This annual award recognizes individuals, organizations and community groups who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropic leadership benefitting Kingston’s healthcare facilities and the provision of healthcare for the people of Kingston and southeastern Ontario.
Nominations will be accepted from any member of the health care community, including staff, board and board committee members, patients, clients, residents, volunteers and donors.
Previous recipients of the award are eligible to be nominated again and can be selected for a second time if he/she is the best nominee for the award.
2026 Award Recipient: The Carman Family (Mending Hearts with Declyn) & the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation
The Carman family, founders of Mending Hearts with Declyn, were honoured for their compassion, impact and support of Pediatric Cardiology at KHSC. After the loss of their son Declyn in 2022 at three months old, they turned grief into purpose through a grassroots lemonade stand initiative. Over four years, the effort has raised nearly $24,000 and rallied strong community support. Their ongoing advocacy aims to improve care and outcomes for children with complex heart conditions from across the region.
Since 2008, the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation has contributed $1.9 million to KHSC, supporting critical health-care initiatives across the region. Their funding has advanced projects including cancer care expansion, pediatric services, surgical innovation and hospital redevelopment. A recent $500,000 gift helped secure a second surgical robot, enhancing minimally invasive care for thousands of patients. Their visionary approach reflects a strong commitment to improving health-care access and outcomes for residents of Belleville and greater southeastern Ontario.
Previous Recipients
- 2025Stephen Sorensen
- 2025Kin Club of Gananoque
- 2025KidsInclusive's Kilometres for Kids Run/Walk/Roll
- 2024Dr. Gary Burggraf
- 2024B’nai Brith Kingston Lodge
- 2024Bentley Davidson
- 2023KHSC, Volunteer Services to Hotel Dieu Hospital Site
- 2023Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham LLP
- 2023Dr. David Cook
- 2021Rose of Hope
- 2020Limestone City Car Club; Shoppers Drug Mart; John (Jack) Keyes
- 2019Knights of Columbus, Archdiocese of Kingston Diocesan Association; Dr. Romy Nitsch, Dr. Shawna Johnston and Dr. Graeme Smith; Josée Thériault
- 2018Don Hay
- 2017Peter and Carol Davy
- 2017Royal Canadian Legion (District G Zone 1) and Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation
- 2017J.E. Agnew Food Services Ltd.
- 2016Lions Club District A3
- 2015Brit Smith
- 2015Liz Dobbs Jones
- 2015B’nai Brith
- 2014Child Development Centre Run/Walk Committee
- 2013McKenna Modler
- 2013Melo Family & Ambassador Hotel
- 2013Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation
- 2012John M. & Bernice Parrott Foundation
- 2012Kinsmen Club of Kingston
- 2012Empire Life
- 2011Kids for Kids Hockey Tournament
- 2011BMO Financial Groups
- 2011Debbie and Dan Corcoran
- 2010Geraldine Tepper
- 2010Rose of Hope
- 2009Larry Gibson
- 2009Volunteer Services Hotel Dieu Hospital
- 2009KGH Auxiliary
- 2008Sally & Percy Robinson and Samuel Robinson Foundation
- 2008Sisters of Providence
- 2008RHSJ (Religious Hospitalers of St. Joseph)
- 2006Homestead Land Holdings and Brit & Sally Smith
- 2006Doug Hogeboom
- 2005RBC Financial Group
- 2005Sylvia Burkinshaw
- 2004Bill Henderson