2025 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon | Program

Greetings from the 2025 National Philanthropy Day Committee

Welcome to Calgary’s National Philanthropy Day 2025 celebration! It’s a true honour to gather with you – the heart and hands of generosity in our city.

Today, we recognize the remarkable individuals, families, organizations, volunteers, and fundraisers whose commitment to giving has strengthened the fabric of our community. You inspire us through your contributions, your compassion, time, and the expertise you share to make life better for others.

Philanthropy, at its core, is about connection: seeing ourselves as part of something larger. It’s about coming together to solve problems, to nurture hope, and to extend kindness in a world that often feels divided. Whether through a major gift, volunteer hours, or a simple act of goodwill, each gesture of generosity ripples outward and helps build a community grounded in care and possibility.

National Philanthropy Day is a moment when we come together to celebrate shared values, to show our deep gratitude to those we honour today, and to be reminded that every one of us can make a difference. As Barack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Together, let’s carry that spirit forward.

2025 National Philanthropy Day Committee:

Jason Lyver, NPD Co-Chair Pam Snowdon, NPD Co-Chair

Brittany Wynnyk, GOS Committee Chair Daniel Mills Lorie Abernethy, CFRE