Past Philanthropy in Action Recipients
Celebrating the generosity that
continues to shape our community
Since 2010, the Philanthropy in Action Award has recognized individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity makes Fredericton stronger.
Each recipient represents the spirit of giving — people who see a need, take action, and inspire others to do the same. Their stories remind us that every act of kindness helps our community grow.
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2025–2022
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Brenda and David Sansom’s generosity has touched nearly every corner of our community. Brenda, a long-time advocate for women and minority groups, has lent her voice and time to countless local causes, from Hospice Fredericton to Portage Atlantic. David has championed opportunities for connection and growth, leading initiatives at the YMCA and helping strengthen community endowment funds. Together, they have supported projects that bring art, culture, and inclusion to life — from the Performing Arts Centre and Beaverbrook Art Gallery to the Playhouse. Their advocacy helped ensure hometown hero Willie O’Ree’s story reached national recognition, inspiring youth across Canada. Through mentorship, creativity, and unwavering kindness, the Sansoms continue to show what generosity in action truly means.
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Margaret and Bill Jones embody quiet generosity and shared purpose. Their time, compassion, and leadership have strengthened many local charities and inspired those around them to give back. From supporting health care to the arts, their commitment to the Fredericton region has been both steady and heartfelt. In recognition of their impact, the Fredericton Community Foundation awarded them the 2024 Philanthropy in Action Award, accompanied by a $10,000 grant for the charity of their choice. The Joneses selected Sistema NB, whose music education programs help children reach their full potential. Their thoughtful giving and hands-on involvement remind us that community change begins when people care deeply — and act generously — for others.
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Elaine Colter is known for her generosity, humility, and hands-on approach to helping others. A lifelong resident of Fredericton, she has supported more than 20 local charities and countless individuals through both financial gifts and volunteer time — often quietly and without recognition. Her kindness touches every project she supports, from initiatives improving local well-being to programs that bring people together. Elaine never seeks attention for her work; she simply believes in doing what’s right for her community. Her compassion, loyalty, and steady presence have made her a trusted friend and advocate to many. Elaine’s example reminds us that true generosity doesn’t need a spotlight — it shines brightest through everyday acts of care.
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John T. Clark Sr. has dedicated his life to helping others and building community. A family-oriented leader and lifelong Fredericton resident, John has given generously of his time, expertise, and resources to organizations such as the YMCA, Chalmers Foundation, Pine Grove Nursing Home, and Big Brothers. His leadership and mentorship have inspired collaboration across generations. In 1999, John established the J.T. Clark Family Foundation — extending his family’s tradition of giving and supporting more than 60 organizations across New Brunswick. Through his vision and kindness, John has shown that generosity is most powerful when it’s shared. His legacy continues to strengthen the community he loves and to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
2019–2015
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Brian Johnson and Joe Dobbelsteyn have each made lasting contributions to Fredericton through decades of generosity, leadership, and service. Brian has been a driving force in local athletics and education, championing youth through initiatives like the Kingswood Turnaround Achievement Awards, which have provided more than $400,000 in scholarships to students across the region. Joe’s compassion has touched countless lives through his volunteer work supporting seniors and founding Pine Grove Nursing Home. From spearheading fundraising efforts to volunteering in the snow to light up the annual Festival of Lights, Joe’s dedication embodies kindness in action. Together, Brian and Joe remind us that generosity takes many forms — mentorship, service, and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive.
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The Waite Family’s spirit of service and community connection has shaped Fredericton for generations. Through their family-run hotel, they’ve quietly supported numerous charitable events and organizations, often providing space, resources, and time to help local causes succeed. Their ongoing volunteerism — from coaching and board work to community initiatives — has strengthened organizations such as the United Way, the Miramichi Salmon Association, and the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation. John Waite’s leadership has also been recognized with multiple honours for his dedication to sport, recreation, and civic life. The Waite Family exemplifies generosity through action, collaboration, and consistency — always stepping up to support the people and projects that help our community flourish.
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David Wilson devoted his life to service, leadership, and the belief that giving back strengthens everyone. A tireless volunteer, he gave more than 300 hours each year to causes across Fredericton, from the Kiwanis Club and YMCA to the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation and United Way. David’s generosity extended beyond time and expertise; he supported countless charitable events and fundraising initiatives that helped shape the city’s cultural and social landscape. His public service as a city councillor and community leader reflected the same humility and heart that guided his giving. In 2017, David chose to direct his $10,000 Philanthropy in Action Grant to the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation, a true reflection of his lifelong commitment to care and community.
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Jim Ross and John Wood have each turned personal passion into meaningful impact for others. Jim has long been a dedicated volunteer and leader in Fredericton, serving with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Theatre New Brunswick, and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. His vision led to the creation of Partners for Youth Inc., an organization supporting at-risk youth across the province. John Wood, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, has become a community champion for accessibility and inclusion. Through the John Wood Foundation, he has raised over $120,000 in grants to help people with disabilities live more independently. Together, Jim and John represent courage, compassion, and the belief that everyone can make a difference when they choose to act generously.
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Gordon and Carol Burtt’s generosity has warmed Fredericton in countless ways — from leadership in fundraising to hands-on community care. For many years, they ran the beloved Coats for Kids programme, collecting, repairing, and distributing more than 10,000 winter coats to families in need. Carol’s exceptional talent for organizing community events has helped raise vital funds for organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, Ability New Brunswick, and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellow Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Through their kindness, persistence, and service, Gordon and Carol have shown that generosity isn’t just about giving, it’s about creating warmth and dignity for everyone in the community.
2014–2010
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Richard and Margie Clark have long embodied community spirit through their generosity, leadership, and compassion. Together, they’ve dedicated countless hours to supporting organizations like the YMCA and the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation. Margie’s leadership as President of the YMCA Operating Board and her continued volunteerism have inspired others to get involved, while Richard’s decades of service — including multiple capital campaigns and terms as Board President — have helped strengthen the YMCA’s impact for generations. Both have also played key roles in organizing fundraising events and mentoring future leaders. Humble, devoted, and community-minded, Richard and Margie continue to exemplify what it means to give selflessly and work toward a better Fredericton for all.
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Fred Beairsto, and Tina and Jason LeJeune, share a deep belief in giving back through action, creativity, and kindness. Fred has spent more than five decades leading with compassion — serving on countless boards, mentoring youth, and supporting causes across New Brunswick. His work with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and UNB has left a lasting legacy of care and leadership. Tina and Jason LeJeune have built community through their restaurant, Isaac’s Way, where art and generosity meet. Their ongoing support for children’s arts programmes, homelessness initiatives, and local schools has opened doors for countless young people. Together, these recipients remind us that generosity comes to life when people use their time, talent, and passion to lift others up.
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John Bliss and Dorothy McDade have long demonstrated how generosity and leadership can transform a community. Both have given their time and expertise to organizations such as the YMCA, UNB, and the United Way’s Forever Fund, serving in leadership roles that helped strengthen local services. John’s decades-long career as a city engineer left a tangible legacy — from improved water quality to a stronger civic infrastructure — and earned him recognition as a dedicated public servant. Dorothy’s work in medicine and the arts has inspired countless others, and her ongoing service on boards and community committees continues to shape Fredericton’s cultural and social landscape. Together, John and Dorothy have proven that care for others and pride in one’s community can go hand in hand.
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Bud and Peggy Bird’s generosity has helped shape Fredericton’s civic and cultural life for more than half a century. Their leadership and support have strengthened organizations like the YMCA, Theatre New Brunswick, and the Miramichi Salmon Association. Bud’s entrepreneurial and political accomplishments — from founding J.W. Bird & Company to serving as Mayor of Fredericton and later as a federal Member of Parliament — were matched by his lifelong dedication to community service. Peggy has shared that same commitment through decades of volunteer work supporting the arts, conservation, and education. Together, they have inspired generations of Frederictonians to lead with generosity, proving that when you give back to your community, you help it flourish for everyone.
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Edison and Lois Phillips exemplified generosity through a lifetime of service and compassion. Residents of Fredericton for more than 60 years, they dedicated their lives to helping others — from supporting seniors and veterans to volunteering at York Manor Nursing Home and the Chalmers Hospital Auxiliary. Edison spent nearly four decades at the Hartt Shoe Factory, while Lois worked at York Steel for 25 years, both known for their kindness and work ethic. Together, they gave their time and resources to strengthen community organizations and uplift those around them, donating more than $200,000 to the Chalmers Foundation alone. Whether helping a neighbour, comforting a friend, or welcoming an international student, the Phillipses always showed that generosity begins with caring for the people beside you.
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