Meet our Pendle Award winners
Presented by the Mississauga Foundation
The Pendle Award for Philanthropy recognizes outstanding contributions to the community through philanthropy and volunteerism. Established in 2010 as part of the Mississauga Foundation's tenth anniversary celebrations, this prestigious award is named in honor of the Pendle Fund donors, one of the Foundation's earliest and largest contributors. Their strategic, thoughtful approach to giving continues to inspire and transform our community.
Award Overview
The Pendle Award is given to individuals, organizations, and corporations that have demonstrated the power of philanthropy to make a lasting impact on Mississauga. The recipients of this award exemplify the values of the Mississauga Foundation—thoughtfulness, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to positive community change.
Selection and Recognition
A selection committee, consisting of former Board Members and appointed representatives, reviews nominations and selects the award recipient. The winner is honored at the Foundation's December Board Meeting, with their achievements recognized in the Foundation’s newsletter and across its social media platforms.
Download the PDF to learn more about the nomination criteria.
Meet our Pendle Award Winners
2023 - Not Awarded
Not Awarded
2022 - Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) and the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses (MBCPB)
The Mississauga Foundation is proud to honor the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) and the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses (MBCPB) with the Corporate Pendle Award for Philanthropy. This prestigious recognition celebrates their exceptional collaboration and steadfast commitment to community development.
Together, MBOT and MBCPB have made a significant impact in Mississauga. Through their joint efforts, they have raised over $57,000 in donated capital and granted more than $36,000 to support a wide range of local causes. Their partnership exemplifies the power of collective action, demonstrating how organizations can work together to create lasting change.
The Mississauga Foundation applauds MBOT and MBCPB for their remarkable dedication to improving the quality of life in our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
2022 - The Rolke Family
The Mississauga Foundation is proud to present the 2023 Pendle Award for Philanthropy to the Jenner-Rolke family. This prestigious recognition celebrates their remarkable dedication to creating a lasting impact through their philanthropy and their tribute to a beloved daughter, Addison.
The Addison Wish Fund is a testament to the Rolke family’s resilience and the community’s compassion. In 2022 alone, 250 individual donations contributed to raising over $230,000. These funds have provided vital support to grieving families, created opportunities for children with cancer, and advanced pediatric brain tumor research. The Fund’s ability to grow in perpetuity ensures Addison’s legacy will continue to make an impact for generations to come.
The Jenner-Rolke family’s dedication to philanthropy and their unwavering commitment to helping others exemplify the values celebrated by the Pendle Award. Their efforts have touched countless lives and created a lasting impact on the community.
Congratulations to the Jenner-Rolke family on this well-deserved recognition. Your strength, generosity, and devotion to Addison’s memory inspire us all.
2021 - Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk was named the recipient of the 2021 corporate Pendle Award for Philanthropy, recognizing their outstanding contributions to health equity in Mississauga. In 2020, the company established a fund to address type 2 diabetes and obesity, with a specific focus on advancing health equity for racialized communities.
In their first year of granting, Novo Nordisk provided $85,000 in funding to local charities tackling type 2 diabetes. Beyond their grantmaking, Novo Nordisk demonstrated their commitment to the community by sponsoring the 2021 Vital Signs report, a key initiative highlighting critical issues in Mississauga.
Their continued investment in both granting and sponsorship reflects Novo Nordisk’s dedication to driving meaningful change and fostering a healthier, more equitable community. We extend our gratitude to Novo Nordisk and all our fundholders and corporate partners for their ongoing support and leadership.
2021 - Joanne Winkworth
Joanne Winkworth’s journey with the Mississauga Foundation began in 2007 with a small but impactful step: she established a fund dedicated to supporting homeless youth. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Joanne became an active member of the Foundation’s community, attending events, learning about pressing local needs, and steadily growing her fund over the years.
Her commitment extended beyond her lifetime. Joanne’s vision for a better future culminated in a bequest to establish the Winkworth Family Fund, ensuring her dedication to homeless youth would endure for generations.
In 2021, Joanne’s extraordinary contributions were recognized with the Pendle Award for Philanthropy. Presented posthumously, the award honored her long-term partnership with the Foundation and her unwavering focus on creating opportunities for some of the community’s most vulnerable.
Joanne’s story is a testament to how a single act of giving can evolve into a profound legacy, inspiring others to make a difference in their own way.
2020 - Not Awarded
2019 - KMB Law
2019 - Cliff Silveira
Cliff Silveira, Managing Partner and Director of Operations at the Mississauga Convention Centre, has long been a key figure in the community. His family has welcomed generations to their facility, marking important occasions. Cliff founded the Mississauga Convention Centre Foundation, creating the Misscon Foundation and Rainbow Ball Fund endowments. A standout moment came in 2016 when he won the Mirror Ball Trophy at Dancing With Mississauga Stars, raising $39,000. As President of the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation, Cliff continues to play a vital role in community development and charitable efforts across Mississauga.
2018 - Chief Emmanuel Mbulu
In 2018, the Mississauga Foundation proudly awarded Chief Emmanuel Mbulu the Pendle Award for Philanthropy, recognizing his profound impact as a business leader, philanthropist, and community builder. Chief Mbulu’s involvement with the Foundation began in 2005 when he joined the Board of Directors, where his steady leadership and strong voice were instrumental in the Foundation’s early growth. His focus on relationship-building with the advisor community helped cultivate vital support and partnerships.
Alongside his wife, Annia, Chief Mbulu’s philanthropy extends beyond borders. Together, they created the Mbulu Family Fund at the Community Foundation, inspiring other families to explore their own paths to giving. The Chief’s dedication to community vitality, through his leadership and unwavering support, has left a lasting legacy. For his time, talent, and treasure, the Community Foundation is honored to recognize Chief Emmanuel Mbulu with the 2018 Pendle Award for Philanthropy.
2017 - Merle Zoerb
The Mississauga Foundation is thrilled to announce Merle Zoerb as the recipient of the 2017 Pendle Award for Philanthropy. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to building vitality in our community through their support of the Foundation.
Merle Zoerb’s vision, passion, and dedication were instrumental in the establishment of the Mississauga Foundation. As one of the key drivers behind this effort, Merle worked tirelessly to bring together advocates, secure civic endorsements, and transform the dream of a community foundation into a thriving reality. His commitment to creating a lasting legacy for Mississauga has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Since its inception, the Pendle Award has celebrated those who exemplify the spirit of philanthropy and advocacy. Merle’s name now joins a distinguished list of honourees who have championed the Foundation’s mission and contributed to its growth. His efforts have helped shape a Foundation that provides vital programs and impactful grants, supporting a broad range of initiatives that enhance the quality of life across our city.
We are proud to honor Merle Zoerb for his remarkable contributions and his unwavering belief in the power of community. Congratulations, Merle, on this well-deserved recognition!
2016 - Winston Meyer
We are honored to present the 2016 Pendle Award for Philanthropy to Winston Meyer.
Winston’s journey with community foundations began with his parents, who were dedicated donors and volunteers with the Kingston Community Foundation. When Mississauga established its own community foundation, Winston was among the first to step forward, joining the inaugural Board of Directors and contributing his expertise to various committees.
He also made one of the Foundation’s first gifts—an endowment donation that played a pivotal role in supporting the organization’s early growth. Over the past 15 years, Winston has remained a steadfast supporter, rarely missing a fundraising event. His vibrant presence is often captured in photos from our golf tournaments, a favorite tradition of his.
On behalf of everyone at the Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Winston Meyer for his outstanding contributions and this well-deserved recognition.