There was a dramatic distinction to this year鈥檚 National Philanthropy Awards presentation at the Empress Hotel.
It became more than the formal recognition of philanthropic individuals and organizations that make a difference in the lives of others.
Judging from recurring comments Tuesday evening, the Paris terrorist attacks were still on many people鈥檚 minds, and an appreciation of how lucky we are to live in a country that embraces compassion.
鈥淭he present state of unrest in the world today with deadly terrorist attacks can create fear and distrust that spreads like any epidemic,鈥� said Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, who emphasized that 鈥渁聽 deep capacity for compassion鈥� will mean the difference between civilization and barbarism.
鈥淭here is no better way to inoculate our society against that type of over-reaction than to continue the spread of generosity and love that is represented by all those in this room today,鈥� she said in her opening remarks to the sold-out crowd of 320 in the Crystal Ballroom.
Michael O鈥機onnor, the Victoria lawyer and prolific philanthropist whose firm was a sponsor, was no less passionate.
鈥淲hen you look around the world and see the disruption we鈥檝e seen over the last few days, it鈥檚 important that Canadians are strong, and that they give back to their community, and that we are all vigilant, because we live in a free country and we are very fortunate,鈥� he said.
鈥淚 believe very strongly that it鈥檚 important for our country to join with our allies and take a very strong stand about what has happened.鈥�
Diane Lloyd, president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Vancouver Island, said it felt amazing having so many outstanding community contributors in one room.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the one time of year where we pause and celebrate not just the people who give money, but people who give their time and volunteer,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not about the size of the gift. It鈥檚 about committing to being of service and giving back to your community, and it also uncovers those quiet philanthropists in town.鈥�
This year鈥檚 honourees included entrepreneur Rob Reid, who won the United Way of Greater Victoria鈥檚 Generosity of Spirit Award. He was nominated by the Victoria Cool Aid Society for his work with Every Step Counts, the program that helps people struggling with mental illness, addictions and homelessness.
Tanya Smith, the Victoria Festival of Trees chairwoman, was聽聽 honoured for her Swab Drive for One Match campaign inspired by young cancer patient Hannah Day, and received the Coast Capital Savings鈥� Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award.
The Rotary Club of Victoria was honoured with Camosun College鈥檚 Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club Award for its many contributions, including to the Rainbow Kitchen Society and Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Country Grocer received the University of Victoria鈥檚 Corporate Citizenship Award for its significant support of organizations including Lifetime Networks, the Prostate Centre, the MS Society, Our Place Society, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Tour de Rock and Help Fill a Dream Foundation.
Children鈥檚 Health Foundation Vancouver Island鈥檚 Youth in Philanthropy Award went to 脡cole Victor-Brodeur鈥檚 Club des Joujuox, made up of five girls from a Grade 2 class who initiated a toy sale, raising $400 for Our Place Society.
The Youth in Philanthropy Award presented by Telus went to Reynolds Secondary School鈥檚 Cops for Cancer organizing committee, which raised $108,000 last year.
鈥淭he best part is the youth categories, the ones that are growing,鈥� Lloyd said. 鈥淜ids today are far more tuned into philanthropy than I was as a kid, for sure.鈥�
