Individuals, companies, groups, and community members may be nominated once, as long as there is a five (5) year period between nominations. You can download the entire list of Honourees from 2000 at the “Download” link below

GOS_Honourees_2000-2025Download

Meet our 2025 Generosity of Spirit Award Honourees

COMMUNITY CATALYST – CYNTHIA (CINDY) LETOURNEAU

“I was so grateful for the prompt care and attention my son was given by STARS, its my mission to keep STARS in our skies. This is a lifeline and organization that we need, to provide the utmost care to all!” [Cindy Letourneau]

NOMINATED BY STARS

On September 5, 2013, Cindy Letourneau’s son Chris was involved in a horrible motorcycle collision on his way to work. Despite STARS’ best efforts, Chris unfortunately passed away after he was flown to the hospital. Cindy quickly turned her grief and pain toward a new mission: to ensure that STARS will continue to be there for the next family who may need critical care. This moment marked the beginning of Cindy’s passionate philanthropic journey to honor her son, raise awareness for motorcycle safety, and support STARS.

Since her son’s passing, Cindy has hosted nine CL88 Golf Tournaments, a memorial motorcycle awareness ride, and raised additional donations through selling motorcycle awareness bracelets, CL88 stickers, and T-shirts. The largest of Cindy’s endeavors is the organization of the annual CL88 Golf Tournament in honour of her son, Chris. This tournament is Cindy’s way of thanking STARS for everything they did for her family that day. She has mobilized her entire hometown of Crossfield, Alberta and the Pigeon Lake community where the tournament is held to support the annual event, turning it into a premier occasion

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE SUPPORTER – CALGARY – CO-OP

“At Calgary Co-op, giving is integral to our identity….Beyond donations, we engage in volunteering, creating spaces for community connection, and supporting grassroots initiatives. From front-line staff to executive leaders, a passion for community is embedded at every level of our co-operative.“
— Penney McTaggart-Cowan, Vice President of Marketing & Member Experiences and Chair of the Calgary Co-op Foundation

NOMINATED BY: CALGARY FOOD BANK

Calgary Co-op’s approach to philanthropy is distinguished by its consistency, grassroots engagement, and unwavering focus on food security.
For over 20 years, Calgary Co-op has been a reliable supporter of charitable organizations focused on food insecurity.

In 2024 alone, Calgary Co-op and the Calgary Co-op Community Foundation raised $2.8 million in food and funds, supporting over 15 core agencies serving a wide range of demographics. This includes organizations such as the Calgary Food Bank, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, Meals on Wheels, The Mustard Seed, Unison at Kerby, and many others.

Calgary Co-op exemplifies leadership in philanthropy through its innovative and inclusive approach to community giving. Their philanthropic vision is: “Together for our planet, together for our community, together for our members. We are better together”. This statement acts as a guiding principle that informs how they empower philanthropic leadership throughout the community.
One notable initiative is their decentralized giving model, where each of Calgary Co-op’s 24 locations receives $5,000 annually to invest in a local initiative of their choosing. This empowers frontline staff to take on local philanthropic leadership roles, selecting causes that resonate with them and their customers.
Calgary Co-op is also the top corporate fundraiser for the Grocery Foundation of Canada, which supports student nutrition programs across the country. Their involvement in this initiative demonstrates leadership not only in fundraising but also in promoting healthy communities, as student meal programs help to foster equity and inclusion, create shared spaces and support academic success.
In the public forum, Calgary Co-op has taken a leading role in coordinating third-party fundraising events, including the long running “Stuff a Bus” campaign, now in its 32nd year. This collaboration with Calgary Transit and XL 103 FM has become a legacy event within the Calgary community. To date, $5,795,657 been raised through Calgary Co-op hosted events like Stuff-a-Bus. This longstanding event also raised 73,458 pounds of food, which speaks volumes about their ability to inspire and engage with the public at
their activations

