova Scotia Chapter was established in 1983 and has more than 115 members from a broad range of organizations throughout Nova Scotia, as well as volunteers, students, and allied professionals.