Connect & Caffeinate in Kitchener - October 28, 2026

Beyond the Thank You: Creating Donor Moments That Matter Beyond the Thank You: Creating Donor Moments That Matter A gift shouldn’t be the end of the relationship. In many ways, it’s just the beginning. Whether donor relations is your full-time job or something you fit in between a dozen other responsibilities, there are simple, creative ways to help donors feel connected to the impact they make. In this practical and idea-filled session, Christina Young from the University of Waterloo and Lauren Fitzgerald from Perimeter Institute will share examples from higher education and the nonprofit sector, from thoughtful phone calls and handwritten notes to just-in-time videos, digital impact reports and other unexpected moments of connection. Together, we’ll explore how authenticity, emotion and a little creativity can turn stewardship into something much more meaningful than a checklist. This will be a casual, conversational session. We’ll share a few ideas to get things started, then open up the room for questions, brainstorming and inspiration. Come ready to ask questions, share what’s working at your organization and borrow a few ideas from others. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration and practical ideas you can adapt to your own organization, no matter the size of your team or budget. Parking & Arrival • Ample free parking is available • Entrance to the building is located next to Freedom Mobile. Please take the elevator to the 3rd floor • Please note that this session is at the WRHN Foundation office at the Boardwalk, not a hospital site • BYO Coffee - lots of options nearby on the Boardwalk With sincere thanks to our series supporter, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, for making these gatherings possible across Waterloo Region. This event is open to current and future AFP Golden Horseshoe members — please share with your network. Christina Young is a donor relations and engagement professional with experience across both the nonprofit and higher education sectors. Before joining the University of Waterloo, she spent more than five years with local literacy organization Strong Start, giving her firsthand experience with the opportunities and realities of fundraising in a smaller nonprofit environment. Today, she works in Advancement at Waterloo, where she focuses on stewardship strategy, storytelling and creating thoughtful donor experiences. Christina loves finding simple, creative ways to help people feel seen, appreciated and connected to the impact of their giving. Lauren Fitzgerald is Associate Director, Donor Relations & Operations at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where she connects philanthropic support with meaningful institutional impact. With more than 15 years of experience spanning fundraising, donor relations, community investment, corporate citizenship, volunteer engagement, and stakeholder relations, she specializes in building collaborative partnerships that advance strategic priorities and strengthen long-term engagement.