Anabel Bane and Peter Nicholson, president and founder of Foundation WCPD, hosted a Pre-Phils Party at their home to announce this year's recipients of an AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Award. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Foundation WCPD’s exclusive philanthropy party reveals this year’s AFP Ottawa award winners
Let’s just say Foundation WCPD has set the bar unusually high during its decade-long run as presenting sponsor of the AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards.
Case in point: the company’s president and founder, Peter Nicholson, and his spouse, Anabel Bane, welcomed the professional fundraising community back to their Rockcliffe Park home last night for one last big hurrah. And, to announce this year’s award recipients, who will be fêted Wednesday, November 19, at the National Arts Centre.
“I grew up in Nova Scotia; we love to throw kitchen parties,” Nicholson told some 100 guests of their annual Pre-Phils Party. “This is just a kitchen party that happens to pour into the living room and backyard.”
There was live music, an open bar and a dining table covered with Filipino dishes prepared, served and even cleaned up by Bane and her extended family. “It’s been two days of cooking,” said Nicholson while inviting everyone to make themselves at home. The father of six joked that guests couldn’t possibly do more damage than his own brood already had.
Nicholson spoke from the double staircase, which, true to its name, doubled as a stage. The charming host was joined by his vice president of marketing and communications, Jeff Todd, past president of AFP Ottawa. Todd is co-chairing the awards night with Derek deLouché, senior development officer at Carleton University.
Peter Nicholson, president and founder of presenting sponsor Foundation WCPD, welcomed some 100 guests to the Pre-Phils Party that he hosted at his home with his spouse, Anabel Bane. Photo by Caroline Phillips
The annual philanthropy awards celebrate individuals, groups and businesses that give their time, money and/or talent to make Ottawa a stronger and better city. Such recognition creates a ripple effect, Christie Lake Kids executive director Adrienne Vienneau opined to CiTC. “Awards like this shine a light on generosity and inspire others to give.”
This year, the awards night has introduced two brand new categories: Outstanding Leadership and Focus on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) and Outstanding AFP Rising Star.
“We’ve created a new vision for this year,” said Todd, describing efforts to make the evening less formal and more focused on networking and connecting. “We really want it to feel more like a community event.”
The Phils, as the event is colloquially known, was a natural sponsorship fit for WCPD. The company specializes in philanthropic tax planning by leveraging charity flow-through shares, a government tax policy designed to finance Canada’s critical mineral and junior mining industry. But it’s now time to “pass the torch” to the next presenting sponsor, said Nicholson while joking about the one non-negotiable requirement: a kickoff reception (homemade dishes optional).
Peter Nicholson, president and founder of Foundation WCPD, with his vice president of communications and marketing Jeff Todd, who’s co-chairing the AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards, happening Nov. 19 at the National Arts Centre. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Here is a list of this year’s AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards winners:
Outstanding Individual Philanthropist: The Griffin Bell Family, nominated by CHEO Foundation vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement Emily Jamieson.
From left, CHEO Foundation president and CEO Steve Read with the Foundation’s vice president of corporate philanthropy and community engagement, Emily Jamieson, alongside members of the Griffin Bell family: Tamy, Abby and Evan — this year’s recipients of the AFP Ottawa Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Adrian Burns and Greg Kane, nominated respectively by Karen Swain (director of philanthropy and campaign at the National Arts Centre) and Tim Kluke (president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation).
From left, Jennifer Van Noort, chief development officer at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, with award recipient Greg Kane, who’s a former board chair of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and 20-20 Campaign Cabinet member, and Kelly Goulet, vice president of philanthropy program performance at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Outstanding Youth Philanthropist: BGC Ottawa’s Delaila Salem, nominated by BGC Ottawa CEO Adam Joiner and Inna Riabko (youth development and program specialist at the Ron Kolbus Clubhouse).
Outstanding Philanthropic Group: The Ashbury Parents’ Guild, nominated by Ashbury College head Norman Southward, for the school’s long-established bursary fund. It now stands at $1.2 million, providing support for students with demonstrated financial need.
Ashbury College head Norman Southward, seen in the back, with The Parents’ Guild members, from left, Josie Xiong, Ade Ogunmekan, Yanna Zhao, Richard Qing, Julie Corbett, Solene Gully, Jen Brancato, Penny Yan and Melinda Marchlewicz — named AFP Ottawa’s 2025 Outstanding Philanthropic Group. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist: Altis Recruitment and Technology, nominated by Christie Lake Kids executive director Adrienne Vienneau.
From left, Christie Lake Kids director of fundraising Natalie Benson, Atlis Recruitment and Technology co-founder and owner Kathryn Tremblay and Christie Lake Kids executive director Adrienne Vienneau at the Pre-Phils Party hosted by WCPD Foundation president and founder Peter Nicholson and his wife Anabel Bane. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist: TAAG, nominated by Carleton University’s interim chief advancement officer Corrie Hobin and senior development officer Kim Demerah.
From left, Carleton University’s interim chief advancement officer Corrie Hobin, TAAG chief operating officer Bill Ayyad, TAAG CEO Andrew Abraham and Carleton University’s senior development officer Kim Demerah at the Pre-Phils Party, which announced TAAG as this year’s Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Outstanding Leadership and Focus on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access): Jim Kyte, nominated by ABLE2 volunteer coordinator Cameo Ferguson.
Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Perley Health Foundation executive director Delphine Haslé, nominated by Chavender founder Jenny Mitchell.
From left, Chavender founder Jenny Mitchell nominated Perley Health Foundation executive director Delphine Haslé, who’s been selected as this year’s Outstanding Professional Fundraiser. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Outstanding AFP Rising Star: Royal Ottawa Foundation senior philanthropy officer Oliver Saner, nominated by Royal Ottawa Foundation president Chris Ide.
AFP Ottawa president Bronwen Dearlove, Outstanding AFP Rising Star recipient Oliver Sander (Royal Ottawa Foundation) and his partner, Kloe Kinsman, at the Pre-Phils Party. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Many of the recipients attended the reception, including TAAG CEO and founder Andrew Abraham. He was “over the moon” about receiving an award that recognizes true team effort. “Our team is so dialed in, and giving back is part of our social fabric,” he said. “In our office, people genuinely want to be part of the community.”
Altis Recruitment and Technology’s commitment to Christie Lake Kids goes back more than 20 years, and extends well beyond financial support, said Adrienne Vienneau. Altis, co-founded by Kathryn Tremblay, regularly hosts the Leaders In Training program for CLK youth, who live in neighbourhoods with limited resources. The company provides career coaching and job interview tips. “Their expertise, their thoughtfulness, their active caring — they’re the full package,” said Adrienne Vienneau.
Kathryn Tremblay, whose company, Altis, is being recognized as Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist, shares an affectionate moment with her good friend Shirley Westeinde at the Pre-Phils Party hosted by Foundation WCPD president and founder Peter Nicholson and Anabel Bane. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Greg Kane said he was “thrilled” to learn he would be receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award alongside his wife, Adrian Burns. Over their 35 years of marriage, the couple has been a driving force in the fundraising community, following the examples set by their parents.
For the Bell family — Tamy and Evan Bell and their 11-year-old daughter Abby — their fundraising efforts for CHEO grew out of the unimaginable loss of six-year-old Griffin to cancer, creating a beautiful legacy in his honor.
“When we started raising money, it was simply our way of giving back for the amazing care we were receiving from the hospital,” Tamy explained. She said it feels “surreal” to be selected for the Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award. “And to be recognized by CHEO is incredible.”
Perley Health Foundation’s Delphine Haslé was filled with gratitude after being chosen Outstanding Fundraising Professional by her peers. “It’s wonderful to be part of this announcement, surrounded by people I care deeply about,” she added. “Philanthropy isn’t an individual effort — it’s all about the team.”
Interestingly, she’s been a mentor to Oliver Saner, the inaugural recipient of the new Rising Star award. Along the way, Saner has been guided by many experienced fundraisers. “People have been unbelievably gracious and generous with their time,” said Saner, who hopes to pay it forward when the opportunity arises.
Tickets for the AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards go on sale later this month.
