The McPhie Award

The McPhie Award

In 2007 the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton introduced the McPhie Award. The award was created to acknowledge the retirement from the Board of Doug McPhie, a former President and long standing member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors continues the tradition of presenting the McPhie Award to a member of the community who exhibits the same selflessness and dedication to the work of the Foundation and the children and families that it serves.

In addition to the award the McPhie Bursary is presented to a Youth in Care who emulates the same strength of character and strong desire to pursue a post secondary education in their desired field.

Previous winners of the prestigious McPhie Award have been:

Don Pangman - 2011

A well known face in the Oakville community having been involved in a great many fundraising projects and community development committees, Don has emceed the CAFH’s signature fundraising event, the Stardust Gala, for the past six years. In the last three years he has been instrumental in introducing the “Plea for Bursaries” at the Gala, raising over $100,000 specifically for the bursary program which supports crown wards who are pursuing post secondary education. In 2008 Don founded ArtHouse, a cost-free arts program for young people who would not ordinarily be able to access the arts experience. Again, Don reached out to the Children’s Aid Society resulting in the program being fully accessible to the children we serve. His thoughts are always of the children, youth and families who are less fortunate than others as he focuses on finding ways and means to make a positive difference in their lives. Don is a true Ambassador to our cause.

Phil Grimes - 2010

Phil has served on the boards of the Halton Children’s Aid Society and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton, and is a Past President of the CAFH Board. His many experiences with Children’s Aid include being a camp counselor and a former Crown Ward. Phil’s experience with CAS is vast; he believes strongly in the cause and is passionate about giving all children the opportunity to rise above negative experiences to be the best that they can be. Phil consistently gives back to both Halton CAS and the CAFH by being one of their key Ambassadors. He is a generous contributor and continually introduces new supporters to the organization.  

Mandy Deakin - 2009

Nominated for her tireless volunteer efforts in coordinating the Stardust Gala, CAFH’s signature fundraising event, Mandy was also recognized for her contribution as a Director of the Board and for her true commitment and generosity to the children and youth of Halton. Mandy remains one of CAFH’s top ambassadors promoting and supporting our cause wherever she goes.

Derek Zwiep - 2008

Derek worked as the Summer Camp coordinator at Halton CAS. He was nominated by the Board for his significant generosity to CAFH via his band’s concerts at Queen’s University, for showing outstanding ambassadorship, energy and enthusiasm at the Oakville Dragon Boat Festival and for his unfailing commitment to the children receiving services from the Halton Children’s Aid Society.

Doug McPhie - 2007

“In recognition of outstanding and unselfish dedication to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and to the children in care of the Halton Children’s Aid Society” this prestigeous award was presented to the gentleman for whom it was named in 2007. Doug and his wife Kathleen continue to be wonderful advocates for CAFH and the programs we support; always staying informed and contributing in many different ways to the work that we do.