Six local organizations and business leaders recognized for giving back to the community

Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 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 of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

“My heartfelt appreciation goes out to every individual, organization and partner who helped bring the second year of the Hamilton Gives Awards to life. This evening was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when our community moves forward together. On behalf of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, we applaud all nominees, finalists and award recipients. Your commitment to strengthening Hamilton’s prosperity truly inspires us.

Since 2024, with the support of our partners at United Way and the McKeil Family Foundation, this event has generated close to $60,000 in charitable contributions that directly support Hamilton’s continued growth. We’re proud to build on this momentum as we work toward a more vibrant and inclusive future for everyone who calls Hamilton home.”

2025 HAMILTON GIVES AWARD RECIPIENTS & FINALISTS

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

• Ron Rambarran (WINNER)

Social Impact Rising Leader Award – Celebrates an emerging leader. An entrepreneur or executive aged 40 or under who is making a meaningful difference in our community through purpose-driven work:

• Kristine Leadbetter-Gold (WINNER)
• Zoe Mills Blakely
• Corey Cooper

Business For Good Award – Honours a small to medium, for-profit business that exemplifies extraordinary dedication to our community through impactful initiatives that are enriching the lives of their community at large:

• Empire Mortgage Group (WINNER)
• Green Storage Hamilton
• Hamilton Cardinals
• Keetup Publishing
• Main Stage Rehearsal Studios

Community Builder Award – Honours a large, for-profit organization that demonstrates a continuous commitment to ethical leadership, sustainable growth and socially responsible giving in Hamilton:

• AIM Recycling (WINNER)
• Elements Casino Flamboro
• KPMG
• Pinchin Ltd.
• RBC Dominion Securities Hamilton

Non-Profit Changemaker Award – Honours a not-for-profit organization demonstrating exceptional governance, strong leadership, and long-term impact in advancing Hamilton’s community:

• Wesley (WINNER)
• Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
• Mission Services of Hamilton
• Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario
• YWCA Hamilton

Non-Profit Innovator for Good Award – Recognizes a non-profit organization that has pioneered an innovative initiative delivering measurable and lasting benefits to the Hamilton community:

• Distress Centre Halton (WINNER)
• 541 Eatery & Exchange
• Hamilton Music Collective
• O.W.L.S. (Opportunities with Literacy & Speech)
• Tune In Foundation

2025 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
• Adelaide Mendes– Director of Finance, Hamilton Community Enterprises
• David Silvestro – Public Affairs Advisor, Hamilton Health Sciences

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