Two southeast Saskatchewan residents and a local business have been selected to receive awards from the Association of Funding Professionals (AFP) Regina chapter for their commitment to their communities.
Lampman’s Ron Carson has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. Carson was nominated by the STARS Air Ambulance after he raised more than $200,000 for STARS through the Rescue on the Prairies fundraiser in August.
The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation supplied a letter of support for Carson.
Carson and his wife, Shirley, have donated $500,000 to the campaign to bring a new computed tomography (CT) scanner machine to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The area where the machine will be located is to be known as the Ron and Shirley Carson Diagnostics Centre.
“I asked (AFP) about (nominating) Ron Carson, and they said he was already nominated, which is wonderful,” said Conly. “He has given to STARS, he has given to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, and, of course, he is one of the main reasons we have CT scanner services commencing in November here at St. Joseph’s Hospital.”
There is only one person chosen to receive the philanthropist award. Most of the other AFP awards have multiple recipients.
The hospital foundation submitted two nominations, and both were selected for awards. David Hoffort, who is part of the foundation’s board, was selected as an outstanding individual volunteer.
“David Hoffort has a big supporter of southeast Saskatchewan through volunteerism for many, many years,” said Conly. “He lives in Benson and he has been on several different boards, but most importantly he has been able to solicit donations to those non-profit organizations that he supports.”
Hoffort has used his contacts and his friendships to support causes he believes in.
“He doesn’t do it for any reason other than he believes in what he is doing,” said Conly. “He never looks for recognition or a pat on the back. He’s truly a … model citizen for southeast Saskatchewan.”
Turnbull Excavating was among those selected as an outstanding corporate philanthropist. Conly said the award isn’t just for a business that donates money to projects. The recognized businesses also have to encourage volunteerism.
“With Turnbull Excavating, there are at least 15 staff members who sit on boards all over southeast Saskatchewan, from Estevan to Bienfait to Torquay,” said Conly. “There are many different organizations that are supported at Turnbull Excavating.”
Turnbull Excavating’s owner, Ed Turnbull, really supports and promotes community involvement, Conly said, and he also donates to the causes his employees are involved with.
Conly noted Turnbull Excavating has donated $200,000 to the region over the last five years. It’s a substantial amount considering the size of
his business.
“They have donated to every aspect of society,” said Conly.
The AFP also hands out awards to outstanding organizations, youths and a community partner.
The awards will be handed out on Nov. 10 in honour of National Philanthropy Day.
