Philanthropy Award: Tom and Pamela Scoon

We are so happy to present this year’s Philanthropy Award to the very deserving Tom and Pamela Scoon.  

Tom and Pamela have been incredible supporters of the Land Trust for over 20 years, and it’s hard to think of a way in which they haven’t contributed during that time. Tom served on our Board from 2004 – 2012, taking on key responsibilities at the Land Trust.  He led both the land protection and stewardship committees and also served as Board President. Together, Pamela and Tom have hosted awareness events, built connections and spread the message of conservation within the many communities they are part of. 

The Scoons have always been leaders in philanthropy. They were some of the original members of our Leaders of the Bay giving circle and have consistently supported the Land Trust’s work with donations over the past two decades. Tom and Pamela always have time for the Land Trust and are ready to chip in for initiatives both big and small. When we put out a call for matching donors for our Spring Big Day fundraiser, they answered. When we’ve needed a donor to get on camera and talk about the Land Trust, Tom stepped up. Almost every fundraising event, art auction, or call for donations has the Scoons on the list of supporters.  

In 2008, Tom and Pamela decided to give in a different way, and together with their neighbours they donated 64 acres of land in Pointe au Baril’s Laura Bay for conservation. Located near the Scoons’ cottage, the Laura Bay Reserve protects secluded shoreline habitat for loons, turtles, fish, and more – what a legacy for their community.  

Tom and Pamela have also helped with some of our most important fundraising campaigns over the years. In particular, Tom took a leading role in raising over $1 million in 2012 to protect the spectacular Little McCoy island, and was a key fundraiser for our Steamboat Channel purchase in 2016. Tom’s passion for Georgian Bay shines through in everything he does, and he has been such a fantastic advocate for conservation among his wide circle of friends and acquaintances.  

Recently, Tom and Pamela have decided to champion another cause with the Land Trust: The Georgian Bay Corridor Project, which aims to create a 62,000+ acre protected habitat corridor along the eastern coast of Georgian Bay. The Scoons came forward early as supporters of this project, and their generous commitment reflects their lifelong track record of believing in big ideas and getting involved to make them reality.   

We can’t put into words how grateful we are to have Tom and Pamela on the Land Trust team, and how inspired we are by their commitment to the natural world of Georgian Bay. A huge thank you to you both!