National Philanthropy Day Award Archives
2007 Recipients
Generosity of Spirit Award 2007, presented by Victoria Foundation
The Shemilt Family
The Shemilt family has owned Victoria’s Island Blue Print and Reprographics for over 50 years. Following her husband Vic’s death, Pam Shemilt and her three sons – Mike, Craig and Rob – have carried on the firm’s tradition of philanthropy. Charities that have benefited from the family’s generosity include the David Foster Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, Sooke Fine Arts Show, University of Victoria, International Reprographic Association, Rotary Club of Victoria, Kinsmen, READ Society, Vic-Van-Isle Kinsmen Club, Flowers in the Park (Beacon Hill), Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Society, the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children, the Aga Khan Partnership Walk, George Pringle Camp, First Metropolitan Church, and Camosun College who nominated the family for this award. Pam is on the Cabinet for the Pacific Sport Institute, and the family support many amateur sporting events and groups.
Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award 2007 presented by TELUS
Jane Heffelfinger
A tireless volunteer who has raised millions of dollars for charity, Jane is the epitome of a fundraising dynamo. She chaired the Greater Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Better Together $12 million campaign, is co-founder and past-President of Pacific Opera Victoria, and served as a Governor for the Victoria Commonwealth Games. Jane is a Director of the Board of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, a Governor of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, a member of the Telus Community Board, and an Honorary Citizen of Victoria.
Outstanding Philanthropic Service Club 2007 Award
The University Women’s Club of Victoria
The club has provided over half a million dollars in financial aid to deserving students. Through their efforts, the University Women’s Club distributes $17,000 in annual scholarships and bursaries to Camosun College, the University of Victoria and at Royal Roads University. The club’s philanthropic legacy was achieved by many small steps through afternoon teas, bridge/mah jong parties, dances, a boat charter, historic fashion shows, an Emily Carr birthday party, raffles, garage sales, affinity programs and direct sales of items. A modest stipend is retained from each member’s dues for the Society’s projects and each member becomes a fundraiser. Many members serve on the boards of directors of local non-profit organizations, furthering their contributions to our community.
