Celebrating Generosity: Lois Walker Gillin Named 2026 Philanthropy in Action Award Recipient
Lois Walker Gillin
The Fredericton Community Foundation is proud to announce Lois Walker Gillin as the 2026 Philanthropy in Action Award recipient. This annual recognition celebrates individuals whose generosity, through time, leadership, and compassion, creates lasting impact in our community.
Lois Walker Gillin is the embodiment of philanthropy in action through her lifelong dedication to education, healthcare, the arts, and social support services in the greater Fredericton region and beyond. For decades, she has quietly and consistently supported causes that strengthen our community, leaving a meaningful and lasting mark.
A generous benefactor to the University of New Brunswick for more than twenty-five years, Lois has supported scholarships, athletics, and academic programs. As a retired nurse, she recognized the tremendous potential of the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre to serve vulnerable populations while offering hands-on educational opportunities for nursing students. Her transformational gift helped create the clinic’s permanent home in Downtown Fredericton.
Lois’ passion for improving access to healthcare has also led her to make meaningful contributions to organizations such as the Chalmers Hospital Foundation and the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation. She played an instrumental role in establishing Grace House Women’s Shelter in Fredericton, helping ensure that women in need have access to care, support, and safety.
A dedicated supporter of arts and culture, Lois has contributed to the Fredericton Playhouse for many years and recently made a leadership gift to the Ron & Erma Hawkes Centre for the Arts. In recognition of her generosity, the Walker Family Lobby will serve as an inclusive and welcoming gathering space for the entire community.
Her compassion shines just as brightly through her volunteer work. At St. Paul’s United Church, Lois has devoted decades of service as a Trustee and has given more than 25 hours per week to operating The Pantry and Brown Bag Lunch Program, supporting low-income families, coordinating volunteers, and strengthening outreach ministries.
Her kindness, humility, and tireless commitment to others have made a profound and lasting impact.
The Philanthropy in Action Award is more than recognition, it is a celebration of generosity and the people who help our community grow stronger every day. Join us for the 2026 Philanthropy in Action Celebration as we honour Lois Walker Gillin and the impact of giving in our community. Together, we’ll celebrate generosity, connection, and the difference we can make, one act at a time.
To learn more about the Philanthropy in Action Award, meet past recipients, and discover how their generosity has shaped our community, visit PIA 2026. To learn more about the Fredericton Community Foundation and the work we do, click here.