    DOC SEAMAN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPIST – CRAIG SENYK

    CO-NOMINATED BY: CLASSROOM CHAMPIONS & THEATRE CALGARY

    What makes Craig Senyk unique is not just the scale of his giving, but the heart, creativity, and consistency with which he gives. For more than two decades, Craig has helped shape Calgary’s philanthropic landscape by bringing people together around the things that matter most to him—community, connection, sport, and the arts

    Over the years, Craig’s support has extended to dozens of charities, including Discovery House, Hull Services, I Can for Kids, Kids Help Phone, the Children’s Grief Centre, Ronald McDonald House, and many more. His sustained commitment has raised millions for community organizations and helped launch the careers of Canadian artists and
    athletes alike.
    Craig was instrumental in the success of Theatre Calgary’s largest campaign to date—not only as a lead donor but as a volunteer leader deeply involved in stewarding others. He worked alongside development staff to identify and cultivate potential supporters, often facilitating personal introductions and joining solicitation meetings. His authenticity, clarity of vision, and respect for others’ motivations made him an ideal partner in donor engagement. Craig’s role in mobilizing board volunteer energy was equally impactful. He provided encouragement and guidance to other campaign champions, helping them craft their personal cases for support and building confidence in their fundraising roles. His leadership created a ripple effect: volunteers felt valued, prepared, and inspired. His understanding of organizational strategy allowed him to guide volunteers with nuance and credibility, always returning the focus to mission and impact.
    Importantly, Craig’s contributions were never performative. He showed up—consistently, generously, and without ego. His ability to unify a diverse group of campaign volunteers and supporters helped Theatre Calgary exceed its goals and set a new standard for community-based fundraising.
    His impact on Classroom Champions reflects the same thoughtful, hands-on approach. In addition to his significant financial support, Craig has helped grow the organization by inviting other community leaders to join as donors, volunteers, and Champions Board members. He frequently provides quiet but powerful support—like matching gifts at fundraising events to help close the gap or motivating others to give through personal outreach. His influence also extends beyond Calgary. Craig played a central role in taking the blueprint of Concert for Classrooms—a successful Calgary-based fundraiser—and replicating it in Toronto, significantly expanding the organization’s reach and donor base.
    Craig’s ability to inspire and galvanize others lies at the heart of his impact. He creates space for others to lead, provides guidance when needed, and never loses sight of the mission. Whether supporting staff, stewarding donors, or encouraging volunteers, Craig shows up—with humility, consistency, and an uncommon ability to turn passion into collective purpose

    OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC FAMILY – HUNTER FAMILY

    OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC SMALL BUSINESS – AMROP ROSIN

    Listed below are the eight (8) categories of Generosity of Spirit (GOS) Awards. In addition to the Nomination form , you will need to complete two additional forms: the Nominator Disclaimer and Endorsement form and the Nominee Disclaimer form. Both can be downloaded from the link below. You will also find the link to our 2025 Guidebook and Tips booklet which provides all the information about the GOS Awards. AND if you weren’t able to take advantage of our free session on Writing an Award Winning Nomination with Vincent Duckworth, CFRE on March 19th – the worksheet for writing your nomination is also available to download. You will find this to be a very helpful reference guide as you prepare your nomination

    AFP Calgary – Writing Great Nominations Worksheet – March 2025Download

    You do not have to be a member of AFP to enter a nomination – though we wish you were! Please note that nominees must serve in AFP Calgary & Area’s geographic area. Posthumous nominations are accepted however, the Nominee must have been alive prior to November 2024. All nominations stand for two years.

    The individual GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT AWARDS & the link to their NOMINATION FORMS are listed at the bottom of this page.

    Continue reading for additional guidelines and important information about your nomination.

    Good luck with your nomination!

    NOMINATIONS GUIDELINES

    Each nomination form will require the following information:

    1. Contact information about your Nominee.
    2. Your contact information (as the nominator) and (optionally), a secondary nominator.

