PIA 2026: Celebrating Generosity Together
Last night, 465 community members gathered at the UNB Currie Centre for the Fredericton Community Foundation’s annual Philanthropy in Action Celebration, sponsored by Stewart McKelvey, an unforgettable evening celebrating generosity, community, and the people who help make the greater Fredericton region stronger every day.
This year’s celebration honoured Lois Walker Gillin, whose lifelong commitment to caring for others has touched countless lives across our community. Through decades of volunteerism, advocacy, and support for local causes, Lois has quietly shown what it means to lead with generosity.
In Lois’ words:
“Well, I would encourage anyone to get involved in their community, no matter how small. It doesn't have to be a financial donation or anything like that, but whatever they can do, they should. They should try to do it.”
Her message perfectly captured the spirit of this year’s celebration, reminding us that generosity takes many forms, and that even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting impact.
Hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, the evening brought together donors, charities, volunteers, businesses, and community members for a heartfelt celebration centered around this year’s theme: Celebrating Generosity Together. Guests enjoyed powerful performances throughout the evening, including Take Me to the Water, Amazing Grace, dedicated to Lois, and Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed on Freedom).
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came as local charities were invited to stand and be recognized for the incredible work they do throughout our community. Thanks to the generosity and support of our community and table sponsors, this year’s celebration welcomed more charitable organizations than ever before. Youth philanthropists representing local high schools were also recognized during the evening. Thanks to sponsored tickets from donors, these students were invited to experience the celebration and learn more about the importance of philanthropy and community impact.
As part of the recognition, Lois directed the $10,000 grant accompanying the PIA Award to the Chalmers Foundation, reflecting her lifelong dedication to healthcare and her career as a nurse.
Attendees also supported local causes through the virtual silent auction and raffle. Thanks to this incredible outpouring of generosity, the event raised a record-breaking $145,000, making this the most successful Philanthropy in ActionCelebration to date.
This evening would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, partners, donors, volunteers, and community supporters. A heartfelt thank you to Stewart McKelvey, our Title Sponsor since the event’s inception in 2010, as well as the 20 local businesses who generously sponsored this year’s celebration.
Thank you also to the 50+ businesses and supporters who contributed to the virtual raffle and silent auction, helping make the evening such a success.
To everyone who joined us, donated, volunteered, shared, supported, or simply showed up to celebrate generosity with us, thank you.
This celebration is a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together with compassion, care, and a shared commitment to making life better for others. Your generosity supports local charities, strengthens community programs, inspires future philanthropists, and helps ensure that people across our region feel supported and connected.
From all of us at the Fredericton Community Foundation: thank you for believing in the power of generosity. Let’s keep celebrating it, together.
To learn more about this year’s PIA Award recipient, watch Lois’ Tribute Video.
Learn more about the Foundation’s work and how to get involved at fredfdn.ca.
See you all next year!
