INAUGURAL HAMILTON GIVES AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED, EVENT RAISES $30,000 FOR CHARITY

· by Mike Hardill

Boris Brott honoured with Social Impact Lifetime Achievement Award, in addition to seven local businesses recognized for giving back to the community. Hamilton Gives raises $30,000 in donations for charity.

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Hamilton Gives Awards, presented in partnership with United Way Halton & Hamilton and the McKeil Family Foundation. The winners of each category were unveiled this evening at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

The Hamilton Gives Awards recognizes the business leaders who strengthen our community through their continuous commitment to giving back to Hamilton. Tonight’s networking-focused award celebration brought Hamilton’s business community together, successfully raising $30,000 in charitable donations.

Quote from Greg Dunnett, President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

“I’d like to extend deep thanks to all individuals, organizations and partners involved in the inaugural Hamilton Gives Awards. Tonight celebrated the transformative power of collective action. On behalf of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, congratulations to our nominees, finalists, and winners.Your dedication to advancing prosperity in Hamilton is inspiring.

Thanks to our partners at the United Way and McKeil Family Foundation, tonight’s event will provide $30,000 in charitable contributions directly benefiting Hamilton’s progress. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward, committed to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all Hamiltonians.”

HAMILTON GIVES AWARD RECIPIENTS & FINALISTS

Social Impact Lifetime Achievement Award – Honours an individual who has dedicated their life to making a transformative impact on Hamilton, leaving behind a lasting legacy of generosity and compassion:

  • Boris Brott (WINNER)

Community Builder Award – An organization that demonstrates a continuous commitment to ethical leadership, sustainable growth and community building in Hamilton:

  • Shawn & Ed Brewing (WINNER)
  • Alectra Utilities
  • The Printing House

Community Impact Award (Non-For-Profit) – Honours not-for-profit organizations that exemplify extraordinary dedication to our community through impactful initiatives that are enriching the lives of their employees and community at large:

  • St. Matthew’s House (WINNER)
  • Wesley
  • Cancer Assist Program
  • Demazenod Door Outreach
  • Hamilton Music Collective
  • Kemp Care Network

Community Impact Award (SME) – Honours small to medium organizations that exemplify extraordinary dedication to our community through impactful initiatives that are enriching the lives of their employees and community at large:

  • Lawrie Insurance Group (WINNER)
  • Guest Plumbing & HVAC
  • Social Space

Employee Engagement Award – Honours organizations that promote volunteerism and community engagement with non-profits through group projects or by encouraging skilled volunteer efforts:

  • Bimbo Canada (WINNER)
  • FirstOntario Credit Union
  • St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

Sustainable Hamilton Award – Recognizes an organization that is committed to attaining a greener and more sustainable future for Hamilton through carbon reduction, sustainability and environmental conservation:

  • Hamilton Community Enterprises (WINNER)
  • Erra Fashion Co.
  • Bruce Trail Conservancy

Women Empowerment Award – Honours organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering a stronger community for women in business, uplifting and empowering them to thrive and make a positive impact:

  • Darling Donuts / Werk Nights (WINNER)
  • Stryker
  • Carmen’s Group

Youth Empowerment Award – Honours organizations who inspire and champion the advancement of youth in our community by providing opportunities, support, and resources for their growth, success, and meaningful engagement:

  • Mathstronauts (WINNER)
  • Habitat For Humanity
  • Sisters in Sync for Youth Empowerment

2024 Judging Committee
This year’s finalists were evaluated by a local and diverse set of business experts, ranging from private and public sectors, including representation from large and small business.

  • April Cotton – President, McKeil Family Foundation
  • Kim Martin – Executive Director, Social Planning & Resource Council of Hamilton
  • Tony Del Monaco – Director, Finance & Facilities, Hamilton Public Library
  • Catherine Decarie – Founder & Principal, Decarie Coaching & Consulting