On Friday, Nov. 13, CASA Mental Health recognized National Philanthropy Day — a global celebration of giving and philanthropy — at an awards reception and celebration. This annual event is hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Edmonton and Area Chapter, and provides a forum for sharing stories about individuals, companies, groups and volunteers who are making a difference through their philanthropic efforts.
Congratulations to our award recipients!
This year, CASA Mental Health nominated Pranil Gounder, Diane Walker, Simon and Martina Sochatsky, Peggie Stevens and Dwight Love for awards. Learn more about their contributions to child, youth and mental health care below.
Looking for ways to support kids and families with timely mental health care? Consider making a gift, attending an event, hosting your own community fundraiser or signing up to volunteer.
Pranil Gounder (Boston Pizza, West Edmonton Mall)
Award Sector: Community Enrichment
Under the leadership of owner Pranil Gounder, Boston Pizza West Edmonton Mall supports children's mental health through CASA Mental Health's annual Valentine's Day campaigns.
Year after year, Pranil has generously partnered with CASA, raising awareness and funds that help ensure children, youth and families can access timely mental health services at no cost to them. His continued involvement reflects more than financial support; it represents a genuine commitment to strengthening the well-being of the Edmonton community.
Pranil recognizes the importance of investing in young people and their families. By engaging his restaurant, staff and customers in charitable giving, he has created opportunities for community members to make a meaningful difference while inspiring a culture of generosity.
Long-term partnerships and consistent support like Pranil’s enable CASA to plan for the future, expand its impact and continue providing life-changing mental health care to children and youth across Alberta.
Pranil's leadership exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy. His generosity, reliability and dedication to community well-being make Boston Pizza West Edmonton Mall a deserving nominee for AFP Edmonton Chapter's National Philanthropy Day recognition.
“Boston Pizza WEM chose CASA Mental Health because myself and my team understand how mental health can affect people. I have friends and family members that are struggling with it themselves as well as some staff members. By showing support to an organization that helps with kids with mental health, gives myself and my staff a sense of being a good human and helping any way we can. There are people out there that do not have a support system either and it is awesome to see such a good organization like CASA out there helping.” ~ Pranil Gounder
Diane Walker
Award Sector: Community Enrichment
Diane Walker (pictured on the far right) has demonstrated extraordinary generosity and improves the lives of children, youth and families through supporting CASA Mental Health.
Her philanthropy extends beyond a significant financial investment. She has expressed a deep commitment to CASA's long-term success by exploring opportunities for future and legacy giving, to benefit generations of children and families.
Diane wants to build a lasting partnership with CASA, thoughtfully planning how she can continue supporting the organization well into the future. Her vision reflects a profound understanding that sustainable philanthropy creates enduring change. She is helping CASA Mental Health expand access to life-changing services for children and youth experiencing complex mental health challenges, while providing hope and support to their families.
Diane's compassion, generosity and long-term commitment embody the spirit of National Philanthropy Day. Her leadership inspires others to invest in the well-being of children and demonstrates how thoughtful philanthropy can transform lives today while creating a legacy of hope for tomorrow.
“From personal experience I am fully aware of the problems that parents face when dealing with mental health issues. Without help we cannot effectively guide children through their problems, and the toll of not doing anything is huge, on families and individuals. We may not be able to solve every issue, but we need to try to resolve them in the home before the child is an adult. It is my hope that everyone that is helped will be able to help another.” ~ Diane Walker
Simon and Martina Sochatsky
Award Sector: Community Enrichment
For more than 12 years, Simon and Martina Sochatsky, owners of Northern Industrial Carriers Ltd., have been dedicated supporters of CASA Mental Health.
What began as philanthropic support has grown into a meaningful and enduring partnership with CASA. Guided by their strong belief in the importance of family, Simon and Martina have helped ensure that children experiencing complex mental health challenges receive the specialized care and support they need, while strengthening families during some of life's most difficult moments.
