On August 18, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) celebrated a few of Kingston’s outstanding philanthropists and volunteers at a small, private awards ceremony.

Every year, UHKF accepts nominations from the community for the Davies Award for Philanthropic Leadership and the Ian Wilson Award for Volunteerism. The recipients of the awards are chosen by the UHKF Board of Directors.

The Davies Award for Philanthropic Leadership was first presented in 2005 by Kingston philanthropists, Michael and Elaine Davies through the Kingston General Hospital Foundation in honour of its 25^th anniversary. Recipients of the Davies Award are individuals, organizations and community groups who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropic leadership benefitting Kingston’s healthcare facilities and ultimately, the care of our families, friends and neighbours in southeastern Ontario.

“I am delighted to present the Davies Award for Philanthropic Leadership on behalf of my family once again this year, to not one but three recipients,” says Caroline Davies. “This year’s recipients are Shoppers Drug Mart, Limestone City Car Club and John (Jack) Keyes. Congratulations!”


David Dick (left), Brian Beatty (centre left), Caroline Davies (centre right) and Tom Zsolnay (right).

Limestone City Car Club

Brian Beatty and David Dick organized the first Limestone City Car Classic in September 2013 in memory of Brian’s daughter Melonie who passed away from melanoma at 35 years of age. The team of volunteers works tirelessly throughout the year to organize a first-class event that represents our city and improves health care locally. In 2019, this small but mighty committee raised $14,000, bringing their seven-year total to almost $65,000 for the Melanoma Clinic at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. The event now attracts 400 vehicles and more than 2,000 visitors. It is their passion and commitment to raise awareness about melanoma that continues to “drive” this group forward.


Adam Doyle (left), Shoppers Drug Mart Owner and Pharmacist, Shama Acharya (centre left), Shoppers Drug Mart Owner and Pharmacist, Caroline Davies ( centre right) and Tom Zsolnay (right).

Shoppers Drug Mart
The local Shoppers Drug Mart owners and associates are exceptional examples of corporate citizenship at its best. Together, they have raised over $350,000 for Women’s Health Programs through the annual LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ campaign. Adam Doyle, the local chair of the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program and the other local store owners encourage their associates to promote the program and create an environment in the stores that inspire staff to participate wholeheartedly. We are very fortunate to have such community-minded individuals working in our local Shoppers Drug Marts. Their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment are the reason that the program is so successful in Kingston. Their efforts help improve the care experience for women at KHSC.
 

John (Jack) Keyes

Jack has been a long-time, loyal member of the UHKF and KGH Foundation family. He gives often and generously, which allows KHSC to invest in programs and purchase vital equipment. Jack is also an Evergreen member, having included UHKF in his Will, so that his legacy of giving will live on. Additionally, he has funded a permanent endowment to honour his late daughter, Kathy. The annual income from this fund is used to pay for the little things that enhance the care experience for patients with mental illness, which are not covered by government funding. In 2019, Jack provided a matching gift for two direct mail campaigns to inspire others to give. He is passionate about supporting health care and is willing to celebrate his gifts in a way that inspires others to give.

The Ian Wilson Award for Volunteerism in Fundraising was established in 2011 at the close of the “Together We Can” campaign to honour individuals who, like Ian Wilson, set themselves apart by their incredible commitment, their undying enthusiasm, and the sheer number of hours they devote to their volunteer roles on behalf of UHKF and the hospitals.

“Recipients are volunteers who demonstrate outstanding efforts in the solicitation of donations benefitting our healthcare facilities through an event, organized campaign or informal activity,” says Ian Wilson. “It is an honour to present Michael Robinson with this year’s Ian Wilson Award.”

Ian Wilson (left) and Michael Robinson (centre) and Tom Zsolnay (right).
 

Michael Robinson

Michael Robinson is a caring, dedicated volunteer who has been actively involved in helping to shape the future of our health care through his various leadership roles with the Kingston General Hospital Foundation and UHKF Boards of Directors and the UHKF Campaign team for more than 15 years. Michael is a very loyal supporter of our hospitals and is a monthly donor who has been giving each year for 28 years! As the Primary Executive of the Dr. Samuel S. Robinson Foundation, Michael has been influential in securing gifts in support of KHSC and Providence Care totaling over $1.1 million. Michael is a kind, caring individual who is passionate about our hospitals and making a difference to the health care of our region. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help in our efforts to raise funds for our hospitals.

“It is truly inspiring to have such dedicated and generous leaders in our community,” says Lori Faggiani, Director of Annual Programs at UHKF. “I am so happy to announce that UHKF has created a new award this year called the Sister Dorothy Fournier Award for Volunteerism. This award is to honour our long-time, much-loved and appreciated volunteer, Sr. Dorothy Fournier, or as we like to call her, ‘Sr. D’.”

Each year, the Sister Dorothy Fournier Award for Volunteerism will be granted by UHKF to an individual, organization or community group who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer commitment by dedicating their time to UHKF in support of work efforts, event preparation and mission moments, all to benefit health care in Kingston.


Lori Faggiani (left), Sister Dorothy Fournier (centre), Tom Zsolnay (right).