    You will be asked to complete the following four (4) questions and provide a quote from your Nominee; and in the case of the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT award there is an additional fifth (5th) question. You have 3,000 characters or approximately 500 words for each answer, so choose your words wisely! Here are the questions:

    1. Evidence of direct gift support.
    2. Evidence of encouragement and motivation given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.
    3. Tell us what makes this Nominee unique in their philanthropy that has led you to want to nominate them for this award. 
    4. Evidence of impact as a result of their philanthropy. Please provide us with an impact story from your organization that demonstrates the contribution to achieving the mission of your organization.

    LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – ADDITIONAL QUESTION:

    Describe the history and impact of the Nominee’s philanthropic activity in the community?

    All of the information you require for the Nomination package is included in our Guidebook that you can download here:

    2026-GOS-Guidelines-and-Tips-FINALDownload

    You will be required to complete the both the Nominator Disclaimer and Endorsement and the Nominee Disclaimer forms. Please upload both forms for a complete nomination package.

    2026 GOS Nominator Disclaimer and EndorsementDownload

    2026 GOS Nominee DisclaimerDownload

    It is now standard practice that only ONE letter of support is required for each nomination application. This supporting letter MUST be from an external individual, organization, or company from the nominating organization. It cannot be from a board member, or a staff member of the nominating organization. Please upload a pdf version only.

    Your online form can be saved, and a link will be sent to you to resume editing, when you select Save and Continue.

    Please note:

    1. Nominators may submit nominations in more than one category for the same nominee or multiple nominees
    2. Nominations must be submitted on the AFP Calgary & Area Chapter website fillable form
    3. Joint nominations from individuals or organizations are encouraged (maximum of 2). Please include a contact person for each nominating organization
    4. Re-submission of previous nominees who have not been selected is encouraged.
    5. Posthumous nominations will be accepted (in all categories) however only in the year following their passing; for this application individuals who passed away after November 2024
    6. Nominations will be held-over for two years. Therefore, if your nominee is not selected this year, their nomination will be considered again in 2026. You must agree to this in the application to ensure you are in agreement with this. Nominating organizations may opt out of this if they choose.
    7. ONE letter of support is required for each nomination application. This supporting letter MUST be from an external individual, organization or company from the nominating organization. It cannot be from a board member of the nominating organization.
    8. Executive directors and staff are prohibited from supplying the Letter of support for their own organization.
    9. In order to best serve your nomination, the GOS Jury man move your nominee to a more appropriate category. If this is the case, you will be consulted prior to final selection of the award category.
    10. In the case of Corporate/Small Business categories, the Nominee’s support MUST be philanthropic in nature, rather than sponsorship or cause marketing.
    11. Specific/singular special events CANNOT be nominated. Events or a series of events can be PART of an overall philanthropic program, strategy or engagement but one cannot be the sole focus of the Nominees involvement
    12. Family Foundations cannot be nominated; the family themselves may be nominated
    13. The Nominee may have received the GOS Award previously, but it must be more than 5 years ago. Please check with the AFP Calgary & Area website for details, or contact the Chapter Administrator
    14. No materials other than those outlined will be accepted. Any additional material will be discarded.
    15. Late submissions will not be accepted or considered

    READY TO CRAFT YOUR NOMINATION? CLICK ON THE LINK below for the award you wish to submit. That will take you to the NOMINATION FORM for that award. You will be able to work on the nomination, save and return at later date to complete if needed. You will also be able to upload your two (2) signed Disclaimer forms through the NOMINATION FORM.

    Bon chance! And remember that our National Philanthropy Day celebration is Wednesday November 12, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency.

    Our NPD sponsors and partners play a crucial role in the strength and stability of our fundraising community.

    Increase your visibility and connect with some of Calgary’s most motivated and engaged change-makers.

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    AFP Calgary & Area Chapter