News
Nov. 19, 2023 - WOODSTOCK, N.B.: A Canadian philanthropic leader with roots in western New Brunswick is a 2023 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s NBYO Award, presented at the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra’s gala concert in Woodstock on Sunday, Nov. 19.
The McCain Foundation, established by the McCain family, has supported the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and Sistema NB for more than 20 years. The foundation has supported NBYO training camps, rehearsal-concert weekends throughout New Brunswick, regional, national, and international tours, and recruitment and encouragement of fellow philanthropists.
“The McCain Foundation is also a major supporter of the Sistema NB program from the earliest days when Sistema NB was just an idea... to today’s organizational breadth, serving nine communities and over 1,000 children with free daily after school orchestral mentoring, nutrition, and programming. The McCain Foundation was one of the early leaders, supporting the ‘10,000 Children’ vision, plan and campaign for the next chapter of service and impact of Sistema NB in the province,” the award nomination stated.
The McCain Foundation was established in 1993 to improve the lives of those in rural communities where McCain Foods Limited employees live and work, focusing on the Atlantic Provinces, Alberta, and Manitoba.
“The McCain Foundation is proud of its association with and support for the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and its Sistema program in the province. The Foundation acknowledges with thanks and humility the recognition of being nominated for and receiving the Lieutenant Governor’s NBYO Award,” said Linda McCain, chair of The McCain Foundation.
The award was presented during the NBYO Woodstock concert, the third performance for the provincial orchestra’s 2023-24 season.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award is presented each year during the NBYO concert season to deserving musicians, instructors, members, patrons or volunteers from across the province and beyond, following nominations and upon the recommendation of the NBYO Awards Committee.
The New Brunswick Youth Orchestra created the NBYO awards in 2006 on its 40th anniversary as an annual awards program to recognize exemplary leadership and contribution to the development of the orchestra, the musical development of youth and/or the orchestral community in New Brunswick. The award is on permanent display at Old Government House— official residence of the NBYO’s patron, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.