Cancer survivor Ted Wagstaff, president of North45 Advisory Services, and his partner, Jacqueline Belsito, president of the Senators Community Foundation, last year’s winner of Outstanding Fundraising Professional, and a volunteer judge for this year’s awards, at the Pre-Phils Party held Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, to announce this year’s recipients of an AFP Ottawa award. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Guests gathered in the front foyer to listen to brief remarks from host Peter Nicholson at a Pre-Phils Party to announce this year’s recipients of an AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Award and to celebrate the upcoming awards event. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Carleton University senior development officer Derek deLouché and his co-chair, Jeff Todd, vice president of communications and marketing at Foundation WCPD, at the Pre-Phils Party hosted by Todd’s boss, Peter Nicholson, from presenting sponsor Foundation WCPD. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Guests Len Farber (left) and Barbara Farber, who’s a former award recipient, with Pre-Phil Party hosts Anabel Bane and Peter Nicholson, president and founder of presenting sponsor Foundation WCPD, during a reception to unveil this year’s AFP Ottawa award recipients. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Chloe Hillier, director of philanthropy at Ottawa Riverkeeper, and Corey Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Growcer, at the Pre-Phils Party held at the Nicholson Family Home to reveal this year’s recipients of an AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Award. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, TAAG CEO Andrew Abraham, Simran Kochar, Jenny Chen, Daniel MacMillan, Bill Ayyad and Melanie Adams at the Pre-Phils Party held in advance of the upcoming AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Greg Kane, who’s been named a recipient of an Ottawa philanthropy awards for his 30-plus years of volunteer fundraising, was seen at the Pre-Phils Party with his sons Graeme Kane, left, from Royal LePage Integrity Realty, and Adam Kane from Gifford Carr Insurance Group. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Bronwen Dearlove, president of AFP Ottawa, and Jeff Todd, past president of AFP Ottawa and co-chair of the upcoming AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards, at the Pre-Phils Party hosted by Peter Nicholson of presenting sponsor Foundation WCPD, and his wife, Anabel Bane. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Pre-Phils Party co-host Anabel Bane (left), AFP Ottawa board member Emily Jones Joanisse, CEO and co-founder of Connected Canadians, and guest Simran Kochar at a reception held Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 to unveil this year’s AFP Ottawa philanthropy award winners and to celebrate the upcoming awards night. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation team members Sarah Langham, Meighan Hartley and Emma Bernans, in conversation with Matt Harris, manager of philanthropy for The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, at the Pre-Phils Party hosted by Peter Nicholson of presenting sponsor Foundation WCPD, and his wife, Anabel Bane. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Jenny Chen, CEO of Catalais Consulting, Aki Temisevä, president and CEO of the United Nations Association in Canada, and Solange Tuyishime Keita, president and CEO of Elevate International, at the Pre-Phils Party held Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Olivia Taggart, development officer at The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, was seen catching up with The Royal Ottawa Foundation’s Oliver Saner, who has been named the recipient of the inaugural Outstanding AFP Rising Star Award. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, AFP Ottawa’s Jacky Duong, Ana Popescu (YSB Foundation) and Providence Uwimana Rukundo (The Ottawa Cancer Foundation) at the Pre-Phils Party held Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Dr. Pamela Lai, medical director at ExecHealth, and clinic manager Daphne Richardson were guests of the Pre-Phils Party held Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Pre-Phils Party hosts Peter Nicholson (left) and Anabel Bane with their guests Seema Aurora, Lindsay Bullock and Elliott Bourgeois, senior manager, private client group, at First Avenue Investment Counsel. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Mitch Miller, director of advancement at ONFE (Ottawa Network for Education), alongside Angela Lariviere and community builder and lawyer Lawrence Greenspon (Greenspon Granger Hill) at the Pre-Phils Party held in advance of the upcoming AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Awards. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Perley Health Foundation’s Delphine Haslé, who’s been selected as this year’s Outstanding Fundraising Professional, is surrounded by members of her team: Melanie Adams, owner of Epiphany Consulting, Perley Health campaign manager Meghan Maack and the Foundation’s chair, Sheila Venman. Photo by Caroline Phillips
From left, Nicole Vanbergen, senior director of communications and engagement at Altis, with owner and co-founder Kathryn Tremblay at the Pre-Phils Party to announce this year’s recipients of an AFP Ottawa award. Photo by Caroline Phillips
Peter Nicholson delivered welcome remarks to guests of the Pre-Phils Party that he and his spouse, Anabel Bane, hosted at their home on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, to announce this year’s recipients of an AFP Ottawa Philanthropy Award, to be handed out during a celebration taking place next month. Photo by Caroline Phillips
This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Infinity Convention Centre, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, RBC, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law.
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