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Oak Bay woman among philanthropy day honourees

Oak Bay’s Betty Kennedy is up for the Generosity of Spirit Award, presented by the United Way of Greater Victoria
43179oakbayOBfileUWGVbettykennedyJune0816
This Philanthropy Day

An Oak Bay philanthropist is among the many nominees for good work done in Greater Victoria.

Each year, National Philanthropy Day recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations in our community that are making a difference in the lives of others. By ‘changing the world with a giving heart,’ these local philanthropists have been named as the top three finalists in six award categories for this year’s National Philanthropy Day awards:

Oak Bay’s Betty Kennedy is up for the Generosity of Spirit Award, presented by the United Way of Greater Victoria.

As a patron and advocate on the community’s behalf, as an ambassador in the community, and as a faithful financial contributor for several decades, Kennedy has consistently demonstrated her support, not only for the Royal BC Museum and Archives, but also for the importance of cultural heritage in the development of a vibrant community.

Kennedy has been donating to the Royal BC Museum since her patronage began in the 1990s, and she is one of the most generous donors. The museum is just one of the causes Kennedy supports. She is a generous donor to the University of Victoria and has been an active supporter of gardening in Victoria. She has gone above and beyond in her dedication and service to others and our city.

Other nominees are Marguerite Rowe, president of the board for the Oak Bay-based Canadian College of Performing Arts, and the Hopkins Family and Team 4 Hope.

Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award, presented by the Coast Capital Savings nominees are: Linda Ryder, the Victoria Symphony’s volunteer merchandise sales co-ordinator; Gerry McQuade, a member of Island Prostate Centre’s board of directors; and Robin Farrell, co-founder and co-chair of the Cycle of Hope Society.

Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club Award nominees are: Zonta Club of Victoria Canada; Saanich Baptist Church and the Provincial Employees Community Services Fund. Stantec, Times Colonist and MAXIMUS BC Health Inc. are up for Corporate Citizenship Award. The Youth in Philanthropy Award (Ages 5 to 10) nominees include Andrei Marti, 6, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in August 2015. He has since raised $2,200 for JDRF in the hopes that they will find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. He faces South Park Family School – Div. 9 where students in Grade 4/5 took the lead in the school’s fundraising project by organizing a coin drive. Central Middle School; Edward Milne Community School Leadership Class and Kaelynn Lindahl of Stelly’s secondary are up for Youth in Philanthropy Award (Ages 11 to 18).

The National Philanthropy Day celebration is Tuesday, Nov. 15  from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit www.npdvictoria.com online to learn more.