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The not-for-profit sector plays a crucial role in benefiting both businesses and communities, often in ways that are not immediately apparent.

The collaborative relationships they form with businesses and communities create positive, and lasting impacts, which is why the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce recognizes this sector annually at its Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Awards.

This year approximately 60 nominees representing more than 40 various organizations are being recognized at our awards event in November in nine award categories, leaving the Chamber’s adjudicating committee to meticulously review the nominations in effort to select the recipients for each category. 

As well, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to one individual who over the past 15 years or more, has made significant contributions to the community and whose accomplishments have brought recognition to Waterloo Region.

“These organizations and the dedicated individuals that run them and volunteer for them deserve so much recognition because they continue to make Cambridge and North Dumfries great communities,” says Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Greg Durocher. “We’re always thrilled to provide an opportunity to show our appreciation for the people and organizations that make this group tick.”

Promotes community engagement

One of the key ways not-for-profits benefit Canadian communities is by providing services that government and businesses may not be equipped to deliver, particularly to marginalized or underserved populations. Organizations focused on poverty alleviation, homelessness, mental health, and disability services help fill critical gaps.

As well, not-for-profit organizations often promote community engagement and volunteerism, which enhances social cohesion and collective responsibility.

“The value they bring to our community is immeasurable,” says Greg, noting the important financial impact of not-for-profits since they help create job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, arts, and social services.

Although not-for-profits are not designed to generate profit for shareholders, their overall economic contribution to Canada’s economy is significant. In fact, according to Imagine Canada, the charitable and the not-for-profit sector contributes $192 billion in economic activity to Canada annually, and account for 8.3% of our GDP. 

The sector also employs 2.4 million people – 77% of them women - which is more than the mining, oil and gas sector, or agriculture, transportation, and retail. Also, its 13 million volunteers provide two billion hours of their time annually. 

However, beside economics, not-for-profit organizations in Canada are often on the cutting edge of innovation when it comes to solving complex social issues. From sustainable business practices to social enterprises, not-for-profits are creating and implementing new models that bridge gaps between business and social good. 

Robust social networks

Not-for-profits also foster stronger relationships by creating opportunities for people to interact, collaborate, and support one another. Whether it’s a local youth group, a neighbourhood association, or a national environmental organization, not-for-profits strengthen community bonds and foster a culture of co-operation.

This, in turn, benefits businesses by contributing to stable and resilient communities.

A thriving community with robust social networks is more likely to support local businesses and maintain a high quality of life. It also makes communities more adaptable to challenges, such as economic downturns or natural disasters.

“Without our not-for-profits and the people behind them, Cambridge and North Dumfries would not be the same great communities they are,” says Greg, adding he doesn’t envy members of the judging committee at having to choose recipients for this year’s awards. “It’s never an easy task since they all deserve to take home an award.”

Several hundred community leaders and guests will be on hand Nov. 10 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge for the 2025 Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Awards.

Click here to learn more.

The nominees and award categories include:

Community Collaboration Award

• Kin Club of Cambridge (Preston) 
• Rotary Club of Cambridge Sunset
• Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services
• Rotary Club Cambridge Sunrise
• Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario
• St. John Ambulance Cambridge 

Community Leadership Award

• Cameron Dearlove (Executive Director, Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services)
• Cory de Villiers (Chair, Hespeler Village BIA)
• Courtney Waterfall (Chapter Director, Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario)
• Eva Vlasov (Executive Director, Argus Residence for Young People)
• Joe Gowing (President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126)
• Prakash Venkataraman (CEO, Prakash Venkataraman Strategic Advisory)
• Tracy Valko (Founder, Stronger Together Mental Health Fundraiser)
• Wayne Paddick (Executive Director, Cambridge Shelter Corp.)

Community Impact People’s Choice Award

• Dawn Centre
• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Nutrition for Learning
• The Cambridge Neighbourhood Table
• The COPING Centre – Caring for Other People in Grief
• Stronger Together Mental Health Fundraiser
• YouthForce (Kinbridge Community Association)
• YWCA Homeless Shelter 

Arts and Culture Award

• Cambridge Cultural Association
• Cambridge Symphony Orchestra
• Cambridge Sculpture Garden
• Fuse
• Artist Bill Schwarz (Saint Luke’s Place)
• Artist Alana Decker (YWCA Cambridge/Preston Heights Community Group/ Rhythm & Blues Cambridge)
• Hashtag Hope

Best Event of the Year Award

• Cambridge & District Humane Society (70th Anniversary Black Tie Masquerade)
• Cambridge Scottish Festival 2025
• Cambridge Symphony Orchestra (From Vienna with Love – New Year’s Day concert)
• Hike for Hospice 2025
• Kin Carnival 2025
• Rhythm & Blues Cambridge (Emancipation Day Celebration)

Board Member Award

• Bob Irwin (Hashtag Hope/TriCity – Youth Unlimited YFC/ Cedar Creek Community Church – Chair)
• Diana Drackley (Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services – Past President)
• Pat Handorf (Galt Horticultural Society – Board President)
• Paul Langan (Fuse – Board Chair)
• Stephen Paniccia (Langs – Past Board Chair)
• Yvonne Kaine (Cambridge Stroke Recovery Association – Board Chair)

Volunteer of the Year Award

• Dan Clements (Citizens of Cambridge – Community Volunteer)
• Heather Rawlings (Cambridge Sculpture Garden & Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra – Treasurer)
• Parkash Venkataraman (Community Volunteer)
• Tara Ross (Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario – Volunteer Lead Mover)

Organization of the Year - Under 10 Employees

• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Grief Recovery Institute
• Hashtag Hope
• Ontario Christian Gleaners
• Preston Heights Community Group
• Rhythm & Blues Cambridge
• SEEDS Canada

Organization of the Year- 11 and Over Employees

• Cambridge Food Bank
• Community Support Connections
• KidsAbility Foundation
• Kinbridge Community Association
• Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice
• Starling Employment and Housing Services (formerly Lutherwood)
• United Way Waterloo Region

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient to be announced at the ceremony