This year’s recipient of the St. Albert Philanthropy Award does more than just sign cheques – he also gives time and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
“In my opinion, giving’s always better than receiving,” said Ron Hodgson, who will be presented with the award on Dec. 1.
Hodgson was announced as this year’s recipient on Nov. 14. He said he was surprised to get the call that he’d been nominated and selected.
The news release which announced Hodgson as the award recipient said the honour is to recognize “individuals or families who demonstrate civic and charitable responsibility and set an example that encourages others to be philanthropic leaders.” It also notes it recognizes award winners for “exceptional generosity,” especially in terms of financial support and support of the community.
Hodgson describes giving as something he has always felt the need to do.
“I took an aptitude test once at a GM function. When we got the results back, it told me what I already know – I feel compelled to give,” he said.
Hodgson is able quickly to start reeling off boards, groups and charitable efforts he has contributed to, though notes the list is quite long. He said he’s gotten involved in many health-care related efforts because he sees such a great need in that area in many aspects.
The St. Albert Philanthropy Award isn’t the first such recognition Hodgson has received. On his office wall is an Alberta Centennial Medal, which was given out to those who have made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, community and to Alberta.
“Everybody gives back in a different way,” Hodgson said.
Recently, Hodgson experienced what he calls the “most gratifying” week of his life. He received a call from an old acquaintance who was about to be evicted from his low-income housing because the man had been refusing to allow the Capital Region Housing Corporation in to fumigate for bed bugs due to impacts previous fumigations had on his wife’s health.
Hodgson was contacted and asked for his help. He managed to sell the Capital Region Housing Corporation on a plan he had to clean up the apartment and address the issue without fumigation.
Then he and a few others went in themselves and spent a week cleaning out the apartment, including scrubbing floors and throwing out almost all the old furniture, purchasing replacements for the couple. Hodgson’s wife even got in on the action, making new drapes and the pair ended up spending their 44th wedding anniversary on the project.
Local companies like Alberta Carpet Cleaning and Titan Flooring either helped or offered help, Hodgson said.
As for why he found the experience so gratifying, Hodgson said it’s because it made an immediate difference in the couple’s lives.
“Here where you spent that money you could see immediate, direct effect,” he said.
No one gives to get recognition, Hodgson said.
“It’s a great honour. I’m sure there’s more deserving people out there than me,” he said.
Mayor Nolan Crouse, the chair of the St. Albert Philanthropy Award committee, noted Hodgson’s “soft-spots” for youth and those with special needs.
“He’s a very kind and generous man,” Crouse said.
The news release that announced Hodgson’s honour noted Hodgson’s significant support for the Special Olympics in St. Albert and sponsorship of Servus Credit Union Place and the youth centre, as well as his policy for inclusive employment.
“He’s about giving back to the community in all sorts of ways,” Crouse said.
