2026 Awards
Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) recognizes individuals and organizations in the community who have demonstrated their commitment to Waterloo Region and align with WRCF’s vision that as Waterloo Region continues to grow, our communities are equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving.
In June 2026, following a call to the community for nominations, WRCF recognized two individuals, one organization, and one company whose volunteerism and contributions to local communities have made a positive impact in Waterloo Region. We are pleased to share the recipients of those awards, and some of the ways they have provided support:
From left to right: Mandy Bujold, John Egoff, Eric Avner (WRCF President & CEO), Eekta Trienekens (artist), Kurtis Rideout and Harleen Kaur Dhillon (The Community Edition), Bashar Al-Hendi and Faaez Al-Hendi (Ammar’s Market).
Walter Bean WRCF Community Volunteer Award
This award was created in memory of the founder of Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF). It has been updated to recognize individuals who best exemplify and reinforce WRCF’s vision of ensuring our communities are equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving; and someone who has made a continued, long-term volunteer commitment to WRCF.
2026 Recipient: John Egoff
John has over 15 years of involvement with our organization through participation on numerous committees, Board membership, and serving as Board Chair of the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation (CNDCF). John was instrumental in creating the North Dumfries Smart and Caring Fund, ensuring dollars flowed directly to that township. In memory of his parents, he also established the George and Luella Egoff Fund, supporting students pursuing the medical field. When WRCF was formed through the unification of CNDCF and KWCF, John continued volunteering on WRCF’s Community Grants Committee. Beyond WRCF, he served as a founding director of the Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation and joined Citizens for Cambridge to address the urgent need for affordable and supportive housing.
Ken Murray WRCF Community Catalyst Award
The Ken Murray WRCF Community Catalyst Award was created in memory of the first President of KWCF, to recognize individuals who are demonstrating their commitment to Waterloo Region by “doing more good”. The award recognizes a community volunteer or philanthropist who demonstrates character traits evident in Ken Murray’s life, including living a life with purpose and generosity, leadership, mentorship, and the ability to creatively tackle issues of today, with an eye to the future, by utilizing innovative philanthropic approaches and solutions.
2026 Recipient: Mandy Bujold
Mandy is a two-time Olympian and has transformed her platform into meaningful, measurable impact across Waterloo Region — most notably through founding Champions for Charity, a charity boxing event that brings together local professionals, sponsors, and volunteers for a common cause. She encourages participants to become advocates, building personal networks, raising awareness, and connecting their workplaces to the cause. In 2026 alone, the event raised $1.5 million for MacKids and $77,000 for Waterloo Region Health Network. Her mentorship model goes further, engaging past participants to support the current cohort with training, fundraising strategy, and emotional support. Mandy also champions gender equity in sport, supports local businesses, and inspires countless individuals to engage in philanthropy for the first time. Through her inclusive leadership, she has helped foster a lasting culture of generosity and connection across our region.
David Borges WRCF Organizational Goodness Award
The David Borges WRCF Organizational Goodness Award was created in memory of the former Chair of CNDCF. This award recognizes businesses or organizations located in Waterloo Region that are committed to building and supporting our community through “doing more good”. This support could be demonstrated through corporate philanthropic giving, the encouragement and motivation of employees to become involved in community, and/or community leadership in local projects and initiatives.
2026 Recipient: Ammar's Market
Ammar’s Market has ensured families have access to ethically sourced, high-quality food — while consistently giving back to the community that has supported it for more than 20 years. Ammar's has built meaningful partnerships and made generous financial and in-kind donations to organizations addressing food insecurity, including the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, House of Friendship, Cambridge Food Bank, and Food4Kids Waterloo Region. Beyond philanthropy, Ammar's actively empowers employees to engage in community initiatives and advocates for food equity, ethical sourcing, and inclusive food systems. With the recent launch of Wholly Halal, they're bringing those same values to families across Ontario, with a portion of proceeds supporting local families in need.
WRCF Social Infrastructure Champion Award
This award recognizes individuals or organizations in the community who are demonstrating innovation, excellence, and/or ongoing commitment to advancing social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. In 2026, the WRCF Social Infrastructure Champion Award was presented to an organization that is actively focused on social infrastructure, someone who is already leading the way by making a noticeable impact in Waterloo Region.
2026 Recipient: The Community Edition
The Community Edition, founded in 2012, is Waterloo Region's independent monthly publication focused on building community and culture. It covers local issues, highlights events, small businesses, parks and trails, and provides a platform for local artists — all while raising awareness of resources available to residents. The publication is run by a team of four staff and 30+ volunteers and contributors, representing a diversity of voices from across the region.
WRCF’s 2026 awards were designed by Artist, Eekta Trienekens.
