REGINA - The South Saskatchewan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the National Philanthropy Day (NPD) committee recognized Midale's Dave and Tami Piper as the 2021 recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
The couple, which has been supporting various charities for over 15 years, said they didn't see the award coming.
"We're thrilled. We're so surprised that someone would want us to be part of that, to be recognized. And it's not something we thought about or worried about. We're just very, very proud of the fact that we were thought of, just ecstatic about it actually," Dave said in an interview with the Mercury.
Dave was a teacher for 30 years and education, as well as care for the community, were always a big part of his life. Tami was a stay-at-home mom, busy raising two boys, Dylon and Nathan, pouring her love and time into each day of their upbringing.
Dave and Tami started supporting different organizations back in 2003. Dave said a personal tragedy, and several more following, stimulated them to get more involved.
"A lot of who we have given to is something that possibly happened in our own family: cancer, Alzheimer's, Heart and Stroke, mental health, things like that. So we just decided that we would contribute to those, and a lot of other ones that just seemed like something that was a really good idea," Tami said.
Dave survived cancer in 2003, then in 2006, Dave and Tami's son, Dylon, passed away suddenly. In 2008, Dave's mother-in-law had Alzheimer's. All those family tragedies enlightened the Pipers to give even more and they just kept going from there.
"We have a lot of empathy for people. And if something comes up in the newspaper or on television that catches our attention, we'll see if there's something that we can do to help," Dave said. "We've been very blessed. And we just felt it was our responsibility and our duty to share what we have with other people who were less fortunate. And we're still going, we're still doing it. We're taking a little bit of a break right now with COVID, but hopefully, sometime in the near future, we'll be able to continue in some capacity doing the same thing."
So far, they've supported over 35 charities, giving to causes in which their family was personally affected and to others that were in need. They continue to give as much as they can, understanding life is precious.
They both keep an eye on organizations in need, do their research on them and then get in touch with those they would like to support.
"I usually phone whoever's in charge and tell them what we would like to do. And if they think they can fit our donation into their plans, based on what we want, then we co-operate and everybody has been so good," Dave explained.
There are many charities and people who extend their gratitude to Dave and Tami Piper for their kindness and generosity, for creating a safer and happier place, and for inspiring others by their humbleness.
"Dave and Tami are extraordinary people! They give with their heart, never expecting recognition, only ever wanting to make an impact in the community. Their sponsorship has made a lifelong transformation for individuals with sight loss. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to CNIB guide dogs," said Christall Beaudry, executive director of CNIB Saskatchewan.
"Congratulations Dave and Tami for being recognized as this year's Outstanding Philanthropists in southern Saskatchewan, Your support helped many cancer patients get to and from their cancer treatments and you inspired kids on the meaning of philanthropy at their Relay for Life event. Thank you for your thoughtful generosity and for making a difference in the lives of people living with cancer," said Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society.
"Congratulations Dave and Tami on receiving the Outstanding Philanthropist Award. Your support of the Alzheimer Society has been transformational in helping people living with dementia to live their best lives. Thank you for your commitment to our cause and many others across Saskatchewan. Dave and Tami Piper are very deserving of this award," said Joanne Bracken, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.
Being raised by caring parents and recently celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary, plus their son Nathan's wedding, the couple continues to brighten spirits across the country. Dave said that thanks to the kindness of Tami's parents, they have the resources, and they have the time to help others now that they’re retired.
"It's just important because we've been so darn lucky for most of our life. And we've been given the opportunity to help other people. We just want to leave something behind rather than bills … Not everybody can be Jim Pattison or Bill Gates. But it's possible to be a philanthropist without having to give away millions of dollars. You can do what you can do, and that makes you a mini philanthropist. So we just like to encourage other people to do the same," Dave said.
The family that lives life with a kind heart added they hope others would get inspired by their example and would join them in giving back.
"One of the reasons why we felt this was something that we needed to do was charities within the last three years, especially with COVID, have taken a real beating. And getting our word out will encourage people to start volunteering again, and start donating, and start giving their time. It's needed. It's very badly needed," Dave said. "Charities are really hurting and I think it's important that people are aware that we need to start getting back to normal, and that includes starting to do a bit of giving."
