Recognition of good deeds for community By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Two Oakville couples have been recognized for their community involvement and contributions by the Golden Horseshoe chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Ian and June Cockwell and Eve and Peter Willis were among the individuals and organizations recently recognized at the AFP's National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon at the Burlington Convention Centre. "What makes the Oakville recipients so incredible is the number of organizations and causes that they're involved in," said Maryann Kerr, a member of the local AFP's selection committee and chair for the luncheon . "They spread their philanthropy throughout the community and they do it, in what I would call, a strategic and intentional manner." Eve and Peter Willis were recognized as Outstanding Volunteers, while June and Ian Cockwell received the Outstanding Philanthropists award. Both families, however, agreed the award was more than just their own. "With all the volunteers that are out there, why us really? I think we were just fortunate this year, but we really feel we're representing all those people out there who do far more than we do. I can name some who are in the crowd," said Eve Willis. age new donors to set up their own endowment funds with the OCF. The idea helped the OCF double its assets over a short time. Meanwhile, the hospital foundation has benefitted from the Cockwells' leadership and generosity since 1993. The couple recently made a $6-million commitment to the new Oakville hospital for core equipment, including a $2-million gift that is part of a multi-strategy community challenge. June founded HIPPY Oakville (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, which serves under-educated children and also helps immigrants prepare their children for school. See Awards page 8 7 · Friday, December 14, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Eve and Peter Willis June and Ian Cockwell "There are a lot of other people who are contributing and I think the award really goes to the whole community," said Ian Cockwell. The Cockwells, who moved to Oakville in 1982, were nominated by the Oakville Hospital Foundation (OHF) and the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF). They serve on a number of OCF committees and initiated a matching gift program to encour- (905) 339-Foot (3668) OPEN: Tuesday-Sunday · CLOSED: Monday 213 Lakeshore Rd., East OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK TILL CHRISTMAS It's a Christmas Discover where Christmas magic comes to life. We have everything on your shopping list and more! FOUNDE FOU N D IN IN 1857 1857 7 FOUNDED