www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 26 Robbie's Rainbow shines with philanthropy award by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver Nov. 14 marked a day of celebration of the hard work and dedication of philanthropists who make Halton a better place in which to live. National Philanthropy Day (NPD) honours the contributions of charities and individuals that have made a difference in the lives of others and the communities they serve. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Golden Horseshoe chapter recognized the charitable work of seven organizations and philanthropists in the region at its annual awards ceremony. Held at the Burlington Convention Centre, the AFP's seventh NPD gala drew more than 200 people. One recipient was Oakville's Robbie's Rainbow, which took home the Outstanding Small Organization award. The charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBDs) that attack the digestive track. Executive director Kate Murray and her 12-year-old son, Robbie -- who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was six-- founded the organization in 2010. "We're tremendously honoured. It's the first award that we've ever received," said Kate. The recognition marks five years of "passion, devotion, hard work and a lot of love that has got us to where we are today," she added. Robbie said his health has been great lately, noting he's been able to go outside and play with friends, which is "pretty awesome to do." Kate said he lost almost four pounds in 10 days recently, as there have been some challenges, but he's "on the rebound." "We celebrate every good day and hunker in when the bad days test us. It's the nature of the beast. You could have a great stretch, which could be a week, and then you could have two see First on p.29 The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) held their 2014 AFP Golden Horseshoe Philanthropy Awards. Robbie Murray with mom Kate of Robbie's Rainbow Children's Charity hold the award they received for Outstanding Small Organization Award for Excellence in Fundraising. | photo by Graham Paine Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/ HaltonPhotog) RBC Simplified Life Insurance. There's simply no reason to wait. ® TM Meet an advisor today Underwritten by RBC Life Insurance Company. At Prince Michael Dr. off Dundas St. E. 905-257-8200 At the Olde Oakville Marketplace 905-815-8121 At Appleby Line near Dundas St. 905-332-2551 ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. *No purchase necessary. Offer ends November 28, 2014 or while quantities last. Redemption must be completed by December 5, 2014. A link will be provided at time of quote to request choice of gift card. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One card per household.