Beyond their financial support, Simon and Martina have led by example through their personal involvement. Martina has generously volunteered her time as a member of CASA's Garden of Hope Gala Committee, helping to strengthen one of the organization's signature fundraising events. Each year, the Sochatsky family is among the first to commit their support by purchasing a gala table, bringing their family together to celebrate and champion CASA's mission. Their actions demonstrate that philanthropy is not simply something they do — it is a value they live and pass on to the next generation.
Simon and Martina exemplify the important role local businesses and families can play in creating lasting change. Their generosity and steadfast belief in CASA's mission embody the values celebrated by National Philanthropy Day. Through their enduring partnership, they have strengthened CASA's work and inspired others to invest in a brighter future for children and families.
“As parents of four children and grandparents of nine, family means everything to us. We have experienced the profound impact mental health challenges can have on children and their families, and we believe deeply in the importance of a place like CASA, where they can find compassionate care, support and hope.” ~ Simon and Martina Sochatsky
Peggie Stevens
Award Sector: Community Enrichment
Peggie Stevens (pictured with Ernie Stevens) has played an extraordinary role in advancing children's mental health. While serving on the CASA Board of Directors, Peggie recognized that children and families needed a stronger philanthropic future. Her vision led to the creation of the CASA Foundation after she approached Edmonton philanthropist Bob Stollery to provide the seed funding that brought the foundation to life. That vision has since evolved into today's Philanthropy team at CASA Mental Health, and continues to guide and strengthen fundraising efforts that support children, youth and families across Alberta.
Together, Peggie and her late husband, Ernie, became lifelong champions of CASA. As Honourary Patrons of the CASA Foundation, they led by example and inspired countless others to invest in children's mental health. Peggie has continued her commitment by establishing a legacy fund through the Edmonton Community Foundation, ensuring that future generations of children and families will continue to benefit from accessible, trauma-informed mental health services.
To recognize the profound impact that Peggie and Ernie have had on CASA, the organization proudly presents the Peggie and Ernie Philanthropy Award each year at its annual general meeting to honour an individual whose generosity and leadership reflect their enduring legacy.
Through her leadership, generosity and vision, Peggie Stevens exemplifies the values celebrated by National Philanthropy Day and is a truly deserving nominee.
“CASA has held a special place in my heart for many years. I believed then, as I do today, that children and families deserve access to the very best mental health care and support. It has been a privilege to help build a culture of philanthropy at CASA and to see so many others embrace and carry that vision forward.” ~ Peggie Stevens
Dwight Love (Master Pools Alta)
Award Sector: Community Enrichment
For more than 14 years, Dwight and the late Brenda Love (pictured above), together with Master Pools Alta, have improved children's mental health through their steadfast support of CASA Mental Health.
Introduced to CASA through its annual gala in 2012, Dwight and Brenda developed a deep connection to the organization's mission. What began with a single gift evolved into more than a decade of philanthropy and partnership.
The Loves have also inspired generosity within the broader community by matching donations during the CASA Gala cash appeal, encouraging hundreds of others to give and multiplying the impact of every donation.
Dwight and Brenda made a significant gift during the CASA Centre capital campaign, resulting in the naming of the Love Family Infant and Preschool Wing. In honour of Brenda's lifelong love of music, they also established the Brenda Love Music Therapy Room, so CASA patients can access the therapeutic benefits of music.
Following Brenda's passing, Dwight continues to honour her compassionate spirit and their shared commitment to CASA's mission through his ongoing generosity and support.
Dwight and Brenda Love's generosity, leadership and dedication embody the values celebrated by National Philanthropy Day. Their lasting partnership with CASA Mental Health has transformed lives, inspired others to give and created a legacy of hope for future generations.
“CASA has meant a great deal to Brenda and me over the years. We believed deeply in helping children and families through difficult times and were proud to support work that gives them hope for the future. I am honoured to continue supporting CASA today and especially proud to honour Brenda and the commitment to children and families that we shared together.” ~ Dwight Love
