SASKATOON – Hundreds of people attended Saskatoon’s celebration of National Philanthropy Day on Friday.
Fundraisers, donors and those who give the valuable gift of time were honoured at the event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Like many people in Saskatchewan who grew up on a farm, Heather Horner never remembers taking a vacation as a child.
“My parents both worked hard farming. My dad built the farm up and my mom of course is a farmer wife–she was part of that partnership,” Horner explained.
Heather’s parents saved every penny they made. They’ve now passed away, leaving a legacy.
“The initial endowment was $250,000, of which a portion of that was used for a (home) build,” said Barb Cox-Lloyd, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon. She said the family has been a big supporter of the organization.
The Horner family is one of hundreds of Saskatchewan families who are known for making not only significant donations, but giving hundreds of hours of personal time.
“Saskatchewan leads (the nation) as it relates to volunteers…second in the country, right behind Newfoundland,” said AFP Chair Arla Justafson.
“People sometimes think you have to give a lot of money to be called a philanthropist, when in fact we have young people being recognized today who get involved in their community,” said Justafson.
The AFP itself has generated more than one trillion dollars worldwide since it began in 1960.
The 2013 award for Outstanding Philanthropist went to Leslie and Irene Dubé, who have given more than thirty million dollars to local programs and initiatives over the past decade.
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