National Philanthropy Day honours those who make a difference

By Dale Johnson Posted: November 15, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Lyn Goldman accepts the outstanding philanthropist award from Don Black on behalf of the Goldman Family for contributions to help the U of R.
Lyn Goldman accepts the outstanding philanthropist award from Don Black on behalf of the Goldman Family for contributions to help the U of R. Photo by Rae Graham - U of R Photography

National Philanthropy Day is marked each November 15, and the University of Regina is well represented at this year’s local event, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Regina Chapter.

The U of R nominated two recipients – the Goldman family and Sun Life Financial South Saskatchewan.

At a luncheon at the Conexus Arts Centre, the Goldman family was recognized as Outstanding Philanthropist in Regina.

Dorothy and Leon Goldman have established scholarships in English, journalism, theatre and music. Their three children have all contributed to the University of Regina.

Arthur Goldman, also known as Anthony Thorn, created two legacy gifts supporting the University.

One daughter, Barbara Gleiberman, along with her husband Norman, established the Barbara Gleiberman Prize in Religious Studies, the Eli Gleiberman Scholarship in Human Kinetics and Therapeutic Recreation, and the Leon Goldman Scholarship in the faculty of business administration.

Their other daughter, Lyn Goldman, was on hand to accept the honour on behalf of the family.

Cindy
Cindy Kuster Orban in the faculty of nursing is named an outstanding individual volunteer. U of R Photography

Lyn Goldman has been involved with local, provincial and national professional and cultural organizations. She has received many awards including the Queen’s Diamond and Golden Jubilee Medals, YWCA Woman of the Year Award, and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. She was named an honorary degree recipient at the U of R’s fall convocation in 2015, and her mother, Dorothy, was a recipient of an honorary degree from the U of R in 1991.

In presenting the award, Don Black, representing sponsor Greystone Financial, said “The Goldman family has always been iconic in Regina. The Goldman family has been everywhere in Regina in terms of business, education, culture, volunteerism and philanthropy for many, many years.”

In her comments to the audience of or more than 200 people, Lyn Goldman said “We want to support and enhance our community and our beloved country. That’s what philanthropy means to me. My family is grateful for this honour.”

Also nominated by the U of R was Sun Life Financial South Saskatchewan, which was recognized for Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy for supporting many community events to raise money for several groups, including Alzheimer’s, Camp Easter Seals, the Children’s Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, MS, the U of R Cougars, and the Z99 Radiothon.

Also being recognized at the event is Cindy Kuster Orban, an instructor with the faculty of nursing at the U of R.  She was named an Outstanding Individual Volunteer for her work with the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.  

“After I lost my mom to this devastating disease my grief led me to a path to become an advocate for disease,” she explains.

Kuster Orban is chair for the Silent Auction Committee for the annual gala, held every October.

“In addition, I have a jewellery company called Allicious Designs, and I design and create every piece. Ten per cent of all of my jewellery sales are gifted to the Alzheimer Society for research purposes in honour of my Mom, who faced Alzheimer's Disease with dignity and grace.”

National Philanthropy Day was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, and in 2012 Canada officially recognized National Philanthropy